Reducing your environmental footprint is a great way to help the planet.Reducing how many resources you use, reuse items when you can, and recycle items that can't be reuse are all part of being green.If you want to go green, you need to change your personal habits and give your home a green makeover.Change your habits at work and on the go to be more green.
Step 1: You won't need bottled water if you carry a water bottle.
It is bad for the environment to have bottled water.It creates trash and uses more resources because it is shipped to the store.If you want to be more eco-friendly, make it a habit to carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go.Plastic bottles are the lightest.Look for one that says it is free of the chemical.If you don't like using plastic, you can use aluminum and glass water bottles.
Step 2: Reusable bags are good for shopping.
Shopping bags are easy to carry home, but they are also harmful to the planet.Bring your own shopping bags instead of the store's.Use a backpack or tote that you already own, or purchase a couple of bags from the checkout area at your local grocery store.You can use your bags at most stores.It is less likely that you will forget your bags if you keep them in your car.
Step 3: If you reuse items, you can save them from the landfill.
Look for ways to reuse it.You can make green crafts by re-purposing items.You will be able to keep trash out of the landfill.Instead of throwing away a jar, you could use it as a glass, vase, or storage container.You could use a piece of cardboard to make a wreath.Search online for ideas for green crafts.
Step 4: It's a good idea to reduce the amount of time you spend using electronics.
Electronics use up a lot of energy because they are fun and help you feel connected to your friends.You can use your electronics less if you schedule breaks.Take a walk, play a game with your friends, or pursue a hobby during your break.In real life, invite your friends to connect with you.Instead of playing online video games, go to a park.
Step 5: Products with a lot of packaging should be avoided.
Products with a lot of packaging are bad for the environment.It is still an unnecessary waste of resources if you recycle the package.Pick products with as little packaging as possible.It can save natural resources by keeping more trash out of landfills.You are buying a notebook for school.Pick the unwrapped notebook if you want to choose between a notebook wrapped in plastic and one that isn't.
Step 6: Buy second-hand products or borrow items.
Try not to purchase things you don't need because buying stuff creates more waste and pollution.Local thrift and second-hand shops can be used when you need something.It is possible to borrow items from a friend or family member.You can organize a clothing, toy, or home items swap with your friends.You could host a back-to-school clothing swap in your neighborhood.
Step 7: You can buy sustainable and ethical clothing when you need it.
It's best to avoid cheap, trendy clothing if you want to go green, but you don't have to sacrifice your sense of style.You should buy clothes that are made well.You should research the brands you buy to make sure they don't make clothes with mistreated employees.If you want to look great, choose clothes that fit you well.Even if you aren't following every trend, you'll always be in style.When you buy better clothes, you might spend more money.This saves you money in the long run because the clothes will last longer.
Step 8: Turn off lights and electronics.
Burning fossil fuels or using other natural resources is how electricity is generated.Cut down on how much electricity you use.When you leave a room, turn off the lights.Natural lighting from windows can be used during the day.Don't plug electronics when you're not using them.Don't heat the water by washing your clothes on the cold setting.You can change your light bulbs to energy efficient ones.It's a good idea to set your thermostat higher during the summer and lower in the winter.If you feel hot or cold, wear less clothing.This can save you money on your heating and cooling costs.
Step 9: You should cut down on your water use.
The Earth has a limited amount of freshwater.Change your household habits to save water.You can turn off the water when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or doing the dishes.Instead of baths, take short showers.You can use the water in the garden with a bucket.When the dishwasher is full, run it.Don't use sprinklers in your yard.Plants that require less water should be planted in your garden.
Step 10: Line dry your clothes.
dryers use a lot of electricityHang your clothes on a drying rack.This will save you money and energy.Hang your clothes up if the weather is nice.If the weather is bad, use an indoor drying rack.
Step 11: You can make your own cleaning supplies.
It is likely that you will end up recycling or throwing away the bottles that come with the commercial cleaning products.If you use homemade cleaning products, you can keep your home safer and keep trash out of the landfills.Baking soda and lemons can be used to clean your home.You can use white vinegar and lemon to make an all-purpose cleaner.Adding a few drops of essential oil will make it smell better.Baking soda and warm water can be used to scrub your bathroom and kitchen counter.
Step 12: It takes a lot of resources to raise meat.
Feed, water, land, and transportation are required to raise animals for food.Animal products put a lot more strain on the planet than plant foods.If you want to reduce your footprint, eat more vegetarian meals.If you eat a lot of meat, try not to eat it on Monday.Continue to introduce more meatless meals to your life.
Step 13: If you buy whole foods, you won't create extra trash.
Don't buy packaged foods because they will add to your recycling or trash.Fresh produce doesn't create extra trash.
Step 14: Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal can be recycled.
It is possible to keep items out of landfills.It can help save natural resources.Take part in your local recycling programs.Most paper can be recycled, including printer paper, magazines, newspapers, and junk mail.Most cardboard can be recycled, such as pizza boxes, egg cartons, milk cartons and juice cartons.Before you recycle cardboard boxes, flatten them out.Plastic bottles and containers that contain detergents, soap, milk, and condiments can be recycled, but first they need to be washed out.You can recycle metal cans if you rinse them first.Glass bottles and jars can be recycled, but be sure to check the policies at your local facility.First, rinse them out.Take your electronics to a recycling center when they die.
Step 15: Compost.
Composting can turn your food scraps into food for plants.Compost can be used to fertilize your garden or spread around near your home.You can compost your food scraps in your yard or in a compost bin.You can purchase a compost bin online.You can get your compost going by having dirt and worms in it.Compost corners can be created if you have a yard.This is a good way to start composting.
Step 16: Installation of solar panels.
Global warming can be stopped by using solar energy instead of fossil fuels.
Step 17: Limit the amount of paper that you use.
Print out items when you absolutely must.Change the way your office handles meetings and team projects by talking to your coworkers and employer.You can reuse the other side of paper if you recycle it.
Step 18: Office products made from recycled materials are a good choice.
When buying items for your office, make sure they are made from recycled materials.Paper, folders, pencils, pens, desk supplies, and furniture are included.Buying recycled items can help save the planet.To share, try to use second-hand products.If there is a used stapler in the supply closet, don't buy a new one.
Step 19: You should start an office recycling program.
If you want to get recycling bins for the break room or copy room, talk to your boss.Recyclable items should be placed in the bins to create less trash.If your company doesn't want to pay for recycling, you can start a recycling team.
Step 20: Ask your boss if you can work from home.
You don't have to commute or use your office space when you work from home.If you do it for the long-term, it can reduce your company's overhead.It is possible to work from home if you talk to your boss.When you need to go to a meeting in person, offer to use video calling to stay in touch with your coworkers.
Step 21: If you live close you can walk or bike.
Cars use a lot of gas, so they are not a good friend to the environment.You can save natural resources and money by walking or biking instead of using a car.If possible, walk or bike to work.Don't put your safety at risk if it's unsafe to travel on foot or bike.
Step 22: Public transportation can be used to travel long distances.
Public transportation is a great way to travel.When you can, take the bus.You can make a small craft while you ride, or watch a movie on your phone.It might take some time to understand the public transportation system in your city.It's best to ride it on your off days.This may not be an option if your city does not have public transportation.
Step 23: Go in a car to save gas.
You can save gas by being part of a group.Ask your coworkers or people at your school if you can join a group.If you can't find one, start your own by working with people who live near you.You can take turns driving everyone to work or school, or you can contribute money to buy gas for the person who drives.
Step 24: If you need a car, choose a fuel efficient one.
If you want to get from place to place, you have to use a car.Look for a car that gets good gas mileage.You can save resources and help the environment by choosing an electric or hybrid car.You should drive your car as little as possible.When buying a car, ask how many miles it gets for each gallon of gas.You should compare the mileage of the cars you are considering to pick the one with the best mileage.