Do you have to reuse that plastic carrier bag or always stick to energy efficient products? Eco-Friendly is not merely what products we use but rather a way of living that does not fracture the ecosystem. Once we integrate it into our daily routines, then the ‘sick’ planet should be a better place to live in for our present and future generations. I’ll be lying if I told you that switching to greener habits is a sweet ride down the park. I, for instance, had to reduce my long sweet showers (trust me I still miss them) and buy locally grown produce over imported merchandise. But hey, look at the bigger picture. It is all worth it in the end.
What is Eco-Friendly?
Environmentally Friendly, Green, Nature-Friendly are all words that refer to lifestyles or products that are not detrimental whatsoever to the environment.
Is it Necessary?
What is the point of going eco-friendly? Shouldn’t everyone just mind themselves instead? We all need to acknowledge the fact that being eco-friendly is not an option but rather a necessity that we can’t assume. Not anymore. Nature is a self-sustaining ecosystem. Therefore, if we do not act right, the system will either wipe us out of existence into oblivion or just make it hard for us to cope. Besides, the changes are nothing we can’t adjust to. It is just a matter of deciding to live and act right.
Ways to Become More Eco-Friendly
How then do you switch to eco-friendly methods? What practices consist being environmentally friendly? I live by the following “rules”:
Conserve Water. Taking short showers for instance or even a bath in the tub (halfway filled) can conserve several gallons of water in a month. You also need to fix leaking taps and pipes to reduce water loss. Additionally, water your garden by collecting rainwater. And finally, close the tap while doing the dishes or brushing your teeth.
Replace or Reduce Fossil Fuels. Find out those sources of energy that are fossil-based such as natural gas or coal and reduce their usage or even replace them completely. Burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming besides formation of acid rain among other devastating effects.
Use Energy Efficient Products. Buy home appliances which are rated low in energy. You can identify such products by looking out for the energy star or asking the seller for the energy specifications. Similarly, turn off the lights when not in use and use energy saving bulbs.
Buy Local. I came to realize that there is no big difference between local and foreign products. You just have to identify a good brand and stick to it. Besides, local produce is affordable most of the times and it doesn’t compromise on quality.
Recycle and Reuse. There are those items that you don’t have to dispose of right after using them. You can use chocolate tins to store spices and salt for example. It might seem like a small effort, but imagine how significant it is if every household did it.
Practice Responsible Waste Management. Where and how do you dispose of your waste? Do you litter past the candy shop once you un-wrap your goodies? If we could all practice sound methods of getting rid of waste, then the environment would be cleaner and healthier.
Plant Trees. The forest cover is always under constant threat by uncontrolled logging activities. If each household had just about three trees within their compounds then restoring the forest cover will not be quite as tough. If trees are such a tall order, then you could as well settle for a garden which should not be hard to maintain.
Educate Others. Do not keep these important nuggets to yourself. Let your neighbors and fellow associates see and appreciate the need for being environmentally conscious. Take them through a couple of environmentally friendly techniques without necessarily rushing or compelling them. However, bear in mind that not everyone will respond positively. I have been turned away on several occasions so be ready and avoid unnecessary frustrations.
Drive Less; Walk Often. You don’t always have to use your car on every errand. Try walking. If not, you can pool cars with your partner or even a neighbor if both of you are headed the same way. Alternatively use public means of transport more often where possible.
The Benefits of Being Eco-Friendly
- It is good for the planet. If we are to save the planet from self-destruction then being environmentally friendly is an option we have to live with.
- Reduced pollution. It is an irrefutable presumption that no one wants to live in an untidy environment. If waste is disposed of soundly, then, a clean pure environment will no longer be a fantasy.
- Healthier lifestyle. Eco-friendly products are in more ways than one beneficial to the body. For instance, using natural detox methods instead of chemicals is a healthier choice.
- This is a good call considering that the planet is already filled with endless consuming creatures.
- It is not impossible to affect development in a system that is largely polluted. Aligning our goals with the environment will further enhance quality ideas for development.
- Quality of Life. Who wants to live in a degraded polluted environment? Chances of an outbreak of diseases in a clean ecosystem are very infinitesimal. We have a better shot at eradicating diseases such as cholera in a cleaner green ecosystem.
Call to Action
We found this world as we did but it is every person’s responsibility to leave it a better place. Play your part and let your neighbor next door play theirs. Do not let any frustrations or negative energy draw you back. We all want a safer greener planet for our children’s children and the infinite generations to come. Whether or not your efforts are acknowledged does not matter. Live knowing that because of the little efforts you made the world is a better place to live. It might seem as if you are alone in this noble cause but remember, “If it is to be, it is up to me”.
In Conclusion
No one can claim to be blameless in as far as environmental pollution is concerned. We are all guilty of a few delinquencies, and such is a fact of life. However, we should now focus on answering this question: “What are we doing to change things or make up for our mistakes?” It is these little things that will build up to the bigger change that we want so badly.