Easy Go-Green Tips for Beginners
So, finally, you’ve decided you want to go green. You want to do your part to save the environment, but you’re not really sure where to start. That’s okay — we’ve all been there. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but don’t worry — we’re here to help. Here are some easy go-green tips for beginners!
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Start Recycling
This is probably the easiest place to start when you’re trying to go green. If your area doesn’t have curbside recycling, see if there’s a local recycling center where you can take your items to. If you’re not sure what can be recycled, a quick Google search should tell you.
And if you’re really feeling ambitious, start composting your food waste! The Bokashi Bucket is a great way to compost indoors if you don’t have an outdoor space. All you need to do is to have your food waste (except for meat and dairy) in an airtight container aka the Bokashi buckets and add the grains that come with the kit. After two weeks, your food waste will be transformed into nutrient-rich compost that you can use in your garden.
Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Whenever you go to the store, bring along some reusable shopping bags. This is an easy way to reduce your reliance on plastic — just make sure to wash them regularly. And if you’re really trying to avoid plastic, you can bring along some reusable produce bags as well. These are great for items like fruits and vegetables that don’t come in packaging.
Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle
One of the biggest culprits of environmental waste is single-use plastic water bottles. If you’re still drinking out of disposable water bottles, it’s time to make the switch to a reusable one. There are tons of great options out there, so you can find one that fits your needs and style. Plus, most reusable water bottles come with filters, so you can avoid buying bottled water altogether!
Stop Using Disposable Coffee Cups
… and bring your own mug to the coffee shop instead. This is a great way to reduce your paper waste, and most coffee shops will even give you a discount for bringing your own cup. If you’re worried about forgetting your mug, invest in a reusable coffee sleeve — they fold up small enough to fit in your purse or pocket!
Reduce Your Energy Usage
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to simply use less energy. You can do this by turning off lights and electronics when you’re not using them, unplugging chargers when they’re not in use, and setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer.
You can also upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, which will save you money in the long run. If you want to take one step further to a greener lifestyle, consider installing solar panels on your home. This is a big investment, but it’ll pay off in the long run — both financially and environmentally.
Cut Down on Water Usage
One of the easiest ways to save water is to simply turn the faucet off while you’re brushing your teeth or shampooing your hair. You’d be surprised how much water you can save by doing this!
You can also install low-flow showerheads and toilets, which use less water without sacrificing performance. And if you’re really serious about saving water, consider xeriscaping your landscape. This is a great way to reduce your water usage without giving up your green space.
If you live in an area where it rains frequently, you can also collect rainwater to water your plants, wash your cars, or even clean your gutters. All you need is a rain barrel — you can find them at most home and garden stores.
Start Carpooling or Taking Public Transportation
If you can, start carpooling or taking public transportation instead of driving everywhere. This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and it’ll also save you money on gas. If you live in a city, consider biking or walking to your destination. This is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your health!
Of course, it’s not possible for everybody, especially if you live in a rural area or if you have to work odd hours. But if you can carpool or take public transportation even a few days a week, it’ll make a big difference.
Grow Your Own Food
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to grow your own food. This way, you’ll know exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown. Plus, you’ll save money on groceries!
If you don’t have a lot of space, you can still grow a few plants in pots on your balcony or windowsill. Herbs are especially easy to grow indoors. Some herbs pots by your windowsill will also brighten up your home and provide you with fresh herbs for cooking. Or, if you have a little more space, you can start a small vegetable garden in your backyard.
You can also join a community garden, which is a great way to meet new people and learn about gardening.
Buy Local and In-Season Produce
If you don’t have the time or space to grow your own food, you can also buy locally grown produce at your farmers’ market. This is a great way to support your local economy and reduce your carbon footprint because the food doesn’t have to travel as far to get to you. Plus, it’s usually cheaper than buying out-of-season produce that’s been shipped from another country.
In-season produce is also often more flavorful than out-of-season produce that’s been shipped long distances. So not only is buying local and in-season produce good for the environment, it’s also good for your taste buds!
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to change your current lifestyle overnight just because you want to go green. Making small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact, both on the environment and on your wallet!
These are just a few easy tips to get you started — there are plenty of other ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Do some research and find the ones that work best for you. And remember, every little bit helps!
