How To Live a More Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle: [55 Tips]

This article contains proven steps and methods on how to live a greener lifestyle.

Living green means you get in the habit of not using more than you actually need.

You make sure that only renewable resources are used in making or producing the products you use in your home, and that no harmful pollutants are released into the environment as a result of their production.

You do not have to separate yourself from the rest of the world with your unique green living habits and practices.

Instead, you strive to improve your quality of life while making sure that you live in harmony with Mother Earth.

The green lifestyle has paved the way for widely recognised eco-friendly products available in today’s market.

They have proven efficiency to be similar, or even better, than their traditional counterparts.

Carrying out its function without causing harm as a result of toxic content and harmful side effects is the main goal of green products. Popular examples of eco-friendly products are organic household cleaners and recycled plastic materials.

The reason why living a green lifestyle is a worthwhile endeavor is rooted in several reasons.

Most of the world’s food, water and air pollution is a direct result of the dependence of industrialized countries on the use of oil as a fuel for their businesses.

Over-development of land as a result of agricultural business, industrial practices, and housing developments has led to frequent erosion.

Water pollution has become a common thing; oceans, rivers, streams, and other water supplies have turned into reservoirs for toxic chemicals released by factories and industrial amenities.

Traces of mercury and other harmful chemicals found in fish and seafood have changed
This once healthy food source becomes a deadly food source.

In addition, diverse health problems have resulted from the damage done to the environment. Asthma and other health problems are caused by air pollution, drastic temperature changes, and acid rain.

Fresh water sources including those used for human consumption have been polluted as a result of agricultural and municipal runoff.

And the presence of hazardous chemicals in the environment — including those used on animals raised for food, in addition to those contained in pesticides — has resulted in a high incidence of food allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Even although you can’t control many harmful events in the environment, living green helps you to minimise the negative impact of your daily activities on environmental health.

A green lifestyle is your ticket to create a healthy home for your family and also contribute to a healthier world.

How to Live a More Eco-Friendly Lifestyle:

Say No to Wasteful Habits

Green living not only lets you put new leases on your life through recycling, but also to preserve natural resources such as water and food.

Various household habits, particularly in washing dishes, cleaning, and laundry, contribute to the worsening global problem of depleting water resources.

Meanwhile, most of the food most people buy is thrown away, rather than getting used to nourish their bodies.

Tips for Reducing Water Waste

1. Eliminate cotton, paper and electronics.

Producing these products requires using large amounts of water—so do not buy it. Instead, choose to use recycled paper and have fun creating a new wardrobe out of vintage clothes.

Also, avoid buying the latest gadgets that are introduced in the market every year, particularly if your existing gadgets are still working.

2. Be water-smart in the shower.

Install smart appliances in your bathroom. Faucet aerators, low-flow toilets, and water-saving showers can help you reduce your water consumption.

3. Patch leaks.

It helps to periodically check for leaks around the house. Make sure water does not come out of pipes and faucets.

4. Treat your plants wisely.

Save water left over from cooking and use it to water your house plants rather than turning on the faucet. Outdoors, try gardening and landscaping techniques that do away with the practice of irrigation.

Also, consider planting trees, shrubs, and a few native plants rather than the usual foliage and decorative varieties — the plants can get by with less water use.

5. Reduce water use.

The most evident way to reduce your water waste is to use less water.

Turn the faucet back on only after you have finished brushing your teeth. Run washing machine and dishwasher only after filling. And stop taking so long showers.

Tips for Peeling Your Food Waste

6. Be generous.

Local soup kitchens, shelters, and food banks can find many uses for the food (non-perishable and non-perishable) you donate to them.

Reusable containers and free pick-up are often provided by national and native programs to people who donate food.

7. Get creative with food.

There are many recipes available online that will let you use anything in the fridge that may not be fit for consumption.

This is also your chance to show off your skills in preparing fun school lunches for your kids.

8. Make the most of your freezer.

What’s great about freezing your foods is that they stay safe for a long period of time. Leftovers and fresh produce should be frozen before they’re gone, particularly if you know you will not be eating them anytime soon.

9. Eat less and pay less.

Ask for smaller portions when eating out. Half portions are often provided by restaurants, together with a discount.

10. Don’t fall for shopping scams.

Avoid impulse purchases by planning your meals and then making a list of ingredients to buy. You can purchase from bulk bins, but ensure you actually need the foods they offer, particularly the perishables.

Recycling Tips

11. Give away your used vehicle.

Your local charity will have the ability to help someone who is in dire need of a car, even a used car you donated.

12. Hand over the goods.

Let others take advantage of your worldly goods by donating them to your local thrift store.

Community residents are encouraged by a number of local governments who have partnered with charities such as Goodwill to pocket their donations for quick access to those who need them.

13. Be kind to your neighbors.

You most likely have a number of tools that you no longer need lying around the house.

Let your neighbors make use of your unused stitching machine, leaf blower, or steam carpet cleaner by sharing these tools with them. You’ll have the additional benefit of declaring your home in the process.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint On The Road

You can even start living a green life well by reducing the amount of carbon (which contributes to global warming) you emit into the environment.

There are four ways you can do this: by keeping your car well-maintained, not driving a car, driving responsibly, or changing cars.

Run and Maintain Your Car Properly

14. Sailing together.

You will have the ability to improve your car’s general fuel efficiency in addition to run it at a more consistent speed level if you use cruise control while driving.

15. Leave excess baggage at home.

Driving a vehicle without stuffing the trunk with heavy objects will lighten the load. Plus, you can save on gas.

16. Avoid idling.

Doing so is just wasting your fuel. Turning off the car and restarting it’s a more efficient way.

If you plan to undergo the drive-through, park the car and then go inside the fast food restaurant to pick up your food.

17. Monitor your air filter.

If your car’s air filter needs to get replaced, replace it with a new one. Doing it regularly helps increase your gas mileage.

Become a Green Commuter

18. Set up a car pool plan with your neighbors.

Sharing a ride with your neighbors or co-workers will really help you in your pursuit of living a green lifestyle.

The benefits you’ll get include saving your car from premature wear and tear, saving you
your money and your time, and helping other people and the environment.

19. Ride a bicycle.

This is another great way to get to your workplace, either alone or with coworkers.

20. Take the bus.

Try public transportation and save yourself money and time and help save millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year (or about 20 pounds a day).

Take it slow at first by taking the bus a few times a week until you feel you can manage every day.

Be a Responsible Driver

Burn less fuel by not having to stop abruptly and begin on the road; exceeding the speed limit should even be avoided.

Plan your trips to effectively minimize unnecessary miles usage.

21. Consider Using a Hybrid or Electric Car

Almost every car manufacturer now offers hybrid and electrical models. By using one of these, you’ll benefit from reduced carbon emissions and increased mileage from your fuel.

If buying an electrical or hybrid car is not currently possible, you can switch to a vehicle with a high MPG (miles per gallon) rating. This will let you save money by burning less fuel.

22. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

Since you are new to the green lifestyle, one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of carbon emissions released into the environment is to choose to use efficient lighting in your home.

Harnessing the potential of solar energy in your home is also an effective green way of life.

The Green Way To Light Up Your Home

23. Take advantage of the latest in lighting technology.

A smartphone app that enables you to manage your LED lights in your home from your device is now available.

24. Find the blue star.

When buying a light bulb, ensure you check the blue star (Energy Star) label on the product. The label is your assurance that the claims made by the manufacturer have been verified.

25. Learn more about the lumens of your bulb.

The amount of light a light bulb produces is more important than the amount of energy it consumes to illuminate a room with regards to efficient lighting.

Check the lumens (measurement of light produced) when you buy a new light bulb.

26. Select LEDs.

They are the most suitable option when one considers lighting efficiency. LED lights work well with lights that use dimmer switches. Plus, they provide full brightness to any room in an instant. LED lamps even have twice the CFL lifetime, which offsets their higher cost.

The Way to Solar Power

27. Do an assessment.

Check the average cost of installing a solar system in your home. Learn what you can about warranties, rebates, and incentive programs, and get a list of qualified installers and distributors.

28. Check your access to sunlight.

Your roof should be exposed to enough sunlight. Consider how shading your trees can decrease the efficiency of your solar panels, in addition to increase the price of your system.

29. Extend the value of your solar energy.

The electricity it provides is not the only thing solar energy can offer you. You can even harness solar energy to increase the temperature of the water in your hot water system.

You can even rent your solar system to cover the high purchase costs. There are also options available that let you sell your extra energy through a grid-tied system.

Green Cleaning Practices and Exercise Routines That Keep Your Family Healthy

One of the best ways to start a green lifestyle is to reduce the amount of poisons and other pollutants in your home.

This will greatly assist you in making sure the health of your family. Of course, being healthy also includes physical fitness, and there are green ways you can follow to accomplish this.

Banish Chemicals at Home

30. Eliminate the use of pesticides.

The use of pesticides should be avoided as much as possible.

If you absolutely must use it, ensure there aren’t any small kids around, follow the instructions to the letter, and use only in a well-ventilated area.

Make sure you aren’t using pesticides that have been banned, as manufacturers may still be selling them and you may have bought them unknowingly.

31. Avoid products that contain formaldehyde.

Carpet and pressed wood are examples of products treated with formaldehyde. If you have purchased and are using it, ensure the placement area is well ventilated.

32. Prevent water pollution.

Your water can be contaminated with lead from old pipes. If your water tests positive for lead, make sure to use a filter.

Have Better Air Quality

33. Keep cigarette smoke away.

If you find it impossible to ask visitors who smoke not to turn on the lights all the way, you can politely ask them to smoke outside.

34. Expand your options.

If your family is very sensitive to chemicals, choose rugs produced from wool.

Instead of using furniture made of fiberboard or particleboard, choose one made of fiberboard or particleboard
constructed from solid wood with a water based finish.

35. Clean.

Cleaning the air in your home is far better than covering up bad odors with chemical air fresheners.

Invite fresh air into your home by opening a window (1), install an air purifier such as an air purifier or filter, or fill a room with the natural scent of potpourri or flowers.

36. Encourage air circulation.

Occasionally, open all of your windows to circulate the air. This is particularly important when new furniture or carpet is installed in the house.

Engage in More Environmentally Friendly Exercises

37. Season everything.

Vary your exercise routine. Committing to jogging after work can be tough, and so can finding time to hit the gym.

To increase your body’s ability to burn calories, try going for a bike ride or going for a walk during lunch.

Doing gardening, housework, and yard work are activities that are also effective at burning fat.

38. Choose eco-friendly sportswear.

Sweat-wicking sportswear is now available in green fabrics produced from bamboo yarn and organic cotton.

Used sporting equipment such as weights and bicycles can be purchased from your local sporting goods store or via the Internet.

You can even take advantage of some companies’ equipment or clothing innovations, which use recycled materials.

39. Push your health club to go green too.

Suggest that your gym or health club undergo a green makeover with small changes that have a large impact.

You can remind staff about asking members to avoid using towels
excessively.

You can encourage your club to consider upgrading their exercise machines to energy efficient ones, in addition to providing recycling bins.

Greening Your Food — From the Marketplace to the Compost Bin

Living a green lifestyle also includes how you buy, prepare, eat, and eliminate your food.

Here are helpful tips for greening your food in the shop, in the kitchen, on the dinner table and in the compost bin.

Buying Food at the Market

40. Bring a reusable bag.

In this way, you avoid wasting grocery bags made of paper or plastic. You can ask the shop to use as few bags as possible if you forget to bring your own bag.

Larger items, such as milk jugs, do not have to be tucked into the bag; instead, they can be placed in your cart or carried by hand.

41. Buy organically grown food.

Doing so will benefit you in two ways: Your family’s exposure to hazardous chemicals is reduced, and they’re prevented from polluting the environment.

Make sure the fruit and vegetables you buy have a “certified organic” label. Organically raised meat is your best bet if eating meat is still part of your green lifestyle.

42. Choose to eat locally grown foods.

Food that’s grown locally tastes better than food that has traveled miles before reaching the buyer.

They are also filled with more nutrients. Choosing to buy local also lets you contribute to reducing energy costs in shipping.

Working in the Kitchen

43. Know your energy rating.

When buying kitchen equipment, it is necessary to determine its energy rating (an indicator of the number of kilowatt hours of energy consumed in a month) in advance.

It also helps to look for models that bear the Energy Star label, which ensures that they emit low levels of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

44. Use green cooking tools.

Using cooking tools produced from recycled materials is an amazing way to start a green lifestyle.

You can even visit thrift stores and garage sales for used items such as utensils, pots, and pans.

Your energy consumption will even be significantly reduced if you use a pressure cooker for cooking food and an electrical kettle for boiling water.

45. Reduce your cooking time.

Your food will cook faster if you cook it in a glass dish rather than a metal pot or pan.

To reduce the amount of energy used in cooking, ensure the bottom size of your pot or pan is the same size as the stove.

46. ​​Keep the plastic away.

Food shouldn’t be stored in plastic.

Reusable glass containers are a better option for food storage, even though you should check whether the containers you are using are freezer safe.

47. Reduce energy wastage.

Using less energy in the kitchen includes thawing frozen food before cooking it, turning off ovens and hobs when not in use, closing the fridge, using a lid to cover pots when boiling water in them, and unplugging coffee makers and toasters. after each use.

Eat at the Dining Table

48. Dinner in style.

Use real silverware and plates and cloth napkins when setting the table for dinner. Those that are disposable will only end up in a landfill.

49. Turn it on.

Use candles rather than electrical lights at dinner. Doing so reduces the electricity used in addition to sets the mood.

To avoid indoor air pollution, choose candles produced from natural ingredients such as organic soybeans and beeswax.

50. Composting in the Garden

Once cooked, remove leaves, stems, potato skins, and other food scraps and throw them in the compost bin.

You can include coffee grounds, tea bags, grass clippings, dead brown weeds, and sawdust or wood chips. Don’t include ivy, chemically treated wood, bones, meat, or your pet’s feces.

Steps to Make Compost

1. Build a compost bin (2). You can even choose to buy it: Pick something the size you want to use it.
2. Ensure good air circulation in the compost bin to stop the growth of bad-smelling microbes that thrive in the absence of air. Do this by placing air
   hole in your compost bin.
3. To encourage decomposition, monitor the contents of your compost bin periodically to ensure it is at all times barely damp (but not wet). Moisture will help promote the growth of microorganisms that cause the compost material to decompose.
4. Ensure proper combination of green (live) and brown (dead) materials is achieved to provide appropriate food for microorganisms.
5. Add it to your compost contents as needed.

Caring for Your Pets the Green Way

Starting a green lifestyle doesn’t only involve reducing the impact your daily activities have on the health of the environment by changing your habits and adopting new ones.

It also means taking care of your pets and taking care of your environment too.

51. Feed Your Pet Organic Food

In the same way that you should not think twice about buying organically grown food for your family to make sure their health, you should not hold back on buying organic options for your pets either.

Although organic pet foods are much costlier than conventional ones, they offer benefits to your beloved pet by reducing the number of visits to the vet clinic or hospital.

Harmful ingredients have made their way into traditional pet foods, such as antibiotics, animal by-products, added hormones, and even melamine (a plastic ingredient and an ingredient in fertilizers, cleaners, and plastics).

52. Use Natural Pet Grooming Products

It is best to read the labels on shampoo and other pet grooming/grooming products before buying and using them on your pet.

They’re largely loaded with diverse chemicals—the same ones you do not want to use on yourself.

53. Get a Green Tag for Your Pet

Pets that spend lots of time outdoors are required to wear identification. Choose a green tag for your pet.

There are specialty stores that sell eco-friendly pet tags, which are creatively produced from silver, steel, or recycled aluminum.

54. Protect Your Pets From Pests Naturally

Pests do not just harm your pet with infections and diseases; they can even attack you in addition to your family.

Luckily, there are ways to protect your pet from fleas and ticks without harming the environment.

This includes keeping your pet clean at all times; remove existing fleas from your pet’s coat by combing them out with a fine-toothed comb; and frequently dust and vacuum all surfaces.

You may want to try killing fleas by sprinkling a small amount of borax on your pet’s mat or carpet before vacuuming.

It’s also helpful to incorporate brewer’s yeast and garlic into your pet’s food; these ingredients make food taste nasty to fleas and keep them away.

55. Use Environmentally Friendly Lane Opening Alternatives

During winter, don’t use conventional rock salt to clean driveways and walkways. Instead, choose de-icing options offered by some pet organizations.

They effectively melt ice but contain no salt, and are guaranteed safe for your kids and pets.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article on how to live a greener lifestyle. I actually hope that its content has been of good help to you.