essay about live green

The Importance of Green Living in Our Life and Environment

• Sustainability

Today, more and more companies are creating products that help us live a green lifestyle. Everything from cars, light bulbs, utensils, straws, cleaners, mattresses, and clothing is created with environmental preservation in mind.

These products help us conserve water, energy and precious natural resources while also helping to curb pollution. The convenience these products provide make it easier than ever to live sustainably. However, many of us may be wondering why this practice is so important. Below we’ve outlined some of the most important reasons for adopting a green lifestyle.

Better Quality of Life

• Healthier Environment: Statistics from the World Health Organization report that 13 million deaths annually and almost a quarter of all diseases worldwide are due to environmental causes that could be avoided or prevented. These health issues include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and stroke. According to the CDC , when we make sustainable food choices, use alternative transportation, purchase eco-friendly products, and recycle, we are helping to curb the pollution causing these diseases.
• Healthier Foods: When we choose to make more eco-friendly food choices such as buying local, organic, and seasonal foods, we are supporting sustainable farming methods that protect our planet. In turn, these methods help reduce the amount of harmful pesticides that end up in our food. Research shows that exposure to pesticides can antagonise the natural hormones in our bodies, leading to health issues such as immune suppression, hormone disruption, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer.
• Save Money: Conserving water and energy will not only help us save natural resources, but it will also help us save money. Since the nationwide initiative began in 1987, the replacement of standard appliances and light bulbs with energy-efficient ones has kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide from polluting our air. Using energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs in the home can also cut up to 30 percent off our annual electricity bill. That’s an average of $627 per year depending on the appliance, home, and climate.

Environmental Benefits

• Conserve Natural Resources: It is no secret that our natural resources are disappearing quickly. Since 1970, the use of natural resources has more than tripled and only continues to grow each year. However, when we recycle, we are helping to slow down the consumption of these resources. According to the EPA , for every ton of paper we recycle, we save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and 7,000 gallons of water.
• Curb Climate Change: The burning of fossil fuels for energy is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. This type of energy results in destructive carbon dioxide emissions that pollute our environment. One way individuals can help to combat climate change is to reduce our energy consumption. Research shows that switching to energy-efficient appliances could help to reduce carbon emissions by up to 19 percent. In 2017, recycling alone saved over 184 million tons of carbon dioxide from our environment. This is the equivalent of removing 39 million cars from the road in one year. Taking steps to conserve energy in our homes can go a long way in reducing carbon emissions and protecting our planet for future generations.

Set Up Your Bedroom for Green Living

When looking for ways to live green, it isn’t always intuitive to focus on your mattress, pillows, and sheets. Thanks to our busy lives, we can forget about the bed we sleep on for eight hours each night . But finding an eco-friendly sleep solution is a major win for you (and the environment). Here are some things to look for:

• Most mattresses are either memory foam, poly-foam, latex, innerspring or a mixture of technologies . When looking for the best mattresses , look for third-party certifications, such as Cerit-PUR US® certified, which indicate the foams were made without ozone depleters, made without PDBDe, TDCPP, or TCEP flame retardants, made without mercury, lead (and other heavy metals), made without formaldehyde, and has a low VOC (volatile organic compound) and passes the emissions for indoor quality requirement. Latex foams are another great option as latex mattresses are considered highly eco-friendly; however, keep in mind it’s more difficult to find a 100% natural latex mattress.
• Sheets can be eco-friendly as well! One of the more popular certifications for sheets, OEKO-TEX®, certifies textiles have been tested for harmful substances, were made in environmentally friendly facilities that are safe and socially responsible.

It is more important than ever to adopt a green lifestyle. These small changes can help reduce the pollution that threatens our health and our environment, while also protecting our natural resources. Fortunately, it has never been easier to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Energy-efficient appliances are more affordable than ever, recycling is available in most U.S cities, and many companies are creating convenient products using eco-friendly practices and materials. When we all take small steps toward preserving our planet, we all reap big rewards.

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What is Green Living?

More than ever, it’s imperative to implement any and all sustainable methods possible to create a healthier future and protect the environment – and green living could be the way to do that.

But how can we each strive to protect the environment beyond our habitual habits, like avoiding plastic bags and turning off the lights when we leave a room?

How can green living pave the way for reduced climate change and a better environment for future generations? 

In short, green living is a means of developing sustainable habits in one’s daily life so that their daily routines work alongside the resources of nature instead of depleting them, or doing more long-term damage to the environment or ecological system.

The most common way that people become more cognizant of the vital aspects to green living are through the need to reduce pollution , to protect our wildlife from going extinct, and to preserve our conservation of natural resources. Predominantly, people recognize that green living can alleviate the rapidly increasing rates of climate change and global warming . 

What are the benefits of green living?

There are a multitude of benefits to green living.

The obvious benefits of green living include improved sustainability both within individuals and the world, as well as the conspicuous benefit of improving the state of the environment by taking direct action to reduce climate change and global warming.

But there are many pros to committing to green living. 

Mitigate Further Pollution

Green living is an easy way to directly reduce your carbon footprint and overall global emissions. By implementing simple habits like reducing your use of plastic or electricity consumption, you immediately make a difference in pollution – even if you can’t see it.

Preserve the World’s Natural Resources

One of the primary components of green living is to make use of what you already have: i.e., the infamous saying of, “ reduce, reuse, recycle ”. 

Another green living trend that grew in popularity due to the pandemic was gardening.

More and more people have decided to grow their own produce at home, and doing so helps reduce both food faste and superfluous use of plastic packaging. 

Green Living is Economical

Most Eco-friendly products on the market are becoming cheaper.

So, if you decide to join the green living movement – it’s likely that you’ll notice a decrease in your typical spending habits.

Lead a Healthier Life

Green living will indirectly improve your diet and overall health, as it will increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The vitamins and nutrients in fruits and vegetables allow our bodies to maintain our overall health and vital functioning. In a world where fast food has become the norm, most do not consume the amount of fruits and vegetables that they should – and green living can help to encourage better eating habits while also saving the planet.

Create Change in Your Community

Green living can create a domino effect. If one person see’s how well you’re doing thanks to green living, then they will be inspired to try the same. The fight against climate change is a collective battle, and if we can slowly create change and encourage more sustainable habits – we can strive for a colossal impact and drastically reduce the negative effects of global warming.

Overall, implementing green living is one of the best ways to promote environmental conservation.

What are some examples of green living?

There are multiple ways to try and implement green living habits into your daily life.

One of the most common ways to try and be greener is to seek alternatives to fossil fuels that pollute the environment. Fossil fuels create greenhouse gasses that negatively affect the  ozone layer  and the atmosphere.

My dad used to have a car that ran on vegetable oil! I would know he was home when it smelled like french fries outside the house.

Switching to an electric car can help to reduce the amount of daily pollution you contribute to, or even better and perhaps more affordable – is to opt for public transportation, walking, or ride share services whenever possible.

If you love to travel, odds are – you’re creating a large carbon footprint.

From airplanes, to long car rides – the hospitality industry has been encouraged to adjust their business model to be more Eco-friendly to ensure that travel will remain viable for those who choose to subscribe to green living. 

You don’t have to stop traveling if it’s something you enjoy, but there are a few things you can do to cut down on your carbon footprint. For example, you can offset your carbon emissions from your flight by purchasing  carbon credits  that will later counterbalance your carbon footprint. 

Another way to establish green living is to install solar energy panels within your own home. They’re relatively easy to install, and once you do – the maintenance required to maintain solar panels is low. You’ll reduce your electricity bills, electric consumption, and help the environment all at the same time.

Reducing your meat consumption can also benefit the environment. Given the amount of plant-based options on the market, especially in the U.S. – eating plant based has never been easier.

Opt for meatless Mondays , or aim to purchase Eco-friendly animal products if necessary – like cage-free eggs or kosher livestock. 

Fast Fashion  is harming the environment through its extensive industrialization and unsustainable materials that aren’t biodegradable. Therefore, another way to practice green living is to subscribe to sustainable fashion to reduce wasting resources and promote equal rights and fair labor practices in the industry. 

You can practice green living with your clothing choices by purchasing second hand clothing, local and eco-friendly clothing businesses, or donating and re-selling your own clothes after you’ve outgrown them to encourage reusing garments to their maximum potential.

A final example of green living is to make your own home more sustainable. This can be done by investing in eco-friendly furniture, more efficient equipment like energy efficient dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers to reduce your carbon footprint.

Does green living mitigate climate change?

Green living   absolutely helps to prevent further climate change!

Green living is a way to directly reduce the negative impacts of climate change as it encourages individuals to reduce their own carbon footprint, which collectively – can help reduce global temperatures. 

Green living not only allows you to improve the health and sustainability within your own life, but it also helps pave the pathway for a brighter future for life on Earth. 

What are the pros and cons of green living?

The truth is, if  everyone chose to live a more sustainable lifestyle by implementing green living into their daily lives, then global warming would be much less of a cause of concern. 

So, why  don’t people choose green living?

Well, green living can seem daunting to most people at first. Small habits could seem inconvenient or a nuisance: like remembering to bring reusable shopping bags when grocery shopping, the extra time to clean a reusable water bottle or dishware in place of plastic, or remembering to unplug all stationary devices before leaving the house.

Especially in the world we live in today, where instant gratification is so easily accessible at our fingertips with social media, news, and text messaging – it’s hard for people to see the greater picture in how taking the time to change their small actions could ultimately contribute to a globally efficacious result: improvement on the global predicament of climate change.

Therefore, that is the ultimate obstacle of green living – is the added effort and time, even if it’s not substantial, that one would need to take to adjust their habits to comply with the notions of green living. 

How can you get started with green living?

For instance, let’s say that you really care about marine life.

If you care about marine life, creating a green living habit that you can stick to that ties back to the importance of ocean life suffering will help the new habit become both feasible to maintain and sustainable. You could opt to use biodegradable containers instead of traditional plastic to ensure that you aren’t contributing to the mass amount of plastic in the ocean.

Another example is if you have children. Parents often have an innate instinct to leave a world behind that is better for their children. So, if you have kids – a great way to promote green living is to instill those sustainable living habits within your own children from a young age so that they take it into their adulthood and can continue to make an environmental difference.

Demonstrating the importance of green living to your own children can help build a better future and allow them to live healthier lives, and even better – they can eventually encourage their friends and family who didn’t grow up with the same values to try out the benefits of green living as well. 

If establishing green living habits into your life is  really difficult, but you still  want to – another great way to kick start your green living journey is to buddy up with a friend and create those green living habits together.

Think of it this way: you know how they say it’s good to have a gym buddy to be held accountable for your fitness goals and stay motivated?

The same can be said for your new green lifestyle. It might be easier to stick to your goals if you have a friend trying to achieve the same new environmental habits as you. You can text and check in with each other if you’re  really using that new reusable water bottle, or take the metro to your next yoga class together.

Having a lifestyle that pertains to green living doesn’t have to be difficult – all it takes at the end of the day is a little more effort and thought into your small, daily habits to cultivate a more Eco-friendly lifestyle to help improve the environment. 

You don’t have to be a big shot investor or CEO of a company to make a difference in the fight against climate change. In fact, aiming to reduce your carbon footprint in little ways is one of the biggest things anyone can do to help mitigate further climate change. 

We hope this post encourages you to implement more mindful habits to improve sustainability both globally and within your own life.

What about Greenly?

If reading this article about green living has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

For a deeper understanding of product impact, check out Life Cycle Analysis

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

Click here  to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

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Sustainable Living: Steps to a Greener Future

ESG , Sustainability

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a GLOBAL EVENT to the Forefront of SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

JULY 8TH TO 12TH, 2024

ONLINE AND FREE EVENT

In a world where environmental consciousness is essential, embracing sustainable living has become more crucial than ever. As we tread the path toward a greener future, adopting eco-friendly practices can make a substantial difference. This article will guide you through the essential steps to incorporate sustainable living into your daily life, contributing to a healthier planet for generations to come.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The foundation of sustainable living lies in the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States generated about 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018, with only about 69.1 million tons recycled or composted. To make a significant impact, start by minimizing waste by opting for products with minimal packaging. This simple shift can help reduce the staggering amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Embrace reusable containers, bags, and water bottles to cut down on plastic waste. In the United States alone, over 30 million tons of plastic waste were generated in 2018, with only 8.4% of it being recycled, as reported by the EPA. By choosing reusable options, you can directly contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

Furthermore, make recycling a habit, ensuring that materials get a second life. Recycling one ton of paper, for instance, saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 463 gallons of oil, as per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These statistics emphasize the importance of recycling in conserving valuable resources.

2. Energy Efficiency at Home

Taking steps to improve energy efficiency in your home not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling account for about 48% of energy use in the average American home. By installing energy-efficient appliances, you can significantly cut down on your energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

Consider the impact of lighting as well. LED lighting consumes up to 80 % less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they can last up to 25 times longer. This not only reduces your carbon emissions but also decreases the frequency of bulb replacements, saving you money in the long run.

Additionally, programmable thermostats can help optimize your home’s heating and cooling systems, further reducing energy wastage. Proper insulation is equally critical. Inadequate insulation can lead to substantial energy loss. According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), homeowners can save up to 20 % on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their homes.

By implementing these energy-efficient strategies, you can both reduce your environmental impact and enjoy cost savings in the process.

3. Sustainable Transportation

Reducing your carbon emissions through sustainable transportation is a significant step in the journey toward a greener future. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the transportation sector accounted for approximately 23% of global CO2 emissions in 2019. Here’s how you can make a positive impact:

Choose Alternatives to Driving Alone

Whenever possible, opt for alternative transportation methods. Walking and biking produce zero emissions and promote a healthier lifestyle. In urban areas, public transportation is not only eco-friendly but also reduces traffic congestion.

Carpooling is an effective way to reduce emissions and share the environmental burden. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that carpooling can save more than 10,000 pounds (or 4535 kg) of CO2 emissions per person annually. That’s equivalent to planting more than 120 trees per person annually.

Hybrid or Electric Vehicles

If you need to drive, consider investing in a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV). Electric cars, in particular, have zero tailpipe emissions and contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, there were over 10 million electric vehicles on the road globally, according to the International Energy Agency.

4. Conserve Water

Conserving water is a critical aspect of sustainable living, given the global water scarcity challenges. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that more than 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean and safe water. Here’s how you can contribute to water conservation:

Fix Leaks Promptly

A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water each day. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that one faucet dripping at a rate of one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons (or more than 11,300 liters, the equivalent to 120 showers) of water per year. Promptly fixing leaks can prevent such wastage.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures, including faucets, showerheads, and toilets, can significantly reduce water consumption. For instance, low-flow toilets use about 1.6 gallons (or about 6 liters) per flush compared to older models that consume up to 6 gallons.

Rainwater Harvesting

Collecting rainwater for outdoor use can further conserve water. A single inch of rain falling on a 1,000 square foot (approximately 93 square meters) roof can yield over 600 gallons (or over 2,200 liters, the equivalent to 24 showers) of water. By harnessing this resource, you reduce the demand on freshwater sources.

5. Support Sustainable Products

When shopping, your choices can have a substantial impact on the environment and global sustainability efforts. Look for products that are eco-friendly and sustainably sourced:

Certifications Matter

Seek out products with recognized environmental certifications. For example, Fair Trade ensures fair wages and ethical treatment of workers, while Organic certification signifies sustainable and chemical-free farming practices. The Energy Star label indicates energy-efficient appliances.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Many products now use eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled plastics, or organic cotton. These materials require fewer resources and reduce environmental impact.

By consciously choosing sustainable transportation options, conserving water, and supporting eco-friendly products, you can contribute to a greener future while making informed decisions that align with global sustainability goals. 

6. Reduce Meat Consumption

The meat industry carries a significant environmental footprint. To put it into perspective, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock agriculture contributes to approximately 14.5 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is more than the emissions produced by all the cars, planes, and trains in the world combined.

But here’s where your plate can make a difference. Consider reducing your meat consumption or exploring plant-based alternatives. Even small changes in your diet can lead to a more sustainable and ethical food choice. For instance, cutting down on meat consumption not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also conserves water. The Water Footprint Network reports that it takes about 1,800 gallons of water to produce just one pound of beef (or 0.45 kg). One shower typically uses about 25 gallons of water. Now, picture taking 72 showers – that’s how much water it takes to produce just one pound of beef, as reported by the Water Footprint Network.

7. Create a Sustainable Garden

If you have outdoor space, consider creating a sustainable garden. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about nurturing a healthier planet. Planting native species is a smart choice. These plants are adapted to your region’s climate and require less water and maintenance. By conserving water, you’re helping alleviate the stress on freshwater resources.

Additionally, embrace organic gardening practices to minimize the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Pesticides can harm beneficial insects and contribute to soil and water pollution. Organic gardening promotes a balanced ecosystem and healthier soil, making your garden a haven for both you and the environment.

8. Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning

Your cleaning routine can also make a positive impact on the environment. Swap out conventional cleaning products for environmentally friendly alternatives. Many eco-friendly cleaning products are effective and safe for both your family and the planet.

Traditional cleaning products often contain chemicals that can be harmful when released into the environment. Phosphates, commonly found in detergents, can lead to water pollution and harm aquatic life. In contrast, eco-friendly cleaning products are formulated to minimize these negative effects while still keeping your home clean and healthy.

9. Reduce, Reuse, Repair

In our quest for sustainability, every action counts. Before you toss out an item, think about the potential for repair and reuse. It’s like giving a second life to things that might otherwise end up in landfills. This simple act not only conserves resources but also helps reduce the environmental impact of producing new items.

For instance, when you fix a broken appliance instead of replacing it, you’re not just saving money; you’re also conserving the raw materials and energy that would have gone into manufacturing a new one. In essence, it’s a small effort with a significant impact.

10. Educate Yourself and Others

Knowledge is a powerful tool in the journey towards sustainability. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions. But it doesn’t stop with self-education; sharing your knowledge with friends and family can spark a ripple effect of positive change.

Staying informed about sustainability issues is like having a compass that guides you towards better choices. For instance, you might learn that single-use plastic waste is a global problem. In 2019, global plastic production reached 368 million metric tons, as reported by the World Economic Forum. By sharing this knowledge and encouraging others to adopt sustainable practices, you can collectively work towards protecting our planet. Every small action adds up to a significant impact.

But it doesn’t stop at personal knowledge. Imagine sharing this information with friends and family, sparking discussions and inspiring collective efforts. Through education and advocacy, you can influence others to adopt sustainable practices, creating a spreading that benefits the planet we all call home.

Understanding ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors

ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, is a framework that evaluates a company’s performance and impact in these three key areas. Let’s break down how ESG relates to the topics we’ve discussed and bring in some real data to illustrate its importance.

1. Environmental (E):

This aspect of ESG focuses on a company’s environmental footprint and commitment to sustainability.

• Reducing Carbon Footprint: ESG considerations often involve assessing a company’s efforts to reduce its carbon emissions. For example, in 2020, Microsoft committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030, aiming to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.
• Resource Efficiency: ESG also looks at resource use. Walmart, for instance, has committed to zero waste in its operations by 2025 and aims to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2035.

2. Social (S)

The social aspect of ESG examines a company’s impact on society and its treatment of employees, customers, and communities.

• Workplace Practices: Companies are evaluated on factors such as fair labor practices and diversity and inclusion. For instance, Google publishes annual diversity reports to track progress in creating a more inclusive workplace.
• Community Engagement: ESG also considers a company’s involvement in the communities where it operates. Starbucks, for example, has set a goal to donate 100 million coffee trees to coffee farmers by 2025, helping to support sustainable livelihoods.

3. Governance (G)

Governance relates to a company’s leadership, ethics, and transparency.

• Ethical Leadership: Companies are assessed for ethical leadership and responsible decision-making. Apple, for example, has stringent supplier responsibility standards to ensure ethical practices throughout its supply chain.
• Transparency and Reporting: ESG requires transparency in reporting. Johnson & Johnson, a pharmaceutical giant, provides comprehensive sustainability reports that detail its progress and goals in various ESG areas.

ESG is increasingly important for businesses, investors, and consumers alike. It’s not just about being socially responsible; it also makes good business sense. Companies that embrace ESG principles are often better positioned to navigate risks, attract investors, and build trust with customers. At UGREEN, we understand the significance of ESG in today’s world. Explore our Sustainability Consulting services and Life Cycle Assessment post to see how we can help you incorporate ESG into your sustainability strategy and accelerate sustainability worldwide.

In Conclusion: Building a Greener Future Through Sustainable Living

In summary, sustainable living is far more than just a personal choice; it’s a collective commitment to the well-being of our planet. By adopting the steps outlined in this guide and seamlessly integrating sustainable practices into your daily life, you become a crucial player in the global effort to create a greener future.

Embrace Sustainability Today, Transform Tomorrow

To emphasize the significance of this commitment, let’s turn to some real data:

• According to the United Nations, the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This population growth places tremendous pressure on our planet’s resources. Sustainable living practices are essential to ensure a better quality of life for all while safeguarding the environment.
• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that humanity’s ecological footprint — the demand we place on the Earth’s resources — currently exceeds the planet’s capacity to regenerate. This overshoot leads to environmental degradation and threatens biodiversity.

Your Role in the Grand Scheme of Sustainability

Your role in this grand scheme is not insignificant. By making conscious choices, such as reducing meat consumption, conserving water, and supporting eco-friendly products, you directly contribute to positive change. It’s not just about the environment; it’s also about preserving a healthy and prosperous future for generations to come.

Start Your Sustainable Journey Now

To embark on your sustainable journey with guidance and expertise, explore our Sustainability Consulting services . These services offer personalized strategies to accelerate your sustainability efforts on a larger scale.

Additionally, delve into Life Cycle Assessment to gain insights into the environmental impacts of your products and processes, enabling more informed and sustainable decision-making.

Remember, every seemingly small effort counts when striving for a more sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle. Together, we can create a world where sustainability thrives, and the planet flourishes. Start your sustainable journey today and be part of the positive change the world urgently needs.

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PTE EXAM PREPARATION

PTE Academic Exam Practice Material

Go Green Essay

Read go green essay for class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Know more about an essay on go green in English for students in 300 words.

Go Green Essay 300 Words

Environmental issues and ecological imbalance in nature has resulted in the devastation of various natural resources that has ultimately posed risk to mankind and nature. Our planet earth is suffering from numerous problems like pollution, deforestation, global warming, climatic changes and much more. Therefore, it is crucial to devise some solutions to combat such problems and make the environment green and clean to survive happily. In other words, we can say that we should go green to help nature flourish and prosper.

So here are some ways which can help us go green and increase the green cover on the earth:

We should stop using plastic: Plastic is one of the major contributors to environmental pollution so it is important that we should stop using plastic and switch to wooden based material in our homes. Also, we must use jute or paper bags instead of plastic ones to reduce our plastic footprint on nature.

Recycle and reuse: We can always recycle and reuse products to reduce waste and decrease pollution levels in the environment such as old and discarded items can be used for décor and other purposes in the homes and offices.

Save water: We should conserve water by switching off taps, using a bucket of water for bathing instead of showers. Rainwater harvesting and watershed management are some of the other ways to conserve water.

Planting and saving trees: By using reusable items instead of using toilet papers and disposable towels, printing on both sides of the page, using hand dryers instead of paper napkins, we can contribute to saving a tree. Also, we must plant some green plants and trees around our houses to increase the green cover on the land.

Conserve energy: We must save electricity and use alternative sources of energy such as solar energy, wind energy and tidal energy to reduce the usage of non-renewable sources that take a lot of time to regenerate.

Thus, these are some of the ways to go green and make our earth look more green and clean. If the government and people should come together and take the above steps, we can achieve success in making this earth a healthy and safe place to live in.

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The Better Good Life: An Essay on Personal Sustainability

Imagine a cherry tree in full bloom, its roots sunk into rich earth and its branches covered with thousands of blossoms, all emitting a lovely fragrance and containing thousands of seeds capable of producing many more cherry trees. The petals begin to fall, covering the ground in a blanket of white flowers and scattering the seeds everywhere.

Some of the seeds will take root, but the vast majority will simply break down along with the spent petals, becoming part of the soil that nourishes the tree — along with thousands of other plants and animals.

Looking at this scene, do we shake our heads at the senseless waste, mess and inefficiency? Does it look like the tree is working too hard, showing signs of strain or collapse? Of course not. But why not?

Well, for one thing, because the whole process is beautiful, abundant and pleasure producing: We enjoy seeing and smelling the trees in bloom, we’re pleased by the idea of the trees multiplying (and producing delicious cherries ), and everyone for miles around seems to benefit in the process.

The entire lifecycle of the cherry tree is rewarding, and the only “waste” involved is an abundant sort of nutrient cycling that only leads to more good things.

The entire lifecycle of the cherry tree is rewarding, and the only “waste” involved is an abundant sort of nutrient cycling that only leads to more good things. Best of all, this show of productivity and generosity seems to come quite naturally to the tree. It shows no signs of discontent or resentment — in fact, it looks like it could keep this up indefinitely with nothing but good, sustainable outcomes.

The cherry-tree scenario is one model that renowned designer and sustainable-development expert William McDonough uses to illustrate how healthy, sustainable systems are supposed to work. “Every last particle contributes in some way to the health of a thriving ecosystem,” he writes in his essay (coauthored with Michael Braungart), “The Extravagant Gesture: Nature, Design and the Transformation of Human Industry” (available at).

Rampant production in this scenario poses no problem, McDonough explains, because the tree returns all of the resources it extracts (without deterioration or diminution), and it produces no dangerous stockpiles of garbage or residual toxins in the process. In fact, rampant production by the cherry tree only enriches everything around it.

In this system and most systems designed by nature, McDonough notes, “Waste that stays waste does not exist. Instead, waste nourishes; waste equals food.”

If only we humans could be lucky and wise enough to live this way — using our resources and energy to such good effect; making useful, beautiful, extravagant contributions; and producing nothing but nourishing “byproducts” in the process.

If only we humans could be lucky and wise enough to live this way — using our resources and energy to such good effect; making useful, beautiful, extravagant contributions ; and producing nothing but nourishing “byproducts” in the process. If only our version of rampant production and consumption produced so much pleasure and value and so little exhaustion, anxiety, depletion and waste.

Well, perhaps we can learn. More to the point, if we hope to create a decent future for ourselves and succeeding generations, we must. After all, a future produced by trends of the present — in which children are increasingly treated for stress, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease, and in which our chronic health problems threaten to bankrupt our economy  — is not much of a future.

We need to create something better. And for that to happen, we must begin to reconsider which parts of our lives contribute to the cherry tree’s brand of healthy vibrance and abundance, and which don’t.

The happy news is, the search for a more sustainable way of life can go hand in hand with the pursuit of a healthier, more rewarding life. And isn’t that the kind of life most of us are after?

In Search of Sustainability and Satisfaction

McDonough’s cherry-tree model represents several key principles of sustainability — including lifecycle awareness, no-waste nutrient cycling and a commitment to “it’s-all-connected” systems thinking (see “ See the Connection “). And it turns out that many of these principles can be usefully applied not just to natural resources and ecosystems, but to all systems — from frameworks for economic and industrial production to blueprints for individual and collective well-being.

For example, when we look at our lives through the lens of sustainability, we can begin to see how unwise short-term tradeoffs (fast food, skipped workouts, skimpy sleep, strictly-for-the-money jobs) produce waste (squandered energy and vitality, unfulfilled personal potential, excessive material consumption) and toxic byproducts (illness, excess weight , depression, frustration, debt).

We can also see how healthy choices and investments in our personal well-being can produce profoundly positive results that extend to our broader circles of influence and communities at large.

Conversely, we can also see how healthy choices and investments in our personal well-being can produce profoundly positive results that extend to our broader circles of influence and communities at large. When we’re  feeling our best and overflowing with energy and optimism, we tend to be of greater service and support to others. We’re clearer of mind, meaning we can identify opportunities to reengineer the things that aren’t working in our lives. We can also more fully appreciate and emphasize the things that are (as opposed to feeling stuck in a rut , down in the dumps, unappreciated or entitled to something we’re not getting).

When you look at it this way, it’s not hard to see why sustainability plays such an important role in creating the conditions of a true “ good life ”: By definition, sustainability principles discourage people from consuming or destroying resources at a greater pace than they can replenish them. They also encourage people to notice when buildups and depletions begin occurring and to correct them as quickly as possible.

As a result, sustainability-oriented approaches tend to produce not just robust, resilient individuals , but resilient and regenerative societies — the kind that manage to produce long-term benefits for a great many without undermining the resources on which those benefits depend. (For a thought-provoking exploration of how and why this has been true historically, read Jared Diamond’s excellent book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed .)

The Good Life Gone Bad

So, what exactly is a “good life”? Clearly, not everyone shares the same definition, but most of us would prefer a life filled with experiences we find pleasing and worthwhile and that contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

We’d prefer a life that feels good in the moment, but that also lays the ground for a promising future — a life, like the cherry tree’s, that contributes something of value and that benefits and enriches the lives of others, or at least doesn’t cause them anxiety and harm.

Unfortunately, historically, our pursuit of the good life has focused on increasing our material wealth and upgrading our socioeconomic status in the short term (learn more at “ What Is Affluenza? “). And, in the big picture, that approach has not turned out quite the way we might have hoped.

For too many, the current version of “the good life” involves working too-long hours and driving too-long commutes. It has us worrying and running ourselves ragged.

For too many, the current version of “the good life” involves working too-long hours and driving too-long commutes. It has us worrying and running ourselves ragged, overeating to soothe ourselves, watching TV to distract ourselves, binge-shopping to sate our desire for more, and popping prescription pills to keep troubling symptoms at bay. This version of “the good life” has given us only moments a day with the people we love, and virtually no time or inclination to participate as citizens or community members.

It has also given us anxiety attacks; obesity; depression ; traffic jams; urban sprawl; crushing daycare bills; a broken healthcare system; record rates of addiction, divorce and incarceration; an imploding economy; and a planet in peril.

From an economic standpoint, we’re more productive than we’ve ever been. We’ve focused on getting more done in less time. We’ve surrounded ourselves with technologies designed to make our lives easier, more comfortable and more amusing.

Yet, instead of making us happy and healthy, all of this has left a great many of us feeling depleted, lonely, strapped, stressed and resentful. We don’t have enough time for ourselves, our loved ones, our creative aspirations or our communities. And in the wake of the bad-mortgage-meets-Wall-Street-greed crisis, much of the so-called value we’ve been busy creating has seemingly vanished before our eyes, leaving future generations of citizens to pay almost inconceivably huge bills.

The conveniences we’ve embraced to save ourselves time have reduced us to an unimaginative, sedentary existence that undermines our physical fitness and mental health and reduces our ability to give our best gifts.

Meanwhile, the quick-energy fuels we use to keep ourselves going ultimately leave us feeling sluggish, inflamed and fatigued. The conveniences we’ve embraced to save ourselves time have reduced us to an unimaginative, sedentary existence that undermines our physical fitness and mental health and reduces our ability to give our best gifts. (Not sure what your best gift is? See “ Play to Your Strengths ” for more.)

Our bodies and minds are showing the telltale symptoms of unsustainable systems at work — systems that put short-term rewards ahead of long-term value. We’re beginning to suspect that the costs we’re incurring could turn out to be unacceptably high if we ever stop to properly account for them, which some of us are beginning to do.

Accounting for What Matters

Defining the good life in terms of productivity, material rewards and personal accomplishment is a little like viewing the gross domestic product (GDP) as an accurate measurement of social and economic progress.

In fact, the GDP is nothing more than a gross tally of products and services bought and sold, with no distinctions between transactions that enhance well-being and transactions that diminish it, and no accounting for most of the “externalities” (like losses in vitality, beauty and satisfaction) that actually have the greatest impact on our personal health and welfare.

We’d balk if any business attempted to present a picture of financial health by simply tallying up all of its business activity — lumping income and expense, assets and liabilities, and debits and credits together in one impressive, apparently positive bottom-line number (which is, incidentally, much the way our GDP is calculated).

Yet, in many ways, we do the same kind of flawed calculus in our own lives — regarding as measures of success the gross sum of the to-dos we check off, the salaries we earn, the admiration we attract and the rungs we climb on the corporate ladder.

But not all of these activities actually net us the happiness and satisfaction we seek, and in the process of pursuing them, we can incur appalling costs to our health and happiness. We also make vast sacrifices in terms of our personal relationships and our contributions to the communities, societies and environments on which we depend.

This is the essence of unsustainability , the equivalent of a cherry tree sucking up nutrients and resources and growing nothing but bare branches, or worse — ugly, toxic, foul-smelling blooms. So what are our options?

Asking the Right Questions

In the past several years, many alternative, GDP-like indexes have emerged and attempted to more accurately account for how well (or, more often, how poorly) our economic growth is translating to quality-of-life improvements.

Measurement tools like the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), developed by Redefining Progress, a nonpartisan public-policy and economic think tank, factor in well-being and quality-of-life concerns by considering both positive and negative impacts of various products and services. They also measure more impacts overall (including impacts on elements of “being” and “doing” vs. just “having”). And they evaluate whether various financial expenditures represent a net gain or net loss — not just in economic terms, but also in human, social and ecological ones (see “Sustainable Happiness,” below).

Perhaps it’s time to consider our personal health and well-being in the same sort of broader context — distinguishing productive activities from destructive ones, and figuring the true costs and unintended consequences of our choices into the assessment of how well our lives are working.

To that end, we might begin asking questions like these:

• Where, in our rush to accomplish or enjoy “more” in the short run, are we inadvertently creating the equivalent of garbage dumps and toxic spills (stress overloads, health crises, battered relationships, debt) that will need to be cleaned up later at great (think Superfund) effort and expense?
• Where, in our impatience to garner maximum gains in personal productivity, wealth or achievement in minimum time, are we setting the stage for bailout scenarios down the road? (Consider the sacrifices endured by our families, friends and colleagues when we fall victim to a bad mood, much less a serious illness or disabling health condition.)
• Where, in an attempt to avoid uncertainty, experimentation or change , are we burning through our limited and unrenewable resource of time (staying at jobs that leave us depleted, for example), rather than striving to harness our bottomless stores of purpose-driven enthusiasm (by, say, pursuing careers or civic duties of real meaning)?
• Where are we making short-sighted choices or non-choices (about our health, for example) that sacrifice the resources we need (energy, vitality, clear focus) to make progress and contributions in other areas of our lives?

In addition to these assessments, we can also begin imagining what a better alternative would look like:

• What might be possible if we embraced a different version of the good life — the kind of good life in which the vast majority of our choices both feel good and do good?
• What if we took a systems view of our life , acknowledging how various inputs and outputs play out (for better or worse) over time? What if we fully considered how those around us are affected by our choices now and in the long term?
• What if we embraced more choices that honor our true nature, that gave us more opportunities to use our talents and enthusiasms in the service of a higher purpose?

One has to wonder how many of our health and fitness challenges would evaporate under such conditions — how many compensatory behaviors (overeating, hiding out, numbing out) would simply no longer have a draw.

How many health-sustaining behaviors would become easy and natural choices if each of us were driven by a strong and joyful purpose , and were no longer saddled with the stress and dissatisfaction inherent in the lives we live now?

Think about the cherry-tree effect implicit in such a scenario: each of us getting our needs met, fulfilling our best potential, living at full vitality, and contributing to healthy, vital, sustainable communities in the process.

If it sounds a bit idealistic, that’s probably because it describes an ideal distant enough from our current reality to provoke a certain amount of hopelessness. But that doesn’t mean it’s entirely unrealistic. In fact, it’s a vision that many people are increasingly convinced is the only kind worth pursuing.

Turning the Corner

Maybe it has something to do with how many of our social, economic and ecological systems are showing signs of extreme strain. Maybe it’s how many of us are sick and tired of being sick and tired — or of living in a culture where everyone else seems sick and tired. Maybe it’s the growing realization that no matter how busy and efficient we are, if our efforts don’t feed us in a deep way, then all that output may be more than a little misguided. Whatever the reason, a lot of us are asking: If our rampant productivity doesn’t make us happy, doesn’t allow for calm and creativity, doesn’t give us an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way — then, really, what’s the point?

These days, it seems that more of us are taking a keen interest in seeking out better ways, and seeing the value of extending the lessons of sustainability beyond the natural world and into our own perspectives on what the good life is all about.

In her book MegaTrends 2010: The Rise of Conscious Capitalism , futurist Patricia Aburdene describes a hopeful collection of social and economic trends shaped by a large and influential subset of the American consuming public. What these 70 million individuals have in common, she explains, are some very specific values-driven behaviors — most of which revolve around seeking a better, deeper, more meaningful and sustainable quality of life (discover the four pillars or meaning at “ How to Build a Meaningful Life “).

[“Conscious Consumers” balance] short-term desires and conveniences with long-term well-being — not just their own, but that of their local and larger communities, and of the planet as a whole.

These “Conscious Consumers,” as Aburdene characterizes them, are more carefully weighing material and economic payoffs against moral and spiritual ones. They are balancing short-term desires and conveniences with long-term well-being — not just their own, but that of their local and larger communities, and of the planet as a whole. They are acting, says Aburdene, out of a sort of “enlightened self-interest,” one that is deeply rooted in concerns about sustainability in all its forms.

“Enlightened self-interest is not altruism,” she explains. “It’s self-interest with a wider view. It asks: If I act in my own self-interest and keep doing so, what are the ramifications of my choices? Which acts — that may look fine right now — will come around and bite me and others one year from now? Ten years? Twenty-five years?”

In other words, Conscious Consumers are not merely consumers, but engaged and concerned individuals who think in terms of lifecycles, who perceive the subtleties and complexities of interconnected systems .

As John Muir famously said: “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” Just as the cherry tree is tethered in a complex ecosystem of relationships, so are we.

Facing Reality

When we live in a way that diminishes us or weighs us down — whether as the result of poor physical health and fitness, excess stress and anxiety, or any compromise of our best potential — we inevitably affect countless other people and systems whose well-being relies on our own.

For example, if we don’t have the time and energy to make food for ourselves and our families, we end up eating poorly, which further diminishes our energy, and may also result in our kids having behavior or attention problems at school, undermining the quality of their experience there, and potentially creating problems for others.

As satisfaction and well-being go down, need and consumption go up.

If we skimp on sleep and relaxation in order to “get more done,” we court illness and depression, risking both our own and others’ productivity and happiness in the process and diminishing the creativity with which we approach challenges.

At the individual level, unsustainable choices create strain and misery. At the collective level, they do the same thing, with exponential effect. Because, when not enough of us are living like thriving cherry trees, cycles of scarcity (rather than abundance) ensue. Life gets harder for everyone. As satisfaction and well-being go down, need and consumption go up. Our sense of “enough” becomes distorted.

Taking Full Account

The basic question of sustainability is this: Can you keep doing what you’re doing indefinitely and without ill effect to yourself and the systems on which you depend — or are you (despite short-term rewards you may be enjoying now, or the “someday” relief you’re hoping for) on a likely trajectory to eventual suffering and destruction?

When it comes to the ecology of the planet, this question has become very pointed in recent years. But posed in the context of our personal lives, the question is equally instructive: Are we living like the cherry tree — part of a sustainable and regenerative cycle — or are we sucking up resources, yet still obsessed with what we don’t have? Are we continually generating new energy, vitality, generosity and personal potential , or wasting it?

We can work just so hard and consume just so much before we begin to experience both diminishing personal returns and increasing degenerative costs.

The human reality, in most cases, isn’t quite as pretty as the cherry tree in full bloom. We can work just so hard and consume just so much before we begin to experience both diminishing personal returns and increasing degenerative costs. And when enough of us are in a chronically diminished state of well-being, the effect is a sort of social and moral pollution — the human equivalent of the greenhouse gasses that threaten our entire ecosystem.

Accounting for these soft costs, or even recognizing them as relevant externalities, is not something we’ve been trained to do well. But all that is changing — in part, because many of us are beginning to realize that much of what we’ve been sold in the name of “progress” is now looking like anything but. And, in part, because we’re starting to believe that not only might there be a better way, but that the principles for creating it are staring us right in the face.

By making personal choices that respect the principles of sustainability, we can interrupt the toxic cycles of overconsumption and overexertion. Ultimately, when confronted with the possibility of a better quality of life and more satisfying expression of our potential, the primary question becomes not just can we continue living the way we have been, but perhaps just as important, why would we even want to ?

If the approach we’ve been taking appears likely to make us miserable (and perhaps extinct), then it makes sense to consider our options. How do we want to live for the foreseeable and sustainable future, and what are the building blocks for that future? What would it be like to live in a community where most people were overflowing with vitality and looking for ways to be of service to others?

While no one expert or index or council claims to have all the answers to that question, when it comes to discerning the fundamentals of the good life, nature conveniently provides most of the models we need. It suggests a framework by which we can better understand and apply the principles of sustainability to our own lives. Now it’s up to us to apply them.

Make It Sustainable

Here are some right-now changes you can make to enhance and sustain your personal well-being:

1. Rethink Your Eating.

Look beyond meal-to-meal concerns with weight. Aim to eat consciously and selectively in keeping with the nourishment you want to take in, the energy and personal gifts you want to contribute, and the influence you want to have on the world around you.

To that end, you might start eating less meat, or fewer packaged foods, or you might start eating regularly so that you have enough energy to exercise (and so that your low blood sugar doesn’t negatively affect your mood and everyone around you).

You also might start packing your lunch, suggests money expert Vicki Robin: Not only will you have more control over what and how you eat, but the money you’ll save over the course of a career can amount to a year’s worth of work. “Bringing your lunch saves you a year of your life,” she says.

2. Set a Regular Bedtime

Having a target bedtime can help you get the sleep you need to be positive and productive, and to avoid becoming depleted and depressed. Research confirms that adequate sleep is essential to clear thinking, balanced mood, healthy metabolism, strong immunity, optimal vitality and strong professional performance.

Research also shows that going to bed earlier provides a higher quality of rest than sleeping in, so get your hours at the start of the night. By taking care of yourself in this simple way, you lay the groundwork for all kinds of regenerative (vs. depleting) cycles.

3. Own Your Outcomes

If there are parts of your life you don’t like — parts that feel toxic, frustrating or wasteful to you — be willing to trace the outcomes back to their origins, including your choices around self-care , seeking help, balancing priorities and sticking to your core values.

Also examine the full range of outputs and impacts: What waste or damage is occurring as a result of this area of unresolved challenge? Who else and what else in your life might be paying too-high a price for the scenario in question? If you’re unsure about whether or not a choice or an activity you’re involved in is sustainable, ask yourself the following questions:

• Given the option, would I do or choose this again? Would I do it indefinitely?
• How long can I keep this up, and at what cost — not just to me, but to the other people and systems I care about?
• What have I sacrificed to get here; what will it take for me to continue? Are the rewards worth it, even if the other areas of my life suffer?

Sustainable Happiness

Not all growth and productivity represent progress, particularly if you consider happiness and well-being as part of the equation. The growing gap between our gross domestic product and Genuine Progress Indicator (as represented below) suggests we could be investing our resources with far happier results.

Data source: Redefining Progress, rprogress.org . Chart graphic courtesy of Yes! magazine.

Learn more about the most reliable, sustainable sources of happiness and well-being in the Winter 2009 issue of Yes! magazine, available at www.yesmagazine.org .

Learning From Nature

What can we learn from ecological sustainability about the best ways to balance and sustain our own lives? Here are a few key lessons:

• Everything is in relationship with everything else. So overdrawing or overproducing in one area tends to negatively affect other areas. An excessive focus on work can undermine your relationship with your partner or kids. Diminished physical vitality or low mood can affect the quality of your work and service to others.
• What comes around goes around. Trying to “cheat” or “skimp” or “get away with something” in the short term generally doesn’t work because the true costs of cheating eventually become painfully obvious. And very often the “cleanup” costs more and takes longer than it would have to simply do the right thing in the first place.
• Waste not, want not. Unpleasant accumulations or unsustainable drains represent opportunities for improvement and reinvention. Nature’s models of nutrient cycling show us that what looks like waste can become food for a process we simply haven’t engaged yet: Anxiety may be nervous energy that needs to be burned off, or a nudge to do relaxation and self-inquiry exercises that will churn up new insights and ideas. Excess fat may be fuel for enjoyable activities we’ve resisted doing or haven’t yet discovered — or a clue that we’re hungry for something other than food. The clutter in our homes may represent resources that we haven’t gotten around to sharing. Look for ways to put waste and excess to work, and you may discover all kinds of “nutrients” just looking for attention. (See “ The Emotional Toll of Clutter “.)

The Sustainable Self

Connie Grauds, RPh, is a pharmacist who combines her Western medical training with shamanic teachings, and in her view, we get caught in wearying patterns primarily because of fear . “Energy-depleting thoughts and feelings underlie energy-depleting habits,” Grauds writes in her book  The Energy Prescription , cowritten with Doug Childers. She says that we often burn ourselves out because we’re unconsciously afraid of what will happen if we don’t.

Grauds uses the shamanic term “susto” to describe our anxious response to external situations we can’t control — the traffic jam, the work deadline, the pressure to buy stuff we don’t really need. “Susto” triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, which encourages short-term, unconscious reactions to stress. When we shift to a more internal focus, tuning in to our body’s physical and emotional signals more reflectively, we act from what Grauds calls our “sustainable self.” She says the sustainable self can be accessed anytime with a simple four-step process:

• Take a deep breath ;
• Feel your body;
• Notice your thoughts, and then;
• Recognize that you are connected to a larger network of energy .

“A sustainable self recognizes and embraces its interdependent relationship to life,” she says, explaining that when we get our energy from controlling external circumstances we’re bound to collapse eventually, but when we’re connected to our internal reserves, we can be much more effective. “By consistently doing things that replenish us and not doing things that needlessly deplete us,” Grauds writes, “we access and conduct the energy we need to make and sustain positive changes and function at peak levels.”

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Transform Your Life: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Lifestyle

Sustainable living is a lifestyle choice that serves the environment and our communities. It’s about living consciously, reducing waste, conserving resources, and adopting practices that benefit all of us. We all have an obligation to ourselves and future generations to make sure we live sustainably; it’s crucial for preserving the planet and creating a better world for everyone. Here, I want to share some tips on how to live a sustainable life – one that does good for your neighbours, environment, and yourself!

Living sustainably doesn’t mean making drastic changes or sacrifices; small daily choices increase over time. You don’t need to be perfect to embrace sustainability – little daily steps can make all the difference. From cutting down on plastic use to eating local produce, there are plenty of simple ways to practice sustainability without overhauling your entire life.

Through this article, I hope to guide how easy it is to start living more sustainably while reaping its many benefits – from saving money to feeling connected with nature and the community. Join me as we explore sustainable living and learn how to incorporate these values into our everyday lives!

The term “sustainable lifestyle” creates an image of peaceful coexistence between humans and the environment, where we can all thrive in harmony. It is rooted in the idea that living sustainably reduces our negative impact on the planet while providing us with everything we need to lead happy lives.

Sustainable living means creating a balance between our needs and those of future generations so that resources are not depleted faster than they can be replenished. This includes taking action such as reducing energy consumption, utilizing renewable sources, conserving water, buying locally grown food, composting organic waste, and more. Achieving sustainability involves making conscious decisions and changes throughout every aspect of life – from how meals are prepared to what kind of transportation is used for commuting to work or leisure activities.

In short, when it comes to lifestyle sustainability, it’s about being mindful of how actions today could affect tomorrow. We must think beyond ourselves and recognize the importance of preserving natural resources for future use; this will ensure everyone has access to clean air and water for many years. With thoughtful consideration of these aspects of daily life, we can make strides toward establishing a greener world for all who inhabit it.

Benefits Of Sustainable Living

Sustainable living offers a plethora of benefits for both people and the planet. Reducing our emissions can help protect natural resources and reduce our carbon footprint to ensure a healthier environment for future generations. Through green living practices, we can also save money while supporting more ethical production cycles that are better for workers and local communities.

The first benefit of sustainable living is reduced environmental impacts. We all should limit our adverse effects on the environment, and by making conscious choices about what we consume and how much energy we use at home or work, we can ensure that our impact is minimal. This includes reducing water usage through efficient appliances, swapping out single-use products with reusable ones, improving air quality with plants indoors and outdoors, using non-toxic cleaning supplies whenever possible, and composting organic waste instead of sending it to landfills – these small changes add up!

The other great thing about adopting eco-friendly habits is that they often lead to cost savings over time. Conserving energy leads to lower electricity bills; growing one’s food saves money spent on groceries; repurposing items like furniture or clothing reduces costs associated with buying new things; investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels help you generate your power – this way you’re not only helping the planet but also lessening financial burdens on yourself!

These two factors alone show us why sustainable lifestyle practices should be adopted into our everyday lives: They’ll improve the health of the world around us while keeping more money in our pockets. With such compelling reasons to go green, let’s explore some eco-friendly practices for home and work that will help create meaningful change in the long run.

Eco-Friendly Practices For Home And Work

At first, making eco-friendly changes to your home and work life may seem daunting. But with a few simple steps, you can go to green living and environmental stewardship.

Minor changes are often the most effective eco-friendly practices for home and work. Simple things like turning off lights when leaving a room or switching out traditional light bulbs for LED versions can help reduce energy consumption significantly. Unplugging electronics that aren’t being used also helps conserve electricity usage and save money in the long run.

In addition to reducing energy use, sustainable practices such as recycling, composting, using reusable containers instead of disposable ones, and opting for products made from recycled materials are all great ways to make an impact. Sustainable shopping habits by avoiding single-use items like plastic bags or water bottles are another critical factor in leading a greener lifestyle.

With these easy tips, anyone can start toward sustainability today!

Sustainable Shopping Habits

Now that you’ve got a good understanding of the eco-friendly practices to use at home and work let’s look into sustainable shopping habits. Shopping sustainably is essential to an eco-conscious lifestyle because it helps reduce our environmental footprint. Here are some tips for making ethical and green shopping choices:

• Sustainable Shopping – Choose products made from natural materials like organic cotton or bamboo, shop secondhand when possible, and buy items with minimal or biodegradable packaging.
• Ethical Shopping – Shop from companies with fair labor policies, create quality products with minimal waste, and prioritize sustainability over profit.
• Green Shopping – Buy locally produced goods whenever possible instead of imported items, avoid single-use plastics wherever possible, opt for refillable containers instead of disposable ones, and purchase energy-efficient appliances.

When it comes to fashion specifically, there are many ways to make more sustainable choices, such as buying secondhand clothes or investing in quality pieces that will last longer than fast fashion trends. Additionally, opting for conscious brands that emphasize sustainable fabrication processes can help contribute to positive changes within the industry while still being fashionable! With all these options at your fingertips, you’ll be able to find clothing that fits both your style and values perfectly.

Taking these steps towards responsible consumption benefits the environment and makes us more aware consumers, ultimately leading to better decision-making when it comes time to hit the stores. Our purchasing power greatly influences what types of products businesses decide to produce, so being mindful about where we put our money can go a long way toward creating real change in this world. With sustainable shopping habits under our belt, let’s explore how to minimize our carbon footprints through sustainable food choices…

Sustainable Food Choices

Many of us make food choices that are not always in our best interests. We may eat too much processed food or choose fast foods over healthier options. However, if we want to move towards a sustainable lifestyle, we need to consider the impact of what we put into our bodies. Sustainable food sources such as organic produce from local markets and plant-based diets can help reduce the environmental effects of traditional farming methods while still providing essential vitamins and minerals.

When considering which foods to buy, look for those labeled ‘organic’ or grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Not only do these foods contain fewer toxins, but they also support ethical production practices and animal welfare standards on farms. Additionally, try buying locally sourced products whenever possible – this ensures you get fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting your community simultaneously!

Finally, eating a more plant-based diet is one of the simplest ways to reduce your overall carbon footprint. Eating less meat helps conserve water resources and reduces emissions associated with livestock production. Plus, there are so many delicious plant-based recipes out there that even dedicated carnivores will find something to love! With all these options available, it’s easy to start making better food choices today for a healthier planet tomorrow.

Waste Reduction Strategies

Now that we have explored sustainable food choices let’s look at waste reduction strategies to further our journey towards a zero-waste lifestyle. We must explore the usage and adopt composting practices at home to reduce the pollution of single-use plastics.

To achieve this goal, exploring sustainable packaging solutions such as biodegradable containers and reusable bags when shopping for groceries or ordering takeout is essential. Additionally, upcycling ideas can be implemented into everyday life by repurposing items like glass jars and containers for storage instead of buying new products all the time. This not only helps with cutting back on spending but also reduces waste production.

We can also avoid using disposables whenever possible such as opting out of straws or bringing our cups while frequenting coffee shops and restaurants. Furthermore, participating in clothing swaps or thrift store donations are great ways to give gently used clothes another life rather than throwing them away after one use. With these simple changes, we can help create a cleaner environment for generations ahead!

With these techniques in mind, let’s focus on exploring renewable energy sources…

Renewable Energy Sources

A sustainable lifestyle can be achieved by utilizing renewable energy sources. We are fortunate to have access to abundant green power, from solar and wind to hydroelectric and geothermal. Solar energy is the most popular form of renewable energy; panels installed on rooftops, yards, or ground level convert sunlight into usable electricity. Wind turbines generate electricity via large airfoils that transform kinetic energy into electrical power. Hydroelectric power utilizes flowing water to turn turbines which then create electricity. Geothermal systems tap heat stored beneath Earth’s surface as a heating source in homes and businesses.

Renewable energies are better for our environment than traditional power sources like coal and gas. They also enable us to save money through lower utility bills and reduce dependence on unsustainable resources. On top of that, harnessing clean energy allows people to positively impact their communities and empower others with knowledge about sustainability.

The potential for using renewable technologies is vast – all we need is the awareness and action necessary to take advantage of it! With more research, innovation, education, policy support, and investment in green technology options, we can move closer to creating a world powered solely by clean energy sources. To continue this journey toward sustainability, let’s now discuss ways to conserve water…

Water Conservation Tips

Having discussed renewable energy sources and their importance to sustainable living, it’s time to consider ways to conserve water. Water conservation is essential to creating a sustainable lifestyle – not only because it reduces our reliance on natural resources but also because it helps us save money in the long run. Here are some tips for reducing your water usage:

First, install low-flow fixtures such as showerheads and faucets designed with water efficiency in mind. These products use less water than traditional models while still providing adequate performance. Additionally, consider installing dual flush toilets that allow you to choose between a full or reduced flow when flushing. This can help reduce your home’s water consumption by up to 50%.

Second, look for opportunities around the house to save water without sacrificing convenience or comfort. For instance, take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing teeth or washing dishes, collect rainwater for watering plants or filling pools, and fix any leaks in pipes or fixtures as soon as they crop up. All these small changes add up!

Finally, educate yourself about local watershed issues to understand how individual actions like yours affect the environment over time. Investing time into learning more about where your drinking water comes from – and taking steps to protect its source – will go a long way toward ensuring clean access for future generations. With this knowledge, we’ll be prepared to make informed decisions about transportation alternatives.

Transportation Alternatives

The transportation sector is a significant source of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but luckily there are many sustainable alternatives to driving. As environmental consciousness grows, so does the number of bike-sharing programs, electric cars, carpooling opportunities, public transportation networks, and ride-sharing services. By investing in these options, we can make tangible progress toward creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and our planet.

One example of this trend is the rise of electric vehicles as an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered models. Not only do they offer reduced emissions compared to their counterparts, but also lower running costs due to improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, electric cars often come with incentives such as tax credits or subsidized charging stations that further reduce the cost barrier associated with owning one.

Furthermore, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have become popular transportation solutions over the past decade. These services allow individuals to easily connect with drivers who will take them wherever they need to go without having to own a car themselves or rely on public transport systems. This offers convenience while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution simultaneously.

Utilizing these modes of transportation instead of single occupancy vehicles can limit our environmental impact while contributing positively to society’s sustainability goals. By supporting green initiatives like this, we can create a better world for future generations by minimizing our collective carbon footprint today. With this in mind, we must start building supportive communities with similar values regarding protecting our planet from climate change.

Building A Supportive Community

Building a supportive community is crucial for living an eco-friendly lifestyle. A sustainable community should be conscious of its environmental impact and strive to reduce it in every way possible. Sustainable cities, green living, and sustainable products are part of that effort.

One great way to create a supportive community is by connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for sustainability as you do. Reach out to local organizations or businesses that promote eco-friendly lifestyles. Get involved in activities such as volunteering at cleanups, supporting green initiatives, or attending educational seminars about sustainability topics. You can also join online forums where people discuss ideas on how to live sustainably. This will help build relationships and give you greater insight into the global conversation surrounding sustainable lifestyles.

By building a solid support system around you, you’ll have access to resources and advice from those who understand your commitment to creating a better future through green living. It’s not only beneficial but inspiring too! Together we can make the world more sustainable one step at a time; let’s start today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can i save by living a sustainable lifestyle.

Living a sustainable lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and emotionally. It’s no secret that switching to eco-friendly practices saves money in the long run – but how much? Well, it all depends on your approach and dedication. With careful planning and dedication to living an environmentally conscious life, you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

The first step is to look for ways to save energy costs with renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines. Depending on where you live, government incentives may also be available to encourage homeowners to make more sustainable choices. This could result in significant savings over time and reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, when shopping for appliances and other home goods, try looking for Energy Star-certified items designed to use less electricity and water than their non-certified counterparts.

Finally, get creative! Look into using natural resources like rainwater harvesting systems instead of traditional methods such as municipal water supplies. Planting native plants in your yard can reduce watering needs and provide habitat for local wildlife while adding beauty to your outdoor space. All these small changes add up quickly; adopting a few simple strategies now will pay off handsomely down the road.

So if you’re ready to save big bucks by living sustainably, why wait? Take the plunge today and join millions worldwide who have already made the switch – your wallet (and planet) will thank you later!

What Type Of Renewable Energy Sources Are Available To Me?

Living a sustainable lifestyle is an important way to save money, reduce environmental impact, and create a better future for future generations. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is using renewable energy sources. Let’s look at available options to help you make informed decisions about these green energy sources.

When it comes to renewable energy sources, many different technologies and systems can be implemented. For example, solar power involves installing photovoltaic cells on rooftops or other suitable locations to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Wind turbines also allow homeowners to generate their electricity from the wind. Other renewable energy sources include biomass fuels such as wood pellets, geothermal heating and cooling systems, hydropower plants using flowing water, and tidal power generated from waves hitting shorelines.

The benefits of using renewable energy sources instead of traditional fossil fuels extend beyond reducing your carbon footprint– they can save you money too! Here are four key advantages associated with investing in green energy sources:

• Lower long-term costs – Renewable energies typically have lower upfront costs than nonrenewables due to government incentives. Over time, they will cost less since you won’t need to pay for fuel like oil or gas anymore.
• Increased property value – Installing solar panels or wind turbines could increase the overall value of your home if done correctly by qualified professionals.
• Tax credits & rebates – Government programs often provide tax credits and rebates for those who invest in green energy solutions, which helps offset initial installation costs even more.
• Reduced dependence on foreign oil – By relying on renewable energies rather than imported petroleum products, individuals can lessen their reliance on unstable geopolitical regimes worldwide while helping local economies thrive through increased employment opportunities created by clean technology investments.

These are just a few examples of how living sustainably can positively affect our environment and our wallets over time! Whether you’re looking for ways to decrease emissions or want to save money on utility bills each month, considering renewable energy sources is worth exploring further.

Are There Any Government Incentives For Sustainable Living?

It’s no secret that living sustainably is vital to preserving our planet and reducing our carbon footprint. But have you ever considered government incentives available to those who choose sustainable lifestyles? There are several ways in which governments can help us reduce water consumption, switch to renewable energy sources, and lessen our impact on the environment.

To illustrate this point, let’s think of an old-fashioned sailing ship – its sails slowly taking it across oceans with little more than wind power as fuel. This type of transportation involves minimal resources, making it both efficient and environmentally friendly. In many respects, today’s incentives for a sustainable living work similarly: they provide a way for people to save money while also helping protect the planet.

From tax credits to financial assistance programs, numerous initiatives designed by governments worldwide offer support to those looking to live more sustainably. For example, countries like Germany offer generous subsidies for solar panel installation; some US states provide grants for businesses transitioning into green manufacturing processes; and utility companies often discount electricity bills when customers install energy-efficient appliances or use renewable sources such as solar or wind power.

In short, if you want to make your lifestyle greener and help preserve our planet simultaneously, there are plenty of options! It pays (literally) to research what kinds of government incentives may be available in your area so that you can take advantage of them and start saving money while doing something good for the environment.

What Are The Best Strategies For Reducing My Carbon Footprint?

Reducing your carbon footprint is an essential step in becoming more sustainable. We all know that climate change is one of humanity’s biggest challenges, and it’s up to us as individuals to do our part in combating it. Many strategies exist for reducing carbon emissions and leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

One of the best ways to start living sustainably is by shifting to carbon-neutral transportation options such as electric vehicles or bicycles. If you don’t have access to these types of transportation, consider carpooling with friends or family members when possible. Public transit, like buses and trains, can also be utilized in your area.

Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint is by investing in green energy sources at home. You could look into solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources, which can help save money on electricity bills while also helping protect the environment. Small changes, such as switching out light bulbs for LED models, can make a big difference over time. Eco-friendly housing solutions such as double-glazed windows, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances should also be considered to reduce your environmental impact further.

The key takeaway is that we can take many simple steps towards living more sustainably – from choosing sustainable transportation methods to investing in green energy solutions at home – each one will add up and contribute significantly towards creating a healthier planet for future generations!

How Can I Reduce My Water Consumption Without Sacrificing Comfort?

Irony can be a powerful tool when it comes to encouraging sustainable living. We often think of reducing our water consumption to help the environment, but how do we accomplish that without compromising comfort? The answer is simple- by using efficient water conservation practices!

Water efficiency and usage reduction are key elements in achieving sustainability goals. It doesn’t take much effort or money to achieve these objectives, either – small changes can make a big difference. For example, you could switch out your old showerhead for an efficient one with low flow rates, reducing the amount of water used per minute while still providing adequate pressure. You could also use rain-collecting barrels to capture runoff from gutters and roofs instead of relying solely on municipal sources. This would give you access to free clean water while at the same time helping conserve this precious resource.

In addition, there are many other ways to save water around your home, such as fixing any leaks or drips right away, installing aerators on faucets, running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, limiting baths/showers, and making sure not to leave taps running unnecessarily. All these combined will add up over time and contribute towards conserving more water.

So next time you think about reducing your carbon footprint by decreasing your water consumption, remember: it’s easier than you might think! Plenty of methods available don’t require sacrificing comfort and will ultimately lead to less waste and improved environmental health for everyone involved. So why wait? Start taking action today!

Living a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. It can save you money in the long run while also allowing you to make an environmental difference. Many renewable energy sources are available, and government incentives can help cover costs, so it’s worth looking into for those wanting to do their part for the planet.

Reducing your carbon footprint is as simple as implementing strategies like recycling, composting, driving less, eating plant-based foods, and buying fewer items. Consider installing low-flow fixtures such as showerheads and faucets for water conservation measures, and create rainwater catchment systems if applicable.

We can all contribute to making the world healthier by taking small steps towards sustainability daily. The important thing is to start somewhere – research what works best for you and get going! You’ll soon find out how financially, and environmentally rewarding living sustainably can be.

Sustainable Lifestyle Resources

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) –  https://www.epa.gov/
• The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) –  https://www.nrdc.org/
• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) –  https://www.worldwildlife.org/
• The Sierra Club –  https://www.sierraclub.org/
• Greenpeace –  https://www.greenpeace.org/
• The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) –  https://www.ucsusa.org/
• The Rainforest Alliance –  https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/
• 350.org –  https://350.org/
• The Global Footprint Network –  https://www.footprintnetwork.org/
• The Climate Reality Project –  https://www.climaterealityproject.org/

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How to Live a Greener Life

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Bekah Rife . Bekah Rife is a Certified Plant-Based Chef based in Los Angeles, California. Bekah has over eight years of professional experience and studied plant-based cooking in culinary school. Currently, she specializes in diet consulting and recipe development. She also offers cooking lessons and catering services. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 83,325 times.

As awareness of the civilization’s impact on the environment increases, people are becoming more willing than ever before, to accept clean lifestyles. But some people aren’t totally sure where to begin.

One doesn’t have to start out with leaps and bounds. It would be great to install a full solar system on your home, or switch to a hybrid car. But, while large steps require planning and financing, smaller steps can be taken right away.

In many cases, your choices will depend upon various factors: where you live, the natural resources available to you, your lifestyle, and others. Also, living greener means different things, like emitting less carbon, saving water or maintaining biodiversity. Therefore there is probably no “one-size-fits-all” solution to going green (or at least, greener).

But there are plenty of things you can do to live a greener life, through your day-to-day activities, and most of these apply to just about anyone.

Alena Le Blanc

Invest in well-made garments that are eco-friendly. Look for natural, sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or recycled synthetics. Look for durable denim with a high cotton content (around 98-99%). Prioritize quality over quantity to extend your closet's lifespan and reduce your environmental footprint.

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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Bekah Rife .

• ↑ https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/337.html
• ↑ https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/live_more_sustainably.html
• ↑ https://www.c2es.org/content/reducing-your-transportation-footprint/
• ↑ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/04/green-lifestyle-improve-wellbeing-health/
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/07/the-elusive-green-consumer
• ↑ https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/how-to-be-more-eco-friendly

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The Science Behind Sustainable Living: Why Eco-Friendly Choices Matter

Sustainable living, rooted in environmental science, highlights how our everyday choices directly impact the planet's ecosystems. By embracing eco-friendly habits, we pave the way for a balanced and resilient future.

Table of Contents

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Green Hive is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission . To understand our thorough approach to rating brands and products, explore our comprehensive methodology .

Key Takeaways

• Our seemingly inconsequential living practices can have far-reaching consequences for the environment.
• Reducing our consumption of consumer products, from unsustainable clothing to fossil fuels to resource-intensive meat, is a key tenet of sustainable living. Consume responsibly from sustainability-focused brands . 
• We have a collective responsibility to care for the planet, considering long-term wellbeing over short-term gratification. 

Introduction to Ideas of Sustainability

In an era marked by growing concerns over climate change, diminishing resources, and ecological degradation, the concept of sustainable living has gained significant traction with people around the world as a beacon of hope and a practical solution to mitigate humanity's impact on the planet. Sustainable living, often referred to as “eco-friendly” or “green” living, is not just a passing trend; it’s an approach to life that seeks to minimize our negative impact on the environment by making conscious choices for sustainable living that promote long-term environmental health. This requires a fundamental shift in mindset and behavior that recognizes the intricate relationship between human activities and the health of the Earth's ecosystems.

Sustainability in homes encompasses various practices, from reducing energy consumption, to supporting renewable resources and purchasing sustainably produced products, among many others. At its core, sustainable living is deeply rooted in environmental science, as it relies on a solid understanding of the intricate relationships between human activities and the ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. This article delves into the environmental science that underpins the significance of sustainable living, highlighting how everyday choices, whether conscious or unwitting, contribute to the health of ecosystems, the size of carbon footprints, and the overall environmental well-being.

The Foundation of Sustainable Living: Environmental Science

Environmental science forms the bedrock upon which the principles of sustainable living are built. It encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that draws knowledge from fields such as biology, ecology, geology, chemistry, and physics to unravel the complex dynamics of our planet's ecosystems, and how humans affect these ecosystems and processes. At its heart, environmental science seeks to comprehend the interactions between natural processes and human activities, ultimately shedding light on the potential consequences of our actions. This understanding is pivotal to realizing the consequences of our actions and making informed decisions that minimize harm to the planet.

Understanding the concept of sustainable living necessitates grasping the delicate balance that exists within ecosystems. Ecosystems are intricate webs of life where every organism, from the smallest microbe to the largest predator, plays a vital role in maintaining the health and functionality of the entire system. From microscopic bacteria to towering trees, every element of an ecosystem plays a role in maintaining its stability and function. Human actions, such as deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption of resources, can disrupt this balance and lead to cascading effects that reverberate through ecosystems, endangering biodiversity and natural resources. Forests, covering 31% of our planet, purify water and air and host over three-quarters of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. However, they face threats from deforestation , primarily due to agriculture, and degradation from illegal logging. In 2019, the tropics lost nearly 30 soccer fields of trees every minute. The Amazon alone has lost 17% of its forest in the last 50 years, mainly for cattle ranching.

Unveiling the Impact of Everyday Choices

The impact of human choices on ecosystems and the environment as a whole is immense. Everyday decisions, from the products we consume to the energy sources we rely on, contribute to a larger picture that shapes the planet's health. We will explore some of the key ways in which ideas of sustainability impact our world.

The Ripple Effect: Everyday Choices and Ecosystem Impact

One of the central tenets of sustainable living lies in recognizing the far-reaching consequences of seemingly inconsequential decisions. From the products we purchase to the energy sources we rely on, each choice we make has a potential impact on ecosystems. For instance, the preference for fossil fuels as an energy source not only contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the short-term, but also has the potential to accelerate climate change , ultimately disrupting weather patterns and threatening habitats across the globe.

Furthermore, the materials we use in our daily lives play a crucial role in shaping our ecological footprint. Single-use plastics, for instance, contribute to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution that plagues terrestrial and aquatic environments. Implementing practices that are sustainable at home, such as opting for reusable alternatives and supporting recycling initiatives, can significantly reduce the burden of waste on ecosystems. 

Carbon Footprints: Unveiling the Climate Connection

One of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time is climate change, primarily driven by the excessive emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), released from human activities like the burning of fossil fuels.

The burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industrial processes releases vast quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and a cascade of climate-related consequences, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe heat waves, and altered precipitation patterns.

 The concept of a "carbon footprint" has emerged as a metric to quantify an individual's or entity's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. It encompasses the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly as a result of various activities. Sustainable living revolves around minimizing one's carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption, embracing energy-efficient technologies, and transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. 

Transitioning from fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable options like solar and wind power reduces emissions and decreases dependence on finite resources. Additionally, choosing energy-efficient appliances and performing energy-saving practices lowers energy consumption, lessening the burden on power grids and diminishing greenhouse gas emissions. Here you can get an eximate of your carbon footprint .

It is also critical to consider the natural storage of carbon in our resources, due to the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the atmosphere. Forests, for example, serve as crucial carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and storing it as biomass. The destruction of forests, particularly tropical rainforests, not only releases stored carbon but also diminishes the Earth's capacity to sequester future emissions.

Carbon stored in ocean environments, called “ blue carbon ”, is also being affected by coastal development and habitat loss from the destruction of mangroves, marshes, and seagrasses. Thus, sustainable living involves preserving and restoring these ecosystems to mitigate the effects of climate change. Reforestation and afforestation projects help rebuild forests, enhancing carbon storage and fostering biodiversity. Conserving wetlands and mangroves not only sequesters carbon but also provides natural protection against rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Food Choices and Ecosystem Health

The food we consume also significantly impacts the environment. Modern agricultural practices, characterized by monocultures, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticide use, can degrade soil quality, pollute water bodies, and contribute to biodiversity loss. Livestock production, particularly beef , is associated with high greenhouse gas emissions due to methane production and land use change.

 Sustainable living promotes a shift toward more environmentally friendly dietary choices. Consuming plant-based diets or reducing meat consumption not only decreases the demand for resource-intensive livestock farming but also promotes healthier ecosystems. Cutting meat out of your diet can decrease your carbon footprint by up to 34% . Supporting local and organic agriculture reduces the reliance on synthetic chemicals, fosters soil health, and mitigates the negative effects of conventional farming.

The food choices we make also wield considerable influence over environmental health. The modern food system, characterized by intensive agriculture and extensive transportation networks, has significant ecological ramifications. Large-scale monocultures can deplete soil nutrients and lead to soil erosion, while excessive pesticide and fertilizer use can contaminate water bodies and harm non-target organisms. 

Food grown elsewhere must be packaged and shipped to us, sometimes across the world, increasing fuel usage from transportation and contributing to plastic pollution from packaging. It is estimated that 10 kcal of fossil fuel energy is used to produce 1 kcal of food energy in our current food system. 

Sustainable living emphasizes the consumption of locally sourced, organic, and plant-based foods, aiming to mitigate the environmental toll of conventional agriculture. Eating locally sourced, seasonal food has the added bonus of supporting your local economy.

Preserving Biodiversity: A Pillar of Sustainable Living

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is a testament to life’s resilience and adaptability. Ecosystems rich in biodiversity tend to be more stable, resilient to disturbances, and capable of providing essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration. However, human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species introduction, have led to a significant decline in biodiversity. 

Sustainable living aligns with the principles of biodiversity conservation. By protecting natural habitats, minimizing pollution, and practicing responsible consumption, individuals can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. A key aspect of this is understanding the concept of " ecological footprint ," which quantifies the amount of land and resources required to support an individual's lifestyle. Reducing this footprint through sustainable choices lessens the strain on ecosystems and promotes coexistence with other species.

To promote biodiversity in your own life and be sustainable at home, you can plant native species at home. These native plants will be easier to maintain as they are already adapted to the local habitat conditions, unlike traditional lawn care which is water- and fertilizer-intensive.

Circular Economy: Rethinking Resource Management

The linear "take-make-dispose" model of resource consumption, prevalent in our modern society, is inherently unsustainable. It not only depletes finite resources, but also generates immense amounts of waste that often ends up in landfills or polluting our natural environments. The consumer culture prevalent in many societies has led to excessive resource consumption and waste generation. Everyday products, from clothing to electronics, often have a hidden environmental cost in terms of resource extraction, manufacturing processes, and transportation. Unsustainable consumption depletes finite resources, increases pollution, and exacerbates environmental degradation.

 Simple sustainable living calls for a shift in consumption patterns. Opting for products with minimal environmental impact —such as those made from recycled or sustainable materials—reduces the demand for resource-intensive goods. Furthermore, embracing the principles of the circular economy—where products are designed for longevity, reuse, and recycling—reduces waste and conserves valuable resources.

Resource loss underscores the urgency of transitioning to a circular economy. The extraction and processing of raw materials contribute significantly to environmental degradation, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and energy consumption. By extending the lifespan of products, reusing products for the duration of their service life, reducing the need for virgin resources, and minimizing waste generation, a circular economy aligns with the principles of sustainable living, fostering a harmonious relationship between human activities and the environment.

A new concept in sustainable ideas is upcycling , when you are reusing a product in a new way to create a product of higher value. For example, some companies have used plastic bottles to make brand new shoes. Companies are increasingly seeking reclaimed materials to develop new products that are environmentally friendly.

The Role of Individual Action and Collective Responsibility

The significance of sustainable living extends beyond individual choices—it encompasses a collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for current and future generations. While the impact of individual actions may seem small, the cumulative effect of billions of people making eco-friendly choices can be substantial. Moreover, individual actions set an example for communities, industries, and policymakers to follow suit.

Sustainable living requires a holistic approach that considers economic, social, and environmental factors. It demands a shift away from short-term gains toward long-term benefits for people and the planet. It calls for conscious consumption, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and the protection of biodiversity-rich ecosystems.

Sustainable at Home: Key Actions for Everyone

Below is a summary of several sustainable ideas for homes that anyone can do. 

• Instead of stocking up on single-use plastic water bottles, try a reusable water bottle that can be washed and refilled thousands of times. You can also switch out reusable food storage containers for single-use plastic baggies that end up in a landfill. Simple switches like these can prevent millions of tons of plastics from sitting in landfills for the next 500 years . 
• If you do use single-use plastic, make sure to check the Plastic Identification number to determine which type of plastic you have and how to recycle it, as only certain types of plastic are accepted for recycling. 
• Calculate your carbon footprint and see how you compare to people around the world. Reduce your footprint by driving a more fuel efficient vehicle or taking public transit. Install energy efficient appliances in your home, which has the added benefit of reducing your monthly energy bill!
• Eat plant-based, seasonal, locally grown, organic food. Limit consumption of resource-intensive livestock and try meat alternatives. 
• Reduce your consumption of water and promote biodiversity through your home garden. Plant flower and shrub species native to your region that are easier to maintain than water- and fertilizer-intensive lawn. 
• Reduce your consumption of consumer goods, particularly those made of new or non-recyclable materials. Buy high-quality products that are made from recycled materials, second-hand items from a thrift store, or products made from vetted eco-conscious brands here . 

What is sustainable living?

Sustainable living is a lifestyle choice that prioritizes long-term environmental well-being over instant gratification and consumerism. 

Why is sustainable living important?

We only have one planet with finite resources, so we need to prevent environmental degradation from human activities. 

How can we live a sustainable life? 

There are so many ways to live a sustainable life. From the classic saying reduce-reuse-recycle, to picking sustainably-made products, to using fuel-efficient transportation, you are able to make a difference through your actions.

The science behind sustainable living underscores the profound interconnections between human actions and the health of our planet's ecosystems. From the carbon footprint of energy consumption to the preservation of biodiversity, every facet of sustainable living is rooted in a deep understanding of environmental science. As the global community grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological degradation, embracing choices for sustainable living isn't just a lifestyle trend; it's a crucial step toward ensuring the long-term viability of our planet. 

By embracing the principles of sustainability in homes and harnessing the knowledge offered by environmental science, individuals can play an active role in creating a more balanced and resilient world for current and future generations. Ultimately, the science of sustainable living reminds us that we are not just inhabitants of the Earth; we are stewards of its well-being, entrusted with the responsibility to make choices that nurture rather than harm the intricate ecosystems that sustain life.

Bennett, Elena M, et al. (2015). Linking biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being: three challenges for designing research for sustainability. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2015.03.007  

Geissdoerfer, Martin. (2017). The Circular Economy - a new sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.048   

Pollan, M. (2011). The omnivore's dilemma. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.

Seddon, Nathalie. (2020). Understanding the value and limits of nature-based solutions to climate change and other global challenges. The Royal Society Publishing. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2019.0120  

van de Kamp, Mirjam, et al. (2018). Healthy diets with reduced environmental impact? – The greenhouse gas emissions of various diets adhering to the Dutch food based dietary guidelines. Food Research International. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2017.06.006  

Wegener, C. (2016). Upcycling. In: Glăveanu, V.P., Tanggaard, L., Wegener, C. (eds) Creativity — A New Vocabulary. Palgrave Studies in Creativity and Culture. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137511805_22

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How to make your life greener in 2024

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Ian Williams receives funding from EU Horizon 2020 and EPSRC. Ian Williams is a member of the International Solid Waste Association, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Alice Brock does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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People all around the world traditionally use their new year to embark on a change in lifestyle.

The People’s Climate Vote , a UN survey of public opinion on climate change, highlights that citizens around the world recognise climate change as a global emergency and agree that we should do everything necessary in response.

People are gradually adopting more sustainable lifestyles , but many find it hard to change habits and often don’t know where to start their sustainability journey.

Read more: Eco-anxiety: climate change affects our mental health – here's how to cope

So if you’re looking to make your life greener in 2024, here are some manageable and affordable changes you can make.

We throw away a billion tonnes of food each year. Food waste often generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide .

But there are simple changes you can make to eat more sustainably (and often at less expense too). These include eating locally and seasonally, or eating less meat and more plants, especially beans and greens . Beans require no nitrogen fertilisers (which are, in part, produced from natural gas) thanks to their ability to convert nitrogen from the air into nutrients.

Going meat-free on one day each week would be a good start. Eating processed “ mock meats ” can be a stepping stone towards a more plant-based lifestyle, although they are relatively expensive.

Planning your meals in advance and making sure you eat your leftovers will help you reduce unnecessary waste. And use a microwave for cooking where possible since it is more energy efficient than cooking over a stove.

You don’t have to do them all – choose the ones that work best for you.

2. Travelling

We all need to travel, whether to work, school, university or to the shop. Sustainable travel is a balancing act.

Choosing active travel – walking, wheeling and cycling – is the greenest option, keeping us and our children fitter and healthier while producing no carbon emissions. Try replacing one or two car journeys a week with active travel options if you can.

In urban areas, where you’re travelling shorter distances, active transport is often faster and cheaper than car travel. It also reduces congestion , which is a significant cause of urban air pollution.

For longer journeys, travelling by train or bus is more environmentally friendly than by car and plane . But you often must plan ahead to get the cheapest tickets.

3. Energy use

The energy we use at home is becoming increasingly expensive and is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Making small changes to our daily energy use can make a big difference , both to our bills and household emissions.

Most of these changes are easy and convenient. Turn off lights when leaving a room. Cook food with the saucepan lid on. Turn your home thermostat down by 1°C. Wash clothes and crockery at colder temperatures. Take shorter showers. Unplug devices such as microwaves when not in use and chargers when devices are fully charged. And replace broken halogen light bulbs with more efficient LED versions.

Using the data recorded by a smart meter (if you have one) to monitor your energy use can help you make these changes.

4. Clothing

People love buying new clothes. But “fast fashion” has an astonishingly high environmental and social cost . The fashion industry generates over 92 million tonnes of waste every year, most of which is incinerated, sent to landfill or exported to developing countries.

There are lots of ways to be both fashionable and sustainable. Start by organising your wardrobe so you know what you’ve got before you start shopping, and that anything you buy will “work” with what you currently have.

Don’t throw away damaged items – there are loads of YouTube videos to help you repair clothes and accessories. You can even make your clothing more personal using repair methods such as Sashiko stitching , making the repair a visible feature of your clothing.

Buying second-hand will save you money, and the social and environmental benefits of charity retail are widely recognised . You could also swap clothing you no longer want with friends and family or at swap shops .

Alternatively, you could buy less, but higher quality clothing. These items are usually more durable and last longer.

5. Waste management

We generate more than 2 billion metric tons of solid municipal waste worldwide each year. This figure is expected to increase by 70% by 2050 . There are many small changes we can make to reduce the amount we put in our bins.

Writing a shopping list can reduce overbuying and impulse buying. Take reusable bags with you when you shop. And shop packaging free. There are lots of places to buy food without excess packaging like zero-waste shops where customers are encouraged to use containers from home to fill and refill with bulk wholefoods.

Make sure you know what you can recycle locally and follow the advice provided. Reducing waste saves valuable resources as well as reducing pollution and your weekly spend.

By making small changes to our lifestyles, we can collectively move towards a more sustainable future.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like? Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 30,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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Essay on Clean and Green Environment

Students are often asked to write an essay on Clean and Green Environment in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Clean and Green Environment

Importance of a clean and green environment.

A clean and green environment is essential for healthy living. It means having unpolluted air, water, and land. Clean surroundings prevent diseases, while greenery provides fresh air and a peaceful habitat.

Role of Trees

Trees play a crucial role in maintaining a green environment. They absorb harmful gases, provide oxygen, and prevent soil erosion. Planting more trees is a simple and effective way to enhance greenery.

Our Responsibility

Everyone has a role in keeping the environment clean. We should avoid littering, recycle waste, and conserve water. Small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet.

250 Words Essay on Clean and Green Environment

Introduction.

A clean and green environment is the cornerstone of sustainable living. It is not just about aesthetic appeal but also about the health and survival of life on Earth. As we progress technologically and economically, it is crucial that we maintain the balance between development and environmental preservation.

The Role of Individuals and Society

The responsibility of maintaining a clean and green environment lies with every individual and society as a whole. Simple practices like waste segregation, minimal use of plastic, and recycling can make a significant difference. Planting trees and creating green spaces in urban areas can help in combating the grave issue of air pollution.

Technological Interventions

Technological advancements can also contribute to environmental preservation. For instance, renewable energy technologies can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, thereby reducing pollution. Similarly, green buildings, smart cities, and other sustainable technologies can help in maintaining a clean and green environment.

In conclusion, a clean and green environment is not just an option but a necessity for our survival. It requires collective efforts from individuals, societies, and governments, along with the intelligent use of technology. As we move forward, let us pledge to adopt more sustainable practices and make our planet a better place for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Clean and Green Environment

The imperative of a clean and green environment.

The environment is an integral part of our existence, offering us resources and sustenance. As we continue to exploit these resources, we must also consider the importance of maintaining a clean and green environment. This essay explores the significance of such an environment, the challenges faced, and the possible solutions.

A clean and green environment is not merely an aesthetic preference; it is a prerequisite for our physical and mental well-being. Clean surroundings reduce the risk of diseases and improve air quality, whereas green spaces contribute to biodiversity and combat climate change. They offer a natural habitat for various species, aiding in the preservation of ecological balance. Moreover, they act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 emissions and mitigating global warming.

Challenges to a Clean and Green Environment

Role of sustainable development.

Sustainable development is a viable solution to these challenges. It promotes the judicious use of resources to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This approach involves adopting cleaner production methods, promoting renewable energy, and implementing waste management strategies.

Green Technologies and Innovation

Innovation and technology can also play a crucial role in creating a clean and green environment. Green technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease CO2 emissions. Moreover, advancements in waste management technologies can help in recycling and reusing waste, reducing landfill and pollution.

Individual and Collective Responsibility

In conclusion, a clean and green environment is vital for our survival and well-being. Despite the challenges posed by industrialization and urbanization, solutions exist in the form of sustainable development, green technologies, and individual actions. It is our collective responsibility to implement these solutions and safeguard our environment for future generations.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Happy studying!

One Comment

HSR very good and nice essay I just want to write it in my essay competition and just see how I am doing that it is really very good answer

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How to Live Green

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA . Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 23,608 times.

The climate is changing, and the human race is finding that we must rethink many of the habits that we've taken for granted for generations. [1] X Research source Many societal changes will need to take place on a personal, day-to-day scale. Fortunately, "living green" can be an economical decision as well as an ecological decision. Set your intention, and make small steps. Learn to live in harmony with the earth!

Being a Conscious Consumer

• Buy food in bulk! Look for a local wholesale grocery store that features bulk food bins. You can purchase grains, flours, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and other staples by the pound, no plastic packaging necessary.
• Bring your own canvas bag when you go shopping. If you have the choice between "paper or plastic": choose paper. Use reusable baskets, bins, and cardboard boxes to carry bulk purchases. [4] X Research source
• Try storing food in jars or Tupperware containers. Wash out plastic bags and reuse them.
• Drink tap water, not bottled water! It is cheap, and it is safe. [5] X Research source

• Buy local, when possible. It takes a lot of money and fossil fuels to transport goods around the world. Supporting farmers and craftspeople in your area can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. [6] X Research source
• Buy recycled products, when possible. If you must buy paper and plastic, then buy recycled paper and recycled plastic products.

• Refill glass and plastic water bottles. Clean out food-packaging jars and use them for drinking or storage.
• Use rechargeable batteries. It's hard to safely dispose of traditional batteries, and they are not designed with reuse in mind. Rechargeable batteries can dramatically increase the time between battery purchases!

• Every area is different, so make sure that you understand which municipal recycling options are available to you.
• Recyclable items need to be clean and free of food residue, especially paper products. If you have mixed material recycling, the residue on glass and aluminum can contaminate paper products.

Greening Your Home

• Switch out incandescent light bulbs for energy-saving bulbs. Try using dim lights at night. Install solar-powered lamps in your yard or garden to replace any traditional grid- or battery-powered lights.
• Buy low-energy appliances. Replace your dishwasher, your clothes washer, your drying machine, your refrigerator, etc. Find a version of each appliance that allows for a low electricity flow, or features a low-heat option, or even runs off the grid.

• Consider filling your yard with gravel, sand, or tanbark. Make a rock garden or build a patio!

• Install insulation and double-glazed windows to minimize heat loss from your house. Detect heating loss using a thermal imager. Try to optimize the heat retention and airflow of your house so that the space requires as little electrical climate support as possible.
• Make sure that all of your windows open, and install openable windows to replace those that don't. Use fans to keep the air moving throughout your home.
• Install tankless water heaters. Depending on where you live, it may make sense to use geothermal or solar energy to heat your water.

Changing Lifestyle Habits

• Remember that you don't need to bring your carbon footprint to absolutely zero to make a difference. Every little bit helps.

• Open the windows. Use fresh air and sunlight for a free, natural source of cooling, heating, and light. Consider whether you truly need the lights and the A/C on during the day.
• Avoid leaving devices plugged in when you aren't using them. Turn your computer to sleep or hibernate mode when you don't need it on.

• Collect rainwater for watering gardens and lawns. Install timers on sprinklers to limit water usage. Put in water-less urinals.

• Consider using Internet-based ride-sharing networks to match with strangers who are seeking or offering rides. Try https://rideshare.org/ , Zimride .
• Adjust your expectations. Many methods of transportation are much slower and less convenient than driving a car. This does not mean that you cannot find value in them. Do your work or read a book on the train; look at your bicycle commute as a workout; use a carpool to connect with your coworkers outside of the office.

• Communicate over the Internet. Use email, e-cards, and social media to keep in touch with people. Paper correspondence holds a certain nostalgia for many people, but it is not the greenest way.
• Change your newspaper and magazine subscriptions from print to electronic. This way, you can get all of the content with none of the waste.

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You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://ar5-syr.ipcc.ch/
• ↑ http://www.puregreenmag.com/pure-green-blog/budget-friendly-green-living
• ↑ http://lausd-oehs.org/docs/Recycling/Non_Recyclable_List.pdf
• ↑ http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/explore/reduce/
• ↑ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/100310/why-tap-water-is-better/
• ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/slideshows/10-ways-to-live-green-on-a-budget/3
• ↑ http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/70-easy-ways-to-green-up-your-life/swap-out-your-hand-soap
• ↑ http://www.wm.com/thinkgreen/what-can-i-recycle.jsp
• ↑ http://storyofstuff.org/
• ↑ https://energy.gov/articles/4-ways-slay-energy-vampires-halloween

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Why It is Important to Go Green: 6 Crucial Reasons

September. 16, 2022

Going green refers to finding ways to live your life that are ecologically friendly and changing your behaviors and spending patterns to lessen your impact on the environment and save the world. Going green is crucial, and there are many advantages to it. Green life contributes to the sustainability and habitability of the world as a whole. It's more about protecting the environment from pollution of the air, water, and land, as well as from global warming. There are numerous methods to live sustainably.

Following are six important reasons to help you go green and safeguard the environment.

Lower Electricity Costs

Most people desire to go green, which is the primary motivation for doing so. The goal line is to reduce electricity charges and save money. You must install energy-efficient light bulbs at your locations. You can reduce your electricity costs by about 20% by living sustainably. Alternatively, you might spend your money on solar panels, which would pay for itself in a few years .

Lower Water Costs

Another excellent argument for going green is to lower your water bills. Going green alone can save you thousands of dollars, which you can use for your children or other interests. Don't let your water consumption run out of control. Save 6 litres of water a minute by turning off your tap while you brush your teeth.

A Requirement to Protect The Environment

It will help if you alter your thinking to be sincere about protecting the environment and going green. Instead of removing every tree, you should only remove those in the way and adopt architectural solutions that cause the least amount of environmental harm. Consider planting more tree s because they will aid in shading your structures and preventing wind from entering your home.

Reduce Air and Water Pollution

In addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), burning wood and using other fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal also releases several hazardous compounds into the atmosphere that hurt the environment and human health. Emissions can be reduced, and air pollution can be avoided in various ways. Utilizing renewable and sustainable alternative energy sources results in little to no emissions, which improves health and has a minor negative environmental impact. In addition, they are a dependable source that creates more jobs than energy based on fossil fuels, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Similarly, vehicles powered by alternate emit very little to no emissions: science and technology-related issues.

According to National Ocean Atmospheric Administration, water pollution is caused by point sources where waste is discharged into rivers and oceans. Non-point breakdown includes soil erosion, agricultural runoff loaded with fertilizers and pesticides, urban runoff containing oil, and pet and garden wastes, explains the Environmental Protection Agency's Non-Point Sources page (EPA Non-Point Sources).

Effects on Wildlife and Human Health

Such actions could prevent the premature death of 3 million individuals, for whom air pollution has become "a severe environmental health risk," according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, reducing air pollutants would reduce water pollution by reducing acid rain and eutrophication, harming crops, trees, and wildlife, especially in aquatic habitats.

One of the main reasons why going green is essential is that it helps improve and take care of health. Health is the most critical thing in the world, so health must always be our priority. So, going green can help you improve your overall health to a considerable extent.

Economic Advantages

Economic benefits may result from purifying wastewater to reduce nitrogen pollution from effluents. There are other environmental advantages as well. According to a study cited by Science Daily, it decreases eutrophication, greenhouse gas production, and energy use. According to the Environment Working Group, having access to clean water benefits farmers, fisheries, tourism, homeowners, and other groups (EWG). The increased commercial and agricultural activity might result in at least $22 billion in annual gains. To achieve these favorable effects, agricultural pollution must be reduced. Although some consumption is inevitable, recycling can help to keep living standards high. According to the American Geoscience Institute, producing new things always uses much more energy than recycling, which only uses a small portion.

GreenLiving produce durable, zero-waste items for you and provide you with excellent customer service and original act eco-friendly items to meet your fundamental needs. Safe for your family members, non-toxic, and harmless. If you want to get eco friendly home products at reasonable prices, get in touch with us now !

Going green is a way of living that focuses on preserving the environment and utilizing sustainable practices to protect natural resources, biodiversity, and habitats. Besides this, if we want to save the world, a fall can be an accident for seniors, but Loving Homecare Inc.'s Fall Prevention in La Habra assists in keeping elders living safely at home. The loss of muscle strength and balance is one of the most frequent reasons because our seniors are also an essential part of this world.

With the help of this article, you can discover how essential living green is for saving the environment. Going green contributes to making the earth sustainable and livable and helps you realize the value of doing it.

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9 Tips for How to Live Green

If you want to know whether global warming is happening or not, who should you ask? A scientist or a climate change expert? Well, they may give you a good answer but try asking a Tuscan winemaker.

Winemakers are sensitive about climate. After all, it’s what makes the difference between a great wine and a failed grape crop. Almost every Tuscan winemaker says they’ve seen climate change happening.

Living green is the only way to save our precious planet from climate change. Here are 9 tips on how to live green so that you can do your part to preserve our earth.

1. Get on Your Bike

About 30 percent of global warming emissions in the USA come from transport. For every gallon of gas they use, cars and trucks emit about 24 pounds of global warming gases including carbon dioxide. If you want to know how to be eco friendly start with transport.

To reduce your environmental impact, reduce your use of carbon dioxide emitting transport. Consider if you need to own a personal car. Public transport is more environmentally friendly than personal transport.

If you have to use a car then maintain it well to reduce poor performance that wastes fuel. Use your cruise control to optimize speed and fuel consumption. Reduce journeys by grouping tasks together.

If you can make your journey by bicycle or even walking, it will be better for the environment. It’ll be better for you too.

Waste that is not sorted and recycled goes into landfill. That waste material can often be re-used and so reduce consumption of raw materials. There are many ways in which your waste could be useful to somebody else.

Take unwanted belongings to a charity shop. This helps raise money for the charity and means that the item can be used by someone who may not be able to afford a new item. More importantly, it reduces the environmental impact of wasting the item and depositing it in a landfill site.

Recycling of many materials is both economically and environmentally beneficial. Using recycled aluminum a can manufacturer can make 20 cans with the same energy as making one from scratch. Similarly, recycled glass uses nine gallons less oil per ton than new glass does.

The energy savings of recycling impact on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the energy-producing industries.

3. Refuse Bottled Water

Don’t buy and drink bottled water. Most plastic water bottles are single-use containers. They end up in a landfill site and more bottles are manufactured using energy and oil-based plastics.

Buy a reusable bottle and fill it from the faucet or a water cooler. This reduces energy use; materials waste and it generally tastes fine.

4. Use Less Water

Water production takes lots of energy. The collection, processing, and distribution of water uses energy. Reduce your water usage can reduce this energy usage.

Don’t have a bath when you can have a shower. A shower uses about half the water of a bath. If you share a shower you can reduce your combined water use and you might even have some fun too.

Don’t leave the faucet running when cleaning your teeth. When washing dishes fill a bowl rather than wash under a running tap. Don’t rinse every dish before putting them into a dishwasher.

If you have to have a car don’t wash it yourself. Commercial car washes control their water and energy use because it costs them money to use these precious resources. Take a break and let them do the work.

5. Reduce Power Use

Reduce your use of electricity by switching off electricity you don’t need. Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using.

Turn your home or office heating down by one degree. Check timers so that you are not unnecessarily heating or cooling your home.

When washing clothes wait until you have a full load before washing. Half loads are less efficient. Check whether you can reduce the temperature of the wash.

6. Staycation

Reduce your contribution to air travel emissions by taking greener vacations. Consider how to go green with your vacation plans. Stay nearer home and choose a less environmentally damaging break from the routine.

If you are wondering how to be more environmentally friendly when on vacation consider the saying “a change is as good as a rest”. Try camping, doing some voluntary work or a house swap. Even a stay at home but with a change of routine can be very relaxing.

7. Chose Reusable Diapers

If you use disposable diapers you know that they can quickly fill your refuse bins. Disposable diapers go into landfill sites. The manufacturing process is also environmentally damaging.

A reusable cloth diaper is more expensive and involves more work. Over the long-term, they are more economical. They can also be kinder to the baby and the planet.

8. Go Vegetarian

Not eating meat can be less difficult for some people than you think. If you are already eating more healthily you may be eating less meat. More steps to a meat-free diet could be done as you become more used to it.

Beef has a major environmental impact . Growing grain to feed beef cattle and the methane they produce are the main problems. Eating less or better still no beef is one of the best ways to go green.

9. Use Less Paper

Many banks and other organization will give you the option to “go paperless”. Using online statements avoids the need for printing paper and posting it. Choose paperless ticketing whenever it is available.

Using online directories instead of paper ones can be more convenient and saves paper too. When using writing paper, write on both sides and up to the edges. When wrapping presents, re-use gift wrapping paper.

Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive by registering for a service that removes you from junk mail lists. Using less paper reduces energy use, water use and reduces the impact of disposal. If you have to use paper, recycle it.

Learn How to Live Green

There are so many ways to go greener that this list is only the tip of the iceberg. Before the ice caps melt, we all need to learn how to be more environmentally friendly. In the meantime, do what you can.

Learn more about how to live green by clicking here .

NuEnergy is committed to sharing easy ways to go green with eco-friendly tips , renewable energy info, green business ideas, as well as tips and tricks for living a green lifestyle .

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Green Lifestyle: Positive Impact on the Environment

INTRODUCTION Green lifestyle is any action or activity that results in a positive impact, to any degree, on the environment so that the planet can continue to support future generations. The practice of green living minimizes or eliminates toxins (poisons) from our environment as well as reducing and eliminating purely destructive habits. The goal and purpose of green living is preserving and improving the health of planet Earth for all. This definition of green living embraces our personal environments, including the internal environment of our bodies, our home, work and social environments as well as the whole planet’s environment. Green lifestyle is fundamentally the application of sustainability to lifestyle choice and decisions. Green lifestyle is the concept that have three bottom line such as ecological, societal, and economical needs without compromising these factors for future generations. There are also four element that interconnected social domains: economics, ecology, politics and culture. Green living means making sustainable choices about what we eat, how we travel, what we buy, and how we use and dispose of it. We can implement sustainability in our workplace practices, and by greening the buildings we inhabit. Our everyday choices can create a sustainable lifestyle. The subject of green living is growing in popularity and importance as we face several different problems relating to lifestyles and practices that are actually destructive to our environments.

Learning and practicing green living is something that we can do about these problems as individuals, families, groups and nations to start turning the scene around. According to the definition of green living, we can make more choices that benefit our health. This of course, depends on knowing how our personal product choices and actions affect our health and the environment. For starters, find some green living products and tips to try. Then incorporate those that work for us into our lifestyle. Communities that adapt the green lifestyle generally strive to minimize waste, reduce consumption and preserve open space. additionally, they don’t consume resources faster than they can be replenished, and they don’t produce waste faster than it can be assimilated back into the environment. We can create green lifestyle by designing the neighborhood to encourage walking or bicycling is one way sustainable communities put these first two principles into practice and also less driving means less gas and reduced emissions. By sustainable of green lifestyle, we attempt to reduce carbon emission by rectifying how we consume energy, methods of transportation and the food we consume. Recycling is the part of the green lifestyle that may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon in today’s world, but archeologists are discovering that our prehistoric ancestors lived a green lifestyle. According to growing evidence, the objects that they used in their daily lives, creating new utensils from broken tools made of flint or bone. From here, we know that the history of green lifestyle have been started long time ago and been developed more effectively when Rachel Carson (1907-1964) certainly helped foster a reawakening of environmentalism, but it was Henry David Thoreau , in his book Maine Woods, who called for the conservation of and respect for nature and the federal preservation of virgin forests. There are many ways and activities in many countries over the world that promoted green lifestyle to the public in order to educate the public about the healthy living and safe our planet. The green lifestyle are categorized into many part such as shelter, food, transportation, energy and utilities, waste and recycling, and so forth.

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The types of green lifestyle that we can applied in our daily can be started from eat healthy and organic foods, use eco-friendly transportation such as hybrid electric cars, the power saving of energy by unplugging every appliance that we don’t use, shopping using the reuseable bags and many more. The characteristics of green lifestyle are built using sustainable methods, materials, and facilitate green practices, enabling a more sustainable lifestyle. The choicse that we make everyday will help us create green lifestyle. Their construction and maintenance have neutral impacts on the Earth. For example, we can start gardening at our house yard with the trees, herba plant, flower to create the green environment that gives fresh air and healthy living. In addition, gardening can be our new hobby where it is relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by people from any age group. To sustain the green lifestyle in our daily routine, we can assess products on the basis of their entire life-cycle, not simply the time we use it and also support companies that will take back products after their useful life and reuse the materials. There are many benefits of green lifestyle to consumer, society, countries and also to entrepreneurs such as green lifestyle help to reduce pollution, help the consumers become healthier by consuming the safety products, helping to maintain the ecological balance on the earth, so that all living beings can survive and thrive in their natural habitats. The important benefit of green living lifestyle is making this planet sustainable. The rate at which we consume the resource available in the world would leave nothing left for the future generations. For the entrepreneurs, the products or services that promote green lifestyle can be the competitive advantages to attract the customers to purchase from them.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GREEN LIFESTYLE The green lifestyle means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help to protect the enviroment and at the same time, sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. A green lifestyle involves the choices that we have to make in our daily routine such as what we buy and consume, how we travel, what we eat to gain the healthy bodies. Green living also refers to the way of life that enables us to preserve the Earth, its natural resources and maintaining the ecological balance of our environment. Adopting a green living philosophy simply means making choices and decisions that have the most positive effect possible for all of these environments. Ten years ago,the concept of green living was something that foreign to most people but now, however, many family across the country make it as a priority to buy organic foods and seek out green services in a quest to live a healthy lifestyle. One common misconception about green behaviors, it is possible to live a green lifestyle without spending a lot of money, and the changes made could also lead to financial saving in the future. In order to maintain a sustainable green lifestyle, it is very important to eliminate or decrease our reliance on importing on foreign oil which both for enviromental and political reasons. Most of the energy we consume comes from non-renewable or non disposal resources and most of these types of this products can cause pollution and defeats the issue of environmental protection.

There are many types of renewable resources are developed and used by the communities and also individuals, which is great in living a green lifestyle, but not quite mainstream yet. It is important to shed light on replacing current sources of energy and adopting alternative resources as a part of our lives in order to life a green lifestyle. There will be the characteristics of the green lifestyle that we must implement to achieve sustainability starting in our own house,workplace and where ever we go. The characteristics must be fulfill the green lifestyle so that we can gain the benefits from what we have implemented in our daily life. Firstly, the characteristics of household that applied green lifestyle, we can start by making a significant contribution to protect the environment by stopping the use of items that are supposed to make our live easier. The simple ways to green lifestyle in our own house is saving of electricity and turned off the light that we do not use. Even saving water is part of a green lifestyle and drying our clothes outside in the sun instead of using dryers. It is very true those chemicals, which we need for cleaning is also harmful to the environment, so when we use and make up our own cleaning combinations at home, we will do a lot in saving the environment. By unplugging every appliance that we don’t use, we aren’t emitting phantom energy, which costs us money.

We ren’t using the Earth’s precious energy uselessly and emitting dangerous CO2 into the air which harms the ozone layer. We can begin to find sources of renewable energy instead. In addition, the other ways that we do is by starting with simple things to create green lifestyle household is, like changing our lightbulbs to LEDs, by growing some food in whatever small or large space that we have, whether it be pea vines up a wall and herbs in a windowbow, or turning a vacant lot into an organic farm. We can converrt the products in our homes to products made with safe, non-toxic and environmentally sensitive ingredients. As we can afford it, we can add solar panels for hot water and electricity, catch rainwater and filter it, possibly install composting toilets and grey water treatment systems, and maybe even figure out a way to make money from home so as to reduce the need to travel. Beside that, we can gain the benefits of living green such as the cut cosst either in a household, a community or a nation. By conserving resources and energy will help to prevent the waste of electricity, water and adopting the greener way of living that will assist us in reducing unnecessary expenses. Second characteristics of green lifestyle that have been applied to many houses, in western countries there are many houses are built using sustainable methods, materials, and facilitate green practices, enabling a more sustainable lifestyle.

Their construction and maintenance have neutral impacts on the Earth. Often, Sometimes, they are off-the-grid homes that do not require any public energy, water, or sewer service. Sustainably designed houses are generally sited so as to create as little of a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem as possible, oriented to the sun so that it creates the best possible microclimate (typically, the long axis of the house or building should be oriented east-west), and provide natural shading or wind barriers where and when needed, among many other considerations. Third characteristics of green lifestyle in our nutrition, we can begin to purchase organic or from locally grown farms instead of common grocery stores. Organic and local grown produce are essentially much more expensive to purchase, but we are helping the environment by purchasing products that contain added pesticides which not only harm the environment, but our bodies as well. By buying locally we are keeping small town farmers in business which helps keep green in their pockets and feed their families. Besides that, buying local and organic food requires less fuel for shipping or petrochemical based fertilizers and pesticides that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Therefore, purchasing and supporting organic products is another fundamental contribution to sustainable living.

Organic farming is a rapidly emerging trend in the food industry and in the web of sustainability. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. By sustaining these goals, organic agriculture are uses techniques such as crop rotation, permaculture, compost, green manucure and biological pest control besides organic farming also prohibits or strictly limits the use of manufactured fertilizers and pesticides, plant grwoth regulators such food additives, genetically modified organisms or hormones. Organic farmed products are like vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs, meat, dairy, eggs, fibers and also flowers. Fourth characteristics of the green lifestyle in transportation concept, we can learn to commute by taking public transit, like a bus or train. Another way is by carpool with another co-worker to work each day and also ride bike, or walk if work isn’t too far away form our house. All of these options are environmentally friendly as public transportation carries many people at once, rather than a car which usually carries one person at a time. Public transportation saves you money as it is usually around RM 60-70 a month for a public transit pass, while gas expenses can be anywhere from around RM 200-400 a month. By carpooling we are essentially using one less vehicle to clutter the streets and highways. Meanwhile, biking and walking are by far the most environmentally friendly things on the planet which use no gas, and therefore produce no pollution Driving result environmental pollution due to release of dangerous gases as a result of burning fuel and vehicle are use worldwide that lead to lots of harmful gases are release to the atmosphere leading to detrimental effect into our environment.

So that, by walking we will improve our health and at the same time protect our environment. With rising peak oil concerns, climate warming exacerbated by carbon emissions and high energy prices, the conventional automobile industry is becoming less and less feasible to the conversation of sustainability. Such urban transport systems should consist of a combination of rail transport, bus transport, bicycle pathways and pedestrian walkways. In other ways to sustain green lifestyle into our daily life, we can drive hybrid cars that make use of both gasoline and electric energy. These are better for the environment because they do not use as much gas or emit as much toxic fumes. Many manufacturers are focusing more on hybrid and eco friendly vehicles. In contrast to plug-in hybrid cars, electric bikes do not directly use any fossil fuels. Adequate sustainable urban transportation is dependent upon proper city infrastructure and planning that incorporates efficient public transit along with bicycle and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Hybrid and electric vehicles are expensive where if we have a car that still runs well, keep it but make a few changes to the way we drive. In addition, regularly clean out our car to avoid weighing it down with unnecessary “junk”. A heavier car will use more gas, which why it is important to reduct the clutter. Finally,make sure our tires have enough air in therm and we will get more miles to the gallon if we are vigilant about our air pressure. If we want to help the Earth but we don’t want to spend a lot of money, make small changes to our driving habits, install energy efficient appliances, and look for ways to cut back on your waste.

Fifth characteristics of green lifestyle that we applied for the container or bags that we will use everyday, we can use reusable coffee mugs, and reusable water bottles to work and we go. Here, we helping to saves tree from becoming a paper cup that is essentially non recyclable. Currently, there are many coffee shops now offer a 10 cent discount for bringing in our own reusable mug. Starbucks is the example the coffee shops that use reusable cups where reuseable cups keep our drinks, like coffee hotter, and cold drinks, like water, colder. They can be a little expensive to buy outright, but they save the environment, and our money. The other characteristic of green lifestyle that we can apply is by investing in cleaning products that are green, biodegradable, and uses less harmful plastic containers. The less plastic in the containers, the better they are for the environment. One of the most environmentally friendly cleaning products to use in our home is vinegar. It’s non toxic, is not harmful to us, our little ones or to the environment. The smell is not pleasant, mind us, but it’s safer to know that if we accidentally ingest it we aren’t going to die as it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. It is a multipurpose cleaner that can be used on any surface without causing harm. In order to adapt the green lifestyle, we need to invest in reusable lunch bags, stainless steal containers, reusable napkins, and reusable cloth snack baggies. We will save money by bringing our own lunch from home everyday, and save the environment by not throwing away lunch containers, lunch wrappers and paper cups out at lunch everyday.

Thousands of trees are torn down each year to make the containers for fast food items, the paper bags that our lunch is placed in,the paper cups we drink from and the wrapper that our food is wrapped in. By bringing our lunch to work everyday in a reusable container we are saving trees from being torn down for useless items. In University of Technology Petronas, Tronoh, Perak, is the example of university that applied the green lifestyle in the campus area where every food court must used the paper container when the students take away their meals. The greening of mainstream society has added additional complexity to the age-old “paper or plastic” dilemma. We all understand that reusable shopping bags are more environmentally responsible than disposable paper bags or plastic bags. It is often made from fabric such as canvas, woven synthetic fibers, or a thick plastic that is more durable than disposable plastic bags, allowing multiple use.Reusable shopping bags are a kind of carrier bag, which are available for sale in supermarkets and apparel shops. Reusable shopping bags require more energy to produce than common plastic shopping bags. In our country itself, we have declared that Saturday is the day that we don’t use plastic bags when shopping at groceries, supermarkets and also other shops.

There will charged around 20 cent if the customers want to use plastic bags on Saturday. Sixth characteristics that we can apply to sustain green lifestyle are by implement the 3R activities that such as recycle, reduce, reuse. We can start to familiarize ourself with the first R by purchasing second hand products. There are many shops that sell second hand items to the consumers and also buy the second hand items from the customer. We can also begin to shop at thrift stores for clothing and household items. To avoid wastage, we can find places that recycle old ink cartridges, cell phones, computers and appliances. By recycling and looking for alternatives to the trash, weare keeping the Earth clean and free of debris that essentially leaks very harmful chemicals into the environment. Recycling is very important in leading a green lifestyle and there are also variety ways to recyle more than just cell phones, batteries and eletronics. Composting is another great source for environmental protection as we put waste back into our garden and save money at the same time. Furthermore, too have green lifestyle at workplace or at home, where it is possible use a laptop and computers that have become common machine for use at the office and in our home. Laptop preserve energy by 50% as compared to desktop,so that, using laptop will be preferable because it is affordable and can easily be moved to any where at anytime. In this situation also, if our appliances are several years old, considering switching them out for energy efficient models. While we will be spending more money and the utility bills should go down as a result, leading to quite a bit of savings in the future. In addition, we can donate or recycle the old appliances so that we don’t increase landfill waste. There are number of ways to reduce waste in sustainable living which one of it is by reducing paper waste such as taking action to cancel junk mai and move paper transaction to an online document. Another method to reduce waste is to buy in bulk, which reduces packaging materials. Food waste can be reintegrated into the environment through composting. Composting can carried out at home or locally, with community composting . An additional example of how to reduce waste is being cognizant of not buying materials with limited use in exces such as paint. By resuing materials, one lives sustainably by not contributing to the addition of waste to landfills. Reuse saves natural resources by decreasing the necessity of raw materials extraction. Recycling is the process that breaks down used items into raw materials to make new materials, is a particularly useful means of contributing to the renewal of goods. By intergrating measures of reusing, reducing and recycling one can effectively reduce production of waste and use materials in a sustainable manner. Lastly, the characteristics of green lifestyle that we can apply to our own body is by stop smoking. Smoking is the worst thing for the environment and for our wallet. Cigarettes leak over 4000 toxic chemicals into the environment as well as our body and it is the hardest habit to break. There is an alternative to a regular cigarette though. It is called GreenSmoke. It is an electric cigarette that contains only 4 ingredients (nicotine, water, propylene glycol, and flavoring) which are not harmful to the environment. It emits a vapor rather than the smoke that we would normally find in a regular cigarette. The cartridges come in a variety of flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, apple, menthol, regular, coffee and vanilla. We won’t need to worry about littering the ground with this cool electric cigarette, as it is rechargable. We can also stop consuming the items that can harm our health, our environment and other lifes. For parenting, paper diapers are dangerous for babies bums as they contain bleach to make them white, as well as chlorine and have numerous fragrances to make them have that “clean” as new smell. It takes so many trees to make paper diapers, and each paper diaper takes 500 years to degrade in a landfill. Now cloth diapers are the best thing for the environment and fulfilled the characteristic for us to apply as the green lifestyle. There are no fragrances and no dyes, they are reusable, and can be used for many children. They pay for themselves within a few months of purchasing, are cuter than paper, and gentler on baby’s bum. Cloth are gentler on the environment because there are no trees being cut down to manufacture them, there are no harmful chemicals in them, and they won’t be sitting in a landfill for 500 years.They are the greenest thing for a baby’s bum as well as for the environment.

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Why did women vote for Hitler? Long-forgotten essays hold some answers

The rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party in the 1930s came on the back of votes from millions of ordinary Germans – both men and women.

But aside from a few high-profile figures, such as concentration camp guard Irma Grese and “concentration camp murderess” Ilse Koch , little is known about the everyday women who embraced the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, known more commonly as the Nazi Party. What little data we do have on ordinary Nazi women has been largely underused, forgotten or ignored. It has left us with a half-formed understanding of the rise of the Nazi movement, one that is almost exclusively focused on male party members.

And yet more than 30 essays on the subject “Why I became a Nazi” written by German women in 1934 have been lying fallow in the archives of the Hoover Institution in Palo Alto for decades. These essays were only unearthed three years ago when three Florida State University professors arranged to have them transcribed and translated. They have since been made available digitally , but have not received widespread attention.

Not all Cabaret

As scholars of Holocaust studies , crimes against humanity and political behavior , we believe the accounts of these women give an insight into the role of women in the rise of the Nazi party. They also point to the extent to which women’s attitudes on feminism differed after the Great War – a time when women were making gains in independence, education, economic opportunity and sexual freedom.

The German women’s movement had been among the most powerful and significant in the world for half a century before the Nazis came to power in 1933. Top-quality high schools for girls had existed since the 1870s, and German universities were opened to women at the beginning of the 20th century. Many German women became teachers, lawyers, doctors, journalists and novelists. In 1919, German women got the vote . By 1933, women, of whom there were millions more than men – Berlin had 1,116 women for every 1,000 men – voted in roughly the same percentages as men for Hitler and National Socialist candidates.

‘Everyone was everyone’s enemy’

The essays unearthed at the Hoover Institution give an insight as to why some of them did.

Dissatisfaction with the attitudes of the Weimar era, the period between the end of World War I and Hitler’s rise to power, is clear in the women’s writing. Most of the essay writers express distaste with some aspect of the political system. One calls women’s voting rights “a disadvantage for Germany,” while another describes the political climate as “haywire,” and “everyone was everyone’s enemy.” Margarethe Schrimpff, a 54-year-old woman living just outside of Berlin, describes her experience:

“I attended the meetings of all … parties, from the communists to the nationalists; at one of the democratic meetings in Friedenau [Berlin], where the former Colonial Minister, a Jew by the name of Dernburg, was speaking, I experienced the following: this Jew had the audacity to say, among other things: ‘What are the Germans actually capable of; maybe breeding rabbits.’ "Dear readers, do not think that the heavily represented stronger sex jumped up and told this Jew where to go. Far from it. Not one man made a sound, they stayed dead quiet. However, a miserable, frail little woman from the so-called ‘weaker sex’ raised her hand and forcefully rejected the Jew’s brazen remarks; he had in the meantime allegedly disappeared to attend another meeting.”

These essays were originally collected by an assistant professor at Columbia University, Theodore Abel, who organized an essay contest with generous prizes with the cooperation of the Nazi Propaganda Ministry. Of nearly 650 essays, roughly 30 were written by women, and Abel set them aside, explaining in a footnote that he intended to examine them separately. But he never did. The men’s essays formed the basis for his book, “ Why Hitler Came To Power ,” published in 1938, which remains an important source in the global discourse about the Nazi rise to power.

Summarizing Abel’s findings, historian Ian Kershaw wrote in his book on Hitler’s rise to power that they showed that the “appeal of Hitler and his movement was not based on any distinctive doctrine.” He concluded that almost a third of the men were attracted by the indivisible “national community” – Volksgemeinschaft – ideology of the Nazis, and a similar proportion were swayed by nationalist, super-patriotic and German-romantic notions. In only about an eighth of the cases was anti-Semitism the prime ideological concern, although two-thirds of the essays revealed some form of dislike of Jews. Almost a fifth were motivated by the Hitler cult alone, attracted by the man himself, but the essays reveal differences between men and women in the reason for the enthrallment with the Nazi leader.

The cult of Hitler

For men, the cult of personality appears to center around Hitler as a strong leader charging toward a Germany which defined itself by those it excluded. It’s not surprising that women, on the cusp of exclusion themselves, were less captivated by this component of Nazism. Rather, the women’s essays tend to refer to religious imagery and sentiment conflating piety with the Hitler cult. The women appear to be moved more by Nazism’s proposed solutions to problems such as poverty rather than the supposed grandeur of Nazi ideology in the abstract.

In her essay, Helene Radtke, a 38-year-old wife of a German soldier, describes her “divine duty to forget about all my household chores and to perform my service to my homeland.”

[ Insight, in your inbox each day. You can get it with The Conversation’s email newsletter .]

Agnes Molster-Surm, a housewife and private tutor, calls Hitler her “God-given Führer and savior, Adolf Hitler, for Germany’s honor, Germany’s fortune and Germany’s freedom!”

Another woman replaced the star on her Christmas tree with a photograph of Hitler surrounded by a halo of candles. These men and women shared the message of National Socialism as if it was gospel and refer to new party members as “converts.” One such woman describes early efforts to “convert” her family to Nazism as falling “on stony soil and not even the slightest little green sapling of understanding sprouted.” She was later “converted” through conversations with her mailman.

The essays do not only serve as historical curios, but as a warning as to how ordinary people can be attracted to extremist ideology at a time of social distress. Similar language has been used to describe the current political climate in the United States and other countries. Perhaps, as some do today , these women believed all their society’s ills could be solved by the restoration of their nation to a perceived state of former glory, no matter the cost.

This article is republished from The Conversation , a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Sarah R. Warren , Florida State University ; Daniel Maier-Katkin , Florida State University , and Nathan Stoltzfus , Florida State University

How women wage war – a short history of IS brides, Nazi guards and FARC insurgents

Hitler at home: How the Nazi PR machine remade the Führer’s domestic image and duped the world

Auschwitz: Women used different survival and sabotage strategies than men at Nazi death camp

Sarah R. Warren received funding for a portion of this work from the Florida State University Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement.

Daniel Maier-Katkin receives funding from National Science Fondation, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State

Nathan Stoltzfus does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Climate change: How to be more eco-friendly in everyday life

We've been hearing so much about climate change recently, and the facts don't look good.

The evidence shows that, thanks to human activity, global temperatures are rising at a level which is no longer sustainable for the environment to survive.

A landmark report by UN scientists has been described as a "code red for humanity", as it details grim realities such as rising sea levels, and more intense and frequent heatwaves.

A recent survey - which included over half a million 14 to 18 year olds - suggests people are in favour of policy changes to boost renewable power and sustainable jobs.

But on an everyday level, what can we actually do? How can we make a difference when it seems like everything has a bad impact on the climate?

Radio 1 Newsbeat has been chatting to sustainable bloggers for tips on easy changes we can make to help reduce our impact.

The first is not to beat yourself up if you forget your bag for life or your reusable cup - it will probably just add to your eco-anxiety.

"I never had the notion that I had to be perfect," says Shia Su from zero-waste blog Wasteland Rebel.

"I had no intention of going zero-waste. I read about it and I just thought it was cuckoo and unrealistic," she says.

But one day she decided to take a jar to her local coffee shop instead of asking for a takeaway one - and she grew greener from there.

So how did Shia get to the point where she now says she can fit her entire year's waste into a litre-sized jar?

Her second tip - shared by most of the bloggers we spoke to - is about turning your good intentions into good habits.

Do whatever you can, and after a while it will become a habit," she says.

"Normally, when you leave the house you grab your phone, you grab your wallet, you grab your keys.

"After a while you'll grab your bottle, your food container and then you're good to go - it will become a habit."

And the third tip that all our bloggers share is probably the one which involves the biggest change.

It's about living a minimal lifestyle - cutting out needless buys.

"Living a sustainable lifestyle is about consuming less in general," Shia says. "I only buy a new piece of clothing if another one needs replacing."

Shia says it's not as hard as it sounds: "A lot of things have already been done - we're just going back to them.

"Ask your grandparents, they can teach you a lot about how to not create trash.

"It's a really nice bonding experience as well. I think it makes them smile when I get out my hanky to blow my nose [instead of a disposable tissue]."

Climate report is 'code red for humanity'

Biggest global poll supports 'climate emergency'.

• A really simple guide to climate change

What else can I do to help me live a greener life?

We got other eco-bloggers and Instagrammers to give us their top tips on different areas of life.

Tolmeia Gregory blogs about ethical fashion under the name TollyDollyPosh.

Go vintage: "Do things like shopping second-hand and vintage, going to your local charity shop. You can also buy on sites like eBay and Depop."

Buy less: "If you can, just not shopping at all is a really great way to do it. Embracing what you already own and what's already in your wardrobe. There's a great phrase you hear a lot: 'Loved clothes last'".

Look for eco-friendly materials: "Look out for more natural fibres - go for cotton over polyester. Not only do they feel a lot nicer when you wear them, but don't contain things like microfibres that go into our water and into marine life when we wash our clothes."

Learn to DIY: "It doesn't take much to learn how to hand-sew and stitch up a hole. Or if you have a pair of ripped jeans that are becoming a bit too ripped, you could always cut them and keep them as shorts."

Immy Lucas is a blogger and YouTuber who goes under the name Sustainably Vegan.

Consider a more plant-based diet: "I don't think everyone has to go vegan to make a huge change. The more realistic thing is for the majority of people cutting down meat consumption to a couple of days a week."

Eat as locally as possible: "If you're eating soy beans that are shipped from China or bananas that have been shipped from Colombia, that's not as sustainable as if you're eating apples grown in Kent. If you support your local farmers' market, you're also supporting more low-scale food agriculture which tends to be more kind to the Earth."

Eat as seasonally as possible: "If you're eating tomatoes from the UK that aren't in season, then you know they've been grown in some huge greenhouse that uses a massive amount of resources to basically fake the weather. So you're using a massive amount of heat energy to grow the tomatoes out of season."

Think about packaging: "There are zero-waste shops where you buy unpackaged food. But you can also go to the supermarket, and make better choices by buying unpackaged fruit and vegetables, or opting for cans and cardboard that are widely recycled instead of plastic. So there are better choices that you can make in regular shops."

Nicole Whittle - AKA VeganBeautyGirl - blogs about living a vegan life.

Ditch the face wipes: "Just use a good old flannel like your nan's got in her bathroom, and a nice oil-based cleanser to help break down make-up at the end of the day. If you've got a baby and you need that on-the-go reliability, then you can find biodegradable wipes."

Buy package-free: "You can get shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars - they might cost a bit more but they last much longer. So the cost-per-use is a lot lower."

Think about your menstrual products: "Tampons and pads are single-use items, and not everyone disposes of them properly. The big change you can make is going to a menstrual cup, which is a silicone cup that catches all the blood and can be reused each month - they're not as scary as they sound. There's also menstrual underwear these days which is a lot more sustainable."

Big brands can also be eco-friendly: "A lot of the big beauty brands are really taking inspiration from the vegan environmental movement. It's great to see these changes happening. It's taken them a while but these brands have seen that there's future in these sorts of products."

Florine Hofmann runs The Wasted Blog, where she tries to find eco-friendly alternatives to everyday habits.

Think about your journey: "We're so fortunate here in Europe - I usually try to take the train whenever I can. I'm conscious of trying to fly as little as possible."

Pack sustainably: "I recently bought a second-hand suitcase because it was already something that was made, and it was cheaper. I try to pack as minimally as possible - for instance my toiletries I try to reduce to soap and a shampoo bar, stainless steel razor and toothbrush. I don't want that much plastic trash in another country. I try to leave as little behind as possible."

Plan where you eat: "I usually do some research beforehand. I'm a massive foodie, so it's very important in my everyday life. But also because I want to support restaurants for instance that do think about their waste or whether they compost or not."

Local knowledge is best: "I love renting a bike in a new city and just exploring new areas. You find the best spots through talking to people and getting all the hidden gems."

• An earlier version of this article was published in 2019.

Follow Newsbeat on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Why is the world getting warmer?

How the uk contributes to global deforestation, how can jeff bezos' $10bn fight climate change, attenborough climate show a 'call to arms', 'if i could fly cleanly, i would', extinction rebellion challenged over protests, greta thunberg tells eu to forget brexit and focus on climate change, why i protested semi-naked in commons, 'why we skipped school for climate protest', climate strikes: will they have an impact.

Going Green

Get ideas for how you can "go green" in your home, school, or community.

Earth Science, Experiential Learning

Photograph by Charcrit Boonsom, MyShot

Get ideas for how you can "go green" in your home, school, or community. Go beyond recycling and turning off lights—really work to make a difference.

Beach Pick-Up

Clean up an ocean beach or the beach of a lake or pond.

Fix Leaky Faucets

Watch for drips in any faucets in your home. Ask an adult to fix them.

Use Rechargeable Batteries

Recycle them when they can no longer be recharged.

Donate Things

Collect things you no longer use and clothes you've outgrown. Give them to charity.

Plant Trees

Plant trees in your neighborhood or community.

Pick Up Trash

Clean up litter on your street.

Use Fluoresenct Lightbulbs

When traditional lightbulbs burn out, replace them with compact fluorescent lightbulbs.

Borrow Before Buying

Borrow books and movies from a local library instead of buying new copies.

Creative Wrapping

During the holidays, recycle wrapping paper and ribbons. You can also wrap presents in the comics section of the newspaper.

Conserve Water

Research ways to save water, such as watering the lawn early in the morning or late in the day, using drip irrigation, and using a bucket instead of a hose to wash the car.

Throw Out Harmful Products

Under the supervision of an adult, investigate how to safely use, store, and dispose of cleaning products, fertilizer, oil, and other harmful substances. What types of products are safe for the environment?

Prevent Erosion

Plant shrubbery, trees, or other plants to help prevent erosion on hillsides or land without enough plant life to keep the dirt in its place.

Clean up a vacant parking lot or piece of land in your community.

Start a recycling program in your community.

Water Clean-Up

With an adult, clean up a stream, river, or other body of water in your community.

Test the water and soil in and around your home.

Green Your Yard

Practice backyard conservation, such as planting vegetation, cleaning up green spaces, or hanging a bird feeder in the backyard.

Create a Compost Pile

In layers, add “wet” waste, such as kitchen scraps or grass clippings. Add “dry” waste, such as dry leaves or hay. Add some water as you go. Fruit and vegetable material is great for compost; never add raw meat, eggs, or human or pet waste. Consider getting worms to help with the project.

Start a School Recycling Program

Ask a teacher to help you get bins for recycling in the lunchroom. Ask the principal to buy recycled paper.

Calculate Your School's Daily Water Usage

Use this online tool to help. Start a school-wide campaign encouraging everyone to use less water.

Shop Locally

Encourage your family to shop locally. Always bring reusable shopping bags to stores.

Research Your Local Water Supply

How do the people who live upstream behave? Are they aware of those downstream, or do they contaminate the water? Do you do things that might pollute water for others? What are some steps your family could take to minimize its impact on air and water quality?

Before You Recycle, Upcycle

Take something that you would otherwise throw out and find a way to make it into something else that you can use. For example, make a bag with fabric from clothes you don't want. Or turn a broken bowl into a plant pot.

Instead of throwing away items such as margarine tubs, jelly jars, or milk cartons, think of other uses for them, like pots for house plants.

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March 18, 2024

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Join Tom Silverstein for his live chat during the Green Bay Packers' preseason game today vs Baltimore Ravens

Welcome to the final preseason game on the Green Bay Packers schedule!

I'll host my regular chat on Saturday during the Packers' game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field.

Packers fans, you can post a question or make a comment as you watch the game in this chat and we'll have a great conversation as players look to make a final impression before the roster has to be cut to 53 players on Tuesday.

Here's a direct link to today's chat.

I'll get started around 11:30 a.m. ahead of the noon kickoff. Enjoy the game with your fellow Packers fans and be part of the conversation!

JOIN: Tom Silverstein is hosting a live chat during the Packers preseason game vs the Ravens

• Jul 29, 2018

What is Green Lifestyle?

Updated: Jun 18, 2022

-Vui lòng xem tiếng Việt bên dưới-

Begins with one’s self, in order to create value, and inspire with that value, the individual must be living with the value that is being created. The definition is the same, only relative, not correct but not wrong either, because each person is born in different cultures, with different views, speed and time may be different. But the goal and purpose can be the same, from which each person will have their own choice to complete the big picture that they desire. Because in the individuality will have somethings in common, in the common will exists individuality.

What we throw away are personal belongings, but the place of discharge is no longer hold the individuality. - LaiDay Refill Station

Green-Lifestyle: As a painting, this painting will show the balance between people, nature and living environment are connected, in the closed circle of life. - past, present and future. Living is the connection, with people, nature and one’s self. Green is the natural, and the biological diversity of the Earth. At Laiday, green living ( the path we take ) is understood as an idea of life and a way of life aim at stabilities ( core meaning ) in one’s own way, without perfection, and you are the lead, know what you need to do to be more complete, not to be perfect for yourself and for the environment.

Final, Have you ever asked yourself: How to maintain a better life? And green lifestyle is one of those answers.

How to start Green Lifestyle?

This is maybe one of the questions people are asking, but do you know that it takes us 21 days to change a new habit? And to start a new habit, you have to change your perspective in life, because only when we change from within, the new things will begin to change.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change” - Wayne Dyer

So, let's start slow, feeling the most basic thing that has existed in us since the first days, the basics have never changed, because that existence is still there, and we come back and live up to that value.

1.Breathe to feel.

We cannot live without breathing, but how long have we not been mindful about breathing? What is the breathing of mindfulness and how does it differ? What is the breath of clean air and vice versa? These are the questions, but it is our sense that understand the answer clearly. And rationality helps us to know how to breathe in a fresh and clean atmosphere like in the morning, drowning in the mist, the breeze blowing through our shoulders, and loving first breath in that day, peaceful and quiet.

2. Think about the good things.

An easy way to understang this is: think of good things as a source of energy. Do not just use that energy for an exact time, but bring that energy into good thoughts at every moment that you are breathing or at any moment in your life, so our thoughts will be recognize, and put them into action. We are always aware, to put them into action. Because only thoughts about goodness will make us live and aim for goodness, for ourselves, for everyone and for this life.

“The foundation of spiritual life is the thought, so the essence of the religious life is inner discipline, the discipline of the mind.” - (Archimandrite Theophil Paraian, “Words to Youth”)

3. Live a sustainable life.

Perhaps, we are born in different circumstances, different environments, but we live together on a planet, in an atmosphere, and grow up with the same resources. But what does sustainability mean? It is as stable as a closed circle, repeated and maintained in its original nature. We, as generations living in the present, continue and are living in that circle. We have the responsibility to continue maintaining the circle and protect it so the next generation can live in its original nature, like the way we do. So our presence is not only about existence, but about living for a good purpose, finding that goal and starting a life of sustainability. For the future is the fruit of the seed that we plant today. Love each other as we live together on the same planet, breathing the same atmosphere.

4. Start planting.

How will we live without trees or nature? We understand the need for trees but have we understood the advantages that nature brings to human?

You can refer to nearly 20 reasons here:

https://greentumble.com/20-reasons-why-we-should-plant-trees

If you want to nurtur hope, start from planting . The process of planting trees is also a process that we learn about ourselves, about this life and the little things that come with it.

“All our wisdom is stored in the trees.” - Santosh Kalwar

5. Change yourself.

Finding a solution to the beginning of a "green lifestyle" is not difficult, it is only difficult when we lack faith. And faith only begins when and only when the urge within ourselves begins. Starting to change ourselves, our thinking about the environment is not a trend, but it has long been a part of responsibility, but only we wait until things get worse, then we begin to give more thoughts. If 20 years later, I wonder why 20 years ago I did not start? If the next 20 years, I feel grateful that I have started. So today’s you, what quote will you choose for your the next 20 years?

Bắt đầu từ câu chuyện cá nhân, để có thể tạo ra giá trị, và truyền cảm hứng với giá trị đó, cá nhân phải là người sống với giá trị đang tạo ra. Định nghĩa cũng vậy, cũng chỉ mang tính chất tương đối, không đúng không sai, vì mỗi người được sinh ra ở mỗi môi trường, văn hoá khác nhau, sẽ có mỗi góc nhìn khác nhau, vận tốc và thời gian có thể khác nhau, nhưng mục tiêu và mục đích có thể giống nhau, từ đó mỗi người sẽ có mỗi sự lựa chọn riêng để đi đến bức tranh mà mình mong muốn. Bởi trong cái riêng sẽ có cái chung, mà trong cái chung sẽ cái riêng.

Những gì ta tự thải là những cái riêng, nhưng nơi thải ra không còn là những cái riêng nữa. - Lại Đây Refill Station

Sống xanh (Green-Lifestyle): Là một bức tranh, trong bức tranh này sẽ thể hiện rõ được sự cân bằng giữa con người, thiên nhiên và môi trường sống được kết nối với nhau, trong vòng tuần hoàn khép kín của cuộc sống - quá khứ, hiện tại và tương lai.

Sống là sự kết nối, với con người, thiên nhiên và chính mình.

Xanh là sự tự nhiên, và là sự đa dạng sinh học của Trái Đất.

Tại Lại Đây, sống xanh (là con đường đi đến) được hiểu như một lý tưởng sống và lối sống hướng đến sự bền vững (cốt lõi) theo cách riêng của chính mình, không có sự hoàn hảo, và chính bạn là người chủ động, biết mình cần làm gì để hoàn thiện hơn, không phải để hoàn hảo hơn cho mình và cho môi trường.

Đã bao giờ, bạn tự hỏi bản thân rằng: Làm thế nào để duy trì cuộc sống tốt đẹp hơn?

Và sống xanh là một trong câu trả lời ấy.

Vậy làm sao để bắt đầu lối sống xanh?

Đây có lẽ một trong những câu hỏi mà mọi người đang đặt ra, nhưng bạn có biết chúng ta đều phải mất 21 ngày để thay đổi một thói quen mới?Và để bắt đầu một thói quen mới, chính mình phải thay đối cách nhìn cuộc sống này, vì chỉ khi ta thay đổi từ trong ta, những thứ xung quanh mới bắt đầu thay đổi.

Thế nên, chúng ta hãy thật chậm rãi, cảm nhận những điều cơ bản nhất đã tồn tại trong chúng ta từ những ngày đầu tiên, những điều cơ bản ấy vẫn chưa bao giờ thay đổi, vì sự tồn tại ấy vẫn nằm đấy, và việc của là ta quay trở về và sống đúng với giá trị ấy.

1.Thở để cảm.

Chúng ta không thể sống nếu không thở, nhưng bao lâu rồi chúng ta không thật để ý đến việc thở? Cái thở của việc để tâm và không để tâm nó khác nhau thế nào? Cái thở của một bầu không khí thật sạch và ngược lại thì sẽ như thế nào? Đều là những câu hỏi, nhưng chính cảm nhận của chúng ta là hiểu được câu trả lời rõ nhất. Và lý trí giúp ta biết được làm sao để luôn được thở trong một bầu không khí sạch và mát như cái cảm giác mỗi buổi sáng, ngập mình trong sương, những cơn gió nhẹ bay qua hàng vai và ta yêu sao cái hơi thở đầu tiên trong ngày ấy, thật bình yên và nhẹ nhàng.

2.Nghĩ về những điều tốt đẹp.

Để dễ hiểu hơn, hãy nghĩa cái đẹp như một nguồn năng lượng. Đừng chỉ sử dụng năng lượng ấy trong một thời điểm cụ thể, mà hãy mang những nguồn năng lượng ấy là những suy nghĩ tốt đẹp vào trong mọi thời điểm ta đang thở hoặc bất cứ lúc nào trong cuộc đời bạn, để suy nghĩ của ta luôn được nhận thức, để đưa chúng vào hành động. Vì chỉ có những suy nghĩ về những cái đẹp mới có thể sống và hướng đến cái đẹp, cho mình, cho người và cho cuộc đời này.

3. Sống một cuộc sống bền vững.

Có lẽ, chúng ta sinh ra trong một hoàn cảnh khác nhau, môi trường khác nhau. Nhưng chúng ta lại sống chung với nhau trên 1 hành tinh, 1 bầu không khí, và được lớn lên cùng 1 nguồn tài nguyên. Nhưng bền vững nghĩa là gì? Thật ra bền vững giống một một vòng tròn khép kín, được lặp đi lặp lại và được duy trì đúng bản chất ban đầu. Chúng ta, là thế hệ đang sống trong hiện tại, tiếp nối và đang sống trong vòng tròn ấy, có trách nhiệm là tiếp tục duy trì vòng tròn và bảo vệ để thế hệ tiếp theo vẫn được sống đúng như bản chất ban đầu, như cách chúng ta được nhận. Vậy nên sự hiện diện của ta không chỉ là sự tồn tại, mà là sống vì một mục đích tốt đẹp, hãy tìm ra mục đích ấy và bắt đầu một cuộc sống bền vững. Vì tương lai là trái ngọt của hạt mầm hôm nay ta gieo. Hãy yêu thương nhau như cách chúng ta đang sống chung với nhau trên cùng 1 hành tinh, 1 bầu không khí.

4. Bắt đầu trồng cây.

Chúng ta sẽ sống như thế nào nếu không có cây xanh hoặc thiên nhiên? Chúng ta hiểu được cần phải có cây xanh nhưng chúng ta đã hiểu hết về những ưu điểm mà thiên nhiên mang lại cho con người chưa? Bạn có thể tham khảo gần 20 lý do tại đây: https://greentumble.com/20-reasons-why-we-should-plant-trees/ Nếu bạn đang nuôi dưỡng niềm hy vọng, hãy bắt đầu từ việc trồng cây. Quá trình trồng cây cũng là quá trình ta học được rất nhiều về chính con người mình, về cuộc sống này và những điều nhìn là nhỏ bé ấy mang lại cho bạn.

5. Thay đổi chính mình. Tìm một giải pháp để bắt đầu “Lối sống xanh" thật sự không khó, nó chỉ khó khi chúng ta thiếu niềm tin. Và niềm tin ấy chỉ bắt đầu, khi và chỉ khi bên trong ta bắt thôi thúc. Và khi chúng ta bắt đầu thay đổi chính mình, những suy nghĩ của chúng ta về môi trường không phải là một xu hướng, mà từ lâu nó đã là một phần trách nhiệm, chỉ là ta vẫn đợi đến khi kết quả xấu đi, ta mới bắt đầu nghĩ về nó nhiều hơn.

Nếu 20 năm tiếp theo, ta lại tự hỏi vì sao 20 năm trước tôi không bắt đầu?

Nếu 20 năm tiếp theo, ta cảm thấy biết ơn vì ta đã bắt đầu.

#LaidayRefillStation #RefillStation #RefillStationVietnam #EcoLife #GreenLifestyle #Sustainable #LaidayLaiday #LessPlastics #SayNoToPlastics #NoiKhongVoiNhua #GiamNhuaNgay #ZeroWaste

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