Being eco friendly essentially means making sure we don’t deplete the planet of its natural resources. Only taking from it what we need, and leaving as little waste behind as possible. I like to think of humans as being guardians, or stewards of the planet while we’re here. Looking after it as best we can, helping it to thrive and become a better place.
However, the reality is humans are slowly killing the planet. I read once that scientists think within 50 years we will have killed the planet beyond repair. That might be fine for some of us who won’t be here any longer, but what about your children – and their children! Then there’s the animals t think about, and life itself. Surely humans can’t destroy an entire planet that’s been here for so long?
If even a few people’s day-to-day actions were a little more eco friendly, it could make a huge difference! Plus, you’re not just helping the environment, you can benefit through financial, physical and mental means as well.
Why Be More Eco Conscious?
Without knowing why you should be more eco friendly, it’s hard to get on board with what seems like such a big lifestyle change for some people. being eco friendly is more about being mindful of what you do in your day to day life could be affecting the planet in a negative way. For example, if you could buy your produce at a local market instead of a supermarket. This is helping the environment by buying local produce instead of fruit and vege brought in from overseas. Also, most market stalls won’t use plastic on their produce, which again is a great thing for the environment.
Being eco conscious should be about how it makes you feel to do good, and know you’re doing what you can to help the planet thrive, and grow. Even something as simple as growing wild flowers in your garden is a huge help – plus they look and smell beautiful in the spring/summer months. These wild flowers will enable the bees and insects to bloom. Did you know, without insects and bees, all humans will die. We can’t survive without these fantastic little creatures, our lives literally depend on them!
Where To Start?
For example, getting rid of toxic chemicals in your home is a great place to start. Using more natural cleaners will cost less (financial), will cut down on the toxins you’re exposed to (physical), and you’ll start to feel better about yourself for helping the environment (mental). Below you’ll find 50 simple ways for you to be more environmentally conscious.
Do I Have To Be Vegan To Be Eco Friendly?
The short answer is no. However, the less meat you eat, the more eco friendly you will be. Of course, if you can change to a vegan, or plant based diet then that would be great for the environment. However, this just doesn’t seem possible for some people – which is fine. Perhaps you could just introduce one or two plant based meals into your diet each week. Small changes like this are better than no change at all.
Depending on where you live, being vegan used to be quite a challenge, especially if you were wanting a high protein diet. However, these days, being plant based is a breeze! There are so many vegan protein supplements and snacks available, as well as vegan meals and even high protein meat alternatives.
50 Simple Ways To Be More Eco Friendly
- Use energy efficient lightbulbs
- Turn off your plugs when not using them
- Don’t leave your oven on for hours with nothing in it
- Recycle your glass, plastics, cardboard
- Switch to bamboo toilet roll
- Switch to bamboo toothbrushes
- Get rid of the tumble dryer and use a clothes line
- Go meat free
- Recycle your old newspapers
- Use rechargeable batteries
- Don’t use/buy one use products
- Make sure your clothes wash is full before using
- Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth
- Reuse wrapping paper
- Have a quick shower instead of a bath
- Grow your own fruits and vegetables
- Plant a tree
- Walk or cycle instead of driving
- Car share
- Buy second hand clothes
- Buy local produce if you can’t grow your own
- Use a water butt to collect rain water
- Don’t leave lights on
- Get yourself a travel mug
- Don’t use a hosepipe in the garden
- Recycle your old mobile phones
- Work from home if you can
- Reduce your junk mail
- Opt for matches over a lighter
- Send an E-card instead
- Don’t use/buy plastic carrier bags
- Use digital instead of paper where possible
- Download any software instead of buying discs
- Use bamboo earbuds
- Opt for digital bank statements
- Pay bills online
- Give old clothes to charity
- Plant bee friendly flowers in your garden
- Use a composter
- Use a full dishwasher instead of hand washing
- Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products
- Reduce your plastic waste
- Draught proof your home
- Don’t have the heating on all day
- Think twice before buying anything new
- Buy large refills where possible
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Don’t use chemical cleaners
- Get a re-useable water bottle
- Turn old clothes into cleaning rags
Let’s Make These Small Changes!
See how many of these 50 simple ways to be eco friendly you can implement into your life. There are so many other ways you can be more conscious about the environment, but we all have to start somewhere! Little steps to makes these changes a habit.
What are your favourite ways to be eco friendly? I’d love to know which ones you decide to implement going forwards.
Other Articles You May Find Of Interest
- Simple Everyday Swaps To Be More Eco-Friendly
- 50 Simple Ways To Be Eco Friendly
- Ways To Be More Environmentally Friendly
- Why Coconut Water Will Benefit Your Health
- 10 Tips About Going Vegan – A Plant Based Diet
- Common Mistakes People Make When It Comes To Recycling
- The Benefits Of Olive Oil
- How To Be More Minimalistic
- 4 Easy Switches To Reduce Plastic Waste
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