Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is primarily about your intent to not harm the environment with all your interactions with it. There are more and more people who choose to live mindfully and adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. Let’s go over some of the simple steps you can take to adjust too. 

1. Cut out plastic

Ditch disposables. Bamboo is a renewable resource that can be a great alternative to plastic tableware or drinking straws in restaurants. Pottery and ceramics are waterproof options for food storage.  

Beeswax-coated cloth or natural fiber cloth are used as replacement for plastic wraps and plastic bags. Recycle your glass jars into food containers or storage. Glass is resistant to all salts and acids, so it’s the best alternative for plastic containers. 

You have some empty jam jars? Clean them, and reuse them to store grains, beans, and candies. You can also use them for art projects or as giveaway containers.  

2. Make your home eco-friendly

If you can, rebuild what you can. Better insulation and better windows would greatly reduce your HVAC needs and costs. Choose eco-friendly home appliances and reduce greenhouse gases. 

Swap your slow cooker to insta-pots. Your prep time and the cooking process will be a lot quicker. Opt for an induction cooktop to save natural gas and electrical energy. And an efficient dishwasher can use a lot less water than washing your dishes by hand in the sink. 

3. Grow your own veggies

Smart way to save money, and a perfect way to slash your carbon footprint and be eco-friendly. No outdoor space? Not a problem! Windowsill boxes are a great way to plant herbs and spices. It can also brighten your view, and filter the air that comes into your home.

And if you don’t consume them all, you can give them away to neighbors and friends. 

4. Eat less meat and dairy

Avoiding red meat can lower your carbon footprint. If that sounds hard for you, try substituting meat with protein-rich foods or plant-based meat alternatives in your favorite recipes.Beans and legumes are great in casseroles and salads, and tofu is a good addition to stir fry dishes.

Make fresh fruits and veggies a big part of your diet. Support your local farmers by buying sustainable or organic fresh produce from them. 

5. Shop smart and donate

Buying second hand keeps plastic out of landfills and contributes positively to the decline in global clothing demand and subsequent waste of production. You can also choose fair trade and brands that manufacture with eco-friendly practices.   

Donate or sell clothing and furniture you no longer use. 

6. Look for eco-friendly product alternatives

When choosing eco-friendly product alternatives check its material, reusability, and durability. Longevity is key. If you’re going for a disposable product, go for “compostable” rather than “biodegradable.” 

Look for energy-efficient appliances. They are more expensive but will save you more money in the long run. 

Start using natural cleaning products, sustainable body products like natural deodorants, zero-waste shampoo and conditioner, and so on.

Any step you take toward eco-friendly living is one that benefits the world. 

Photo Credit @Hollyleelu