Photo source: Haryigit
It is always a great idea to think of ways to contribute to our community in visible and appreciable ways in our daily lives. Going green is one of the best ways to help our community and the environment. This means adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle that aims to minimize waste and carbon footprint.
Why should you go green in the first place? Going green should no longer be a personal choice in this time of crisis, it should be a responsibility. It is important to understand and recognize that our world is currently on the verge of collapsing. It’s either you be part of the solution or part of the problem. Read the “10 Green Home Tips: Moving to a More Sustainable Way of Life,” to start your new green life!
1. Use Towels Instead of Paper or Tissue
Tissue paper decomposes more easily than plastics, yet its production is a concern. Tissue paper production produces 30% more greenhouse gasses; at this rate, it can contribute significantly to our planet's risk of climate change.
As we become more conscious of what is going on in the world, we also become part of the solution, even if it is in a small way! Now is the time for us to use towels instead of paper tissues.
2. Use Eco-Friendly Products at Home
One of the key foundations of going green is using reusable equipment at home, such as bottles, eco-bags, metal straws, and other items, rather than disposable ones.
3. Use Rechargeable Batteries or Products
Rechargeable batteries are more environmentally friendly than single-use batteries. They can be used repeatedly, last longer per use, generate less waste, and allow you to save money in the long term.
4. Run a Full Dishwasher
Another important aspect of going green is to be conservative with your utility usage, such as running a full dishwasher. Running a full dishwasher saves you money on both water and electricity. According to Energy Star, using your dishwasher instead of hand washing your dishes can save you more than 75% energy and water expenditures.
5. Repair Instead of Buying New
When more of us take a genuine concern for repairing or recycling, the environment greatly benefits. Repairing your products at home before purchasing new ones is a significant contribution to the environment and to people. Aside from saving money, it can also lower the rate of its production. When production is reduced, harmful gas emissions are reduced as well.
6. Collect Rainwater
Collecting and using rainwater is an excellent way to conserve resources. It may carry bacteria, parasites, and even chemicals especially when you collect it from the gutter, however, it's not there for you to consume or use for bathing. Instead, you can use it for watering plants, cleaning, or even employing aquatabs to ensure its safety.
7. Buy From Your Local Farmers
Buying local food from your farmers is not only good for us, but it is also good for the environment. By purchasing locally, you can help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution—it is better for the planet and it also helps the local economy.
8. Grow Your Own Food
You will have peace of mind knowing exactly what you are eating and what went into its production. Aside from supporting local farmers, one important key to going green is growing your own food at home. Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels are reduced when fruits and vegetables are grown locally; and when you harvest vegetables straight from the garden, no plastic packaging is required, which minimizes fossil fuel inputs.
9. Segregate Your Waste
As a good citizen, you win half the battle against climate change when you segregate waste at home. If you want to make the environment and the world a better place for the youth, it is your own responsibility to take measures toward solid waste management for a healthier place to live in.
10. Recycle
After segregating your waste, it is now necessary to implement the circular system which is recycling. It is a great benefit to the environment when you start doing it in your homes as a responsibility. In a circular system, waste does not exist and products are reused as long and intensively as possible.
Let’s Go Green at Home!
Going green doesn't have to start huge; instead, let's start small and work our way up. By implementing these eco-friendly practices, our homes and environments will become cleaner, more energy-efficient, and significantly healthier places to live.