Usually, many people feel as though the "green movement" or "sustainable living" is not something they can do. Many people feel as though living sustainable requires going the extra mile or spending extra, and they are not wholly wrong. However, as with anything in life, there are places you can start to achieve anything. So, here is a list of simple ways you can "go green" without necessarily having to step out of your comfort zone.
1. Invest in a reusable water bottle!
This is a great way to reduce your plastic usage and your spending, as you won't be spending money on bottled water any longer and you won't be sending as much plastic to landfills! Find a bottle you like, possible BPA free, and always fill it up before you leave home. Trust me, this is so easy and convenient.
2. Buy local!
In a world where global commodity chains are growing and most of the bananas on the shelf in an island like Trinidad are from Costa Rica even though we can grow bananas here, there is a need for buying local. Buying local products helps reduce the food import bill, reduce the amount of emissions into the atmosphere due to transportation and helps to bring growth to the local economy, among many other things. Find a farmer's market and buy directly from the people who grow your food. A really good farmer's market in Trinidad is the San Antonio Green Market in Santa Cruz, and the NAMDEVCO Saturday and Sunday markets situated in many areas throughout the island as well.
3. Re-sell or Donate
Used clothes you no longer wear? There's a thrift store, or an orphanage that would be more than willing to take them from you! Get into the habit of not disposing of clothing that can be still worn. The saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" goes for this situation. This extends to books, electronics, housewares, furniture, etc. There is always someone who would appreciate something you no longer care for!
4. Get a reusable grocery bag!
It takes forever and a day for plastic to decompose, so imagine if you used one bag again and again for your grocery shopping instead of relying on plastic bags every time? You would significantly lessen your impact on the environment.
5) Just turn off the lights!
Seriously. Turn off the lights whenever you are not using it! You can save loads of energy every week when you do this. It seems so simple, yet many people leave the lights on when they aren't home for hours and it is such a waste.
6) Shorter showers!
Yes, I know long, hot showers can be so fun. Trust me. But they are not sustainable. Realistically, there is no need for us to shower longer than 20 minutes, and even that is cutting. Aim for showers between eight to ten minutes every day and help conserve more water!
