It’s Earth Day! A day to contemplate our impact on the environment and take action. We hear a lot of buzz about “going green” and sustainable practices, but what does that really mean? Taking care of our planet can seem intimidating, but don’t worry – it’s not all granola and tree-hugging. In fact, implementing sustainable practices into your daily life can be fun and pretty simple.
I don’t believe that living a sustainable lifestyle is going to save the world entirely, but I know we can do our part to reduce our impact on the environment. Every little bit counts. So, let’s lace up our eco-friendly sneakers (my favorites are Cariuma if you’re searching for a pair) and take a journey into the world of sustainable living.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Firstly, before taking any other steps toward living sustainably, adhering to the three Rs is the perfect start. It’s not just about the planet; It’s also about MONEY. Consider how much trash you throw out in a single day. Chances are, you could have salvaged most of it to be reused for something else. This is where both environmental and financial benefits come in. Reducing waste means reducing spending!
Mind Those Energy Bills
As they say: a penny saved is a penny earned. This applies to your electricity bill, which can be quite a surprising figure. Without giving up your everyday comforts, reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills by switching off unused appliances, and committing to using energy-efficient light bulbs. I upgraded all my can lights to LED recessed lights, which are designed to provide energy savings, long lifespan, and environmental sustainability. The retrofit baffle trim kit makes installation easy, and I was able to do it myself with the help of a ladder. However, it’s important to have someone with you at home for safety reasons! Here’s the link to the one’s I used.
Ditch Single-Use Plastic
Single-use plastics are not only environmental roadblocks, but they are also an important contributor to climate change. After a certain point, most plastics stop being recyclable, and instead continually pollute our planet. For instance, try bringing a reusable grocery bag when you go shopping. Avoid using plastic straws by using a steel or bamboo straw instead. I know, I’m not a fan of the paper straws either. But, living at the beach, I’ve seen the horror that occurs when a turtle comes across one. I made the switch to a reusable water bottle – it not only keeps your beverage chilled, it’s stylish and great for the environment. Some favorites are my HydroFlask and the Stanley Tumbler.
Every step counts.
Use Public Transportation or Walk More Often
It’s time to branch out and leave the car at home! Not only is walking good for your health, but it also reduces carbon emissions. In addition, walking is an excellent way to connect with your surroundings and experience the world around you, which is something we typically miss when driving. I wish we had more public transportation options available in the U.S. Maybe, we’ll get there one day?
Plant Your Garden
Of course, planting a garden is one of my favorite sustainable practices! Growing your vegetables is one of the best ways to live a sustainable lifestyle. In addition to the environmental factors, gardening can boost your mental health.
When you plant your garden, you have control over what you’re growing, and what chemicals or pesticides are used. If you don’t have a garden, start with something small, such as a potted herb plant on the windowsill or a vertical garden system. I don’t have a huge area in my backyard. I’ve incorporated raised beds as well as vertical garden systems. My favorite vertical garden system is the GreenStalk Garden Vertical Planter. I have three currently but plan to add more down the road. For the raised beds, I use the VegTrug Patio Garden, VegTrug Herb Planter, and Birdie Metal Raised Beds.
Small efforts like this will help you connect to nature and understand the significance of being mindful with the earth’s resources. Need some inspiration in the garden? Check out the garden posts on cultivate and navigate to get you started!
Small changes in our everyday life may seem insignificant, but over time, they have a multiplier effect that minimizes the impact on our environment. The shift towards sustainable living begins with an appreciation for what nature provides and a desire to preserve it. So go ahead and reduce, reuse, and recycle! Feel proud when you turn off the lights when leaving a room! Bring your cloth bag! It’s not just Earth Day; It’s time to make every day, a day to make a difference. Go for it!
What other sustainable practices do you incorporate into your life? Leave a comment below to share!
