June 30, 2022 4 min read

What do we mean by living more eco-consciously in the age of technology and knowledge? Does it make sense, or is it a mere action of redundancy? You might grow several questions concerning the subject, but one that you’re still unaware of is degeneration. Having said that, this post constitutes our habits that can be transformed to live sustainably. So, if you wish to do your part to preserve our planet from climate change, pollution, and the general human destructive nature, you must first take an honest look at your daily habits. This is because there are countless benefits of being environmentally friendly.

While you sit back and contemplate certain situations in life, chances are you will realize you’re utilizing natural resources and promoting greenhouse gas emissions. Prior to finding a solution to any problem, it is essential to acknowledge that there’s one. Once you have bought the fact, it is time to consider your habits. This is where you can begin. Remember that such habits won’t transpose or find the light overnight. Introducing an environmental shift takes time, and so do your habits. Several things are much bigger than a single individual contributing to climate change and consuming natural resources in abundance.

However, performing your part to alleviate your daily carbon footprint is a worthwhile, small step in the fruitful direction. So, here we go with the rundown to understand the benefits of using eco-friendly products.

1. Stop Wasting Food

An estimation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture states that 30-40% of the food supply in the United States is wasted at the consumer and retail levels. This abundant food can feed thousands of families living in deprivation and hunger. It’s a total waste of money and a significant waste of natural resources. Have you ever reflected on this behavioral pattern?

Food Waste

When your food is wasted, the water, land, energy, and labor used to process, produce, prepare, transport, store, and dispose of the food are wasted too. As per the USDA, food discarded in landfills emits a considerable amount of methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Begin with a meager change. Whenever grocery shopping, avoid buying more than you can consume. Remember, change begins with little transformations.

2. Buy Fewer Single-use Plastics

Have you ever relaxed and thought about how many packaged things you purchase made of single-use plastics? Well, single-use plastics mean just that. A human uses the item once and throws the plastic, which ends up in landfills or all over the environment. A plastic bag is one of the examples, but so are plastic containers, plastic dinnerware, plastic water bottles, plastic condiment bottles, and pretty much every other plastic packaging thing you do not reuse.

As a result, consider bringing your glass jars to purchase from the bulk section if the grocery store allows you to.

3. Reduce Your Energy Usage

Reducing your electricity or gas utilization takes a lot of work, primarily if you reside in an older building. However, there are various ways to cut short your usage that you can begin today without buying anything new. The most unpopular and easiest way to conserve energy—and, mind you, it is an ideal way to attract some new enemies—is to switch off the AC.

Forgoing ACs in the South and heating up North is an unreasonable solution for most people. Besides, investing in blinds, double-paned windows, curtains, and curtain liners to help conserve energy. On the other hand, you probably already have one of those at home. Moreover, be certain to close and open your blinds to let sunlight in during the year's cold months.

4. Eat Fewer Poultry Products

Did you know people must cut forests and raze them for pasture land to raise livestock? Moreover, one is even required to grow grains to feed the animals and build large-scale industrial breeding facilities. Without the morally questionable moves as a part of industrial meat production, animal protein consumption is quite challenging in terms of economic, human, and environmental health.

5. Compost Often

Food Compost

Close to 30% of our garbage should be composed. But, what do we mean by composting? Indulging in such activity allows you to compost your yard, food, and paper waste much more effectively. As a result, consider composting most of the garbage in vermicompost indoors or in your yard, even if you reside in an apartment.

6. Buy Second-hand Clothes

Reusing and reducing are the most effective elements you can indulge in to protect natural resources. This is because it consumes a lot of materials and energy to produce new things. Remember, new clothes require energy, materials, and endless resources to produce. So, make a habit of donating or reselling gently used clothing rather than throwing them away.

7. Plant a Tree

Even though it’s become a stereotypical symbol, planting several trees might make a real difference. And, if you’re not into growing trees, it’s essential to extend the right kind at the right place. Besides, one should always research and plant suitable native trees to flourish in the hardiness zone.

8. Research Before Shopping

Several brands are building their eco-friendly identity. Moreover, numerous shoe and clothing brands utilize recyclable, recycled, or biodegradable materials in packaging and products. Prior to shopping, perform research. Besides, understand the benefits of an eco-friendly lifestyle before buying new clothes. Learn vital information about the organizations and how they reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprints.

9. Bike or Walk to Work

Transportation has been one of the considerable sources of greenhouse gas emissions, as per the EPA. By driving less and opting for eco-friendly transportation such as biking, walking, or public transit, consider reducing personal carbon footprints significantly. In case you do not have a bike, check if the place you live in promotes the bike-share program.

10. Use Water Consciously

According to the EPA, an average nuclear family wastes approximately 180 gallons of water weekly or 9,400 gallons annually from household leaks. In addition, conserving water is pretty straightforward as such a move only requires a mere thought and alleviating careless habits. Start small; run a dishwasher until it’s full, and check your faucets, toilet leaks, and showers.