Eco-friendly living can be overwhelming. However, if you take it one step at a time though it’s not so hard and can be rewarding. These easy tips can help you make that transition.
Being green sometimes seems like a never-ending and expensive adventure. Seriously, how much do I have to change in order to “be green?” It can feel like you are going to go into debt just to switch over to being green!
Well personally, I feel that it is a one-step-at-a-time process. Pick the things that matter most to you and start there. Work your way into the other areas that might require more money and/or time. While I love living as naturally as possible every little bit matters. I’m still taking it a step at a time. So even if you are only doing a few things that are “green” it makes a BIG difference in the long run!
Easy Eco-Friendly Living Tips
Here is a list of some things you can do in your home with/for your family to live more eco-friendly. Be sure to start with just one thing at a time and slowly add in more.
- Start Recycling
- Shop Organic
- Try Meatless Monday
- Make Your Own Cleaners
- Use Cloth Diapers
- Save Energy
- Use Reusable Shopping Bags
- Learn the Recycling Codes for Plastic
- Stay Informed
- Be an Example
Start Recycling
Many communities offer free curbside recycling. But if not, there are often locations in the community where you can drop off your recycling. And for older kids it can be a project you give them, I know I did that as a kid- e.g., collecting old soda cans.
Additional Resource: How to Bring a Recycling Program to Your Town
Shop Organic
It can be expensive to buy all organic. So, if you’re like me and can’t afford to go all organic right now, purchase organic items from the Dirty Dozen list.
Try Meatless Monday
Reducing the amount of meat we eat is healthy for ourselves and the environment. Try cutting back one day a week. It’s also a fun day to try creative new recipes. Check out Meatless Monday for more information.
Make Your Own Cleaners
Making your own cleaners is super easy and very effective. You can also reduce your use of plastics when you are making your own cleaners. Even if you aren’t making all of them, making a couple can help.
Additional Resource: Natural Cleaners You Can Make Yourself
Use Cloth Diapers
If your baby is in diapers consider switching to cloth diapers. There are fewer toxic chemicals exposed to the baby’s skin and they are better for the environment. Check out the Real Diaper Association for more information.
Additional Resource: A Journey Into Cloth Diapering
Save Energy
Turn the lights off when you’re not using them. Also, when the light bulbs in your house need to be replaced, choose energy-efficient ones like LEDs. Also, be sure to choose Energy Star products when replacing things in your home.
Additional Resource: How to Lower Your Energy Bill in the Summer
Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable shopping bags are a great way to save trees and avoid plastic. I have decided to just buy a few bags each time I go to the store until I get enough to completely sack all my groceries in them. This way I don’t have to spend money all at once on bags.
Additional Resource: The Best Reusable Shopping Bags
Learn the Recycling Codes for Plastic
In addition to recycling more often, learning more about the recycling codes used for plastic can help you try and purchase plastics that are at least recyclable where you live.
Additional Resource: Plastic 101: Recycling Codes for Plastic
Be Informed
There are many things in our products that we are unaware of, check your cosmetic products with the Skin Deep Database and join the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families petition for congress to have stricter regulations and guidelines for chemicals in our products.
Be An Example
You don’t have to make a massive transition overnight. Show your friends and family that it is easy to make changes that are good for you and the environment, by simply taking it one step at a time. Share what you know!
Additional Resources
Deanna Layman
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