So I am a fan of being lazy. I hope that at least some of you can identify with me. When it comes to being "eco-friendly" or what I also call being a "conscious consumer" some may associate the idea with working extremely hard or forcing yourself to be a martyr for the environment. Guess what? You don't have to be. My philosophy on stepping into the world of Eco-friendly is simply this: Do what you can and make the difference in the sector you can because every little bit helps. I am here to give you the "lazy person's guide" and the easy way to making a difference.
Before you try to become eco-friendly and you google what to do--Don't! You will be overwhelmed and you will quit before you even start, unless you have Captain Planet resolve.
For those of you that don't have that resolve but still want to make a difference, stick with me as we explore the way I categorize the sectors available for improvement. There are 6 sectors: Energy Consumption, water consumption, waste reduction, Transportation, consumerism/shopping, and food! Hopefully, you can make 2-3 changes off of each list. There truly is no rush as you integrate these into your life, so If you want to take a whole month to work on one list item so it becomes a part of your nature to do the eco-friendly trait, I encourage that. It takes 66 Days to create a habit.
1. Energy Consumption
This sector addresses how much energy is being used when we are going about our normal lives.
-Put on another layer of clothing when it is cold before adjusting the thermostat
-Use LED bulbs in any lighting fixtures
-Turn off lights, TVs, personal computers and other electronics when you're done with them.
-Fix windows or doors with drafts
-Keep a comfortable temperature set on the thermostat and rarely adjust it
2. Water Consumption
This sector addresses how much water is wasted when living day-to-day.
-Only wash full loads of laundry
-Fix leaking faucets and malfunctioning toilets
-Turn off the water while shaving or brushing my teeth.
-Shower for 7 minutes or less.
3. Waste Reduction
This sector addresses how much waste is created when living day-to-day.
-Reference a recycle guide to ensure that you recycle correctly and consistently
-Use a refillable coffee cup
-Carry a refillable water bottle
-Use durables (reusable) cups, dish-ware, and utensils instead of disposable-Carry a reusable bag with you to use in place of plastic bags
-Recycle electronics (E-Waste) at an E-Waste recycling station in retails store
-Set the default to double-sided printing on your personal computer
-Designate a bin or folder for scrap paper to reduce paper waste
-Donate usable unwanted goods to a consignment store instead of throwing them away
-Prioritize shopping at local thrift stores and farmers markets
4. Transportation
This sector addresses the many pitfalls that come with getting around.
-Use your local bus system at least once a week
-Use Carpooling, Zipcar or Zimride
5. Shopping/Consuming
This sector addresses how much consuming during our day-to-day can create consequences.
-Use recycled content notebooks
-Use recycled content printer paper
-Use a refillable pen
-Keep a houseplant to improve indoor air quality and health-Use phosphate and bleach-free cleaning supplies
-Use natural hair, body, and beauty products
-Use cold-water, efficient, or natural laundry detergent free of harmful chemicals
-Use 100% organic cotton towels
-Use 100% organic cotton bed linens
6. Food!
This sector addresses how much food is wasted when living day-to-day and the consequences that come with traveling demand.
-Cook with residual heat
-Eat less meat (possibly try a meatless Monday)
-Grow your own food
-Start a compost pile (make sure to compost correctly)
-Eat locally as often as possible
-Shop 'on season'! (meaning you only buy the produce when it normally would be harvested)
Those are all my tips, but trust me there are many more. These would make a big change. I just want you to remember:
At the end of the day, a few adjustments create a giant change.
