Jump-Start Your Green Habits
In the process of living a more green lifestyle you don’t have to go above and beyond to make an impact. Making large changes in your lifestyle can be overwhelming and may just lead you to a complete halt in your effort to be more environment friendly. We at Bay Area Recycling for Charities are here to tell you that incorporating green friendly habits in your life does not have to be complicated or unrealistic. In fact, the simpler the steps, the better. We rounded up five simple ways to reduce our waste that allow us to make our green impact on the local environment and the entire planet.
1. Bring your own bag(s) shopping.
Paper or plastic? Neither. Both are damaging to our environment and contribute to deforestation, ocean pollution, and our landfills. Instead, bring reusable bags and make a plan to store them where you will not forget them!
2. Consider a greener commute.
Even if you cannot pull off walking, running, or biking to work daily, consider making a goal to do it more often than you have in years past. It will not just benefit the environment, it will benefit your mental and physical health too. Or, if you do not live near your workplace, consider making a goal to take public transportation or carpool to work to reduce air pollution.
3. Bring your own bottle/coffee mug.
Plastic (and other disposable) water bottles, smoothies/juice bottles, coffee cups, etc. are a tempting convenience, but so wasteful and so simple to avoid. Make it your goal this year bring a reusable water bottle with you when your travel and your own coffee mug when you go out for coffee or tea. When possible, prepare your own tea, coffee, juices, and smoothies to bring with you on-the-go.
4. Quit fast fashion.
Many of us are dependent on convenient, affordable clothing from big box stores and major chains. Unfortunately, by purchasing “fast fashion” styles that will either fall apart or go out of style by the next season we are contributing to the second-most polluting industry in the world (second to oil). If you need new clothing this year, consider purchasing something that is made out of high-quality materials in a timeless style. Even better, arrange a clothing swap with friends or stop by your local thrift stores and consignment shops.
5. Cook at home, with local ingredients.
Reduce food waste, air pollution, and waste from disposable takeout containers by making a point to cook at home, from scratch. The less pre-processed food you use, the less packaging you will have. Bonus points if you choose local ingredients to support your community and reduce your footprint.
There you have it, five simple ways you can live a greener life! Now it’s time to make a plan to execute. share your goals with friends and family, and don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. If you fall off, get back at it. It will take persistence to make these things true habits. And of course, if you ever have any questions or need any help to live a greener life please contact us! Let’s work together to make things better.