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There are so many conversations surrounding the importance of addressing climate change. Unfortunately, there are a lot of arguments that continue to deny the importance of protecting the planet. While the statistics continue to point to the dire need for immediate changes on a global scale, there are things you can do in order to live an eco-friendly life. As you make changes, you can also encourage others to do the same. Consider some of the easiest ways you can live an eco-friendly life.
Switch to Reusable Items in Your Home
Even though it’s an extra step, wash your dishes or rinse them off before placing them in the dishwasher. Try to avoid using disposable plates, cups, and other utensils. The same concept applies to food storage containers, napkins, and paper towels. It’s preferred because it’s easier to throw something in the trash when you’re done with it. Still, this process of using disposable items is very wasteful. This is especially true since you can easily wash dishes by hand or in the dishwasher. If it’s a cloth towel, you can easily place it in the washing machine. Is it the most convenient change? Is it one of the easiest yet most impactful ways you can live an eco-friendly life? Yes.
Use a Low-Flow Showerhead
It’s important to be mindful of the amount of water you’re using on a regular basis. Just by using the toilet once, you use five to seven gallons per flush. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use the toilet. However, it just gives you a better understanding of how many gallons are needed in order for a home to function. When you’re using the shower, try to replace your showerhead with a low-flow option. Once you install the low-flow showerhead, you’ll still be able to properly cleanse yourself. However, you won’t use an unnecessary amount of water. It’s an easy way to be less wasteful as it pertains to water. This is especially helpful in areas where there is a water shortage.
Use Recycled, Eco-Friendly Products
It’s really remarkable to see companies step up to the plate as it pertains to solving the issue surrounding climate change. One of the ways companies are impacting positive reform is through using materials that are eco-friendly. Support companies by purchasing products when they disclose their commitment to sustainability. When brands use recycled goods to create brand new products, they’re showcasing the power of changing the way operations run in order to protect the planet. If you want to purchase a new dress, look for a designer who creates with sustainability in mind. If you’re looking for patio furniture, look for exclusively recycled plastic outdoor furniture manufacturers. The designs are just as beautiful. Companies with ethical practices surrounding climate change deserve more dollars.
Shop Second-Hand
Instead of purchasing a top from a fast fashion brand, visit your local thrift store to find a great blouse. Depending on the quality of the thrift stores in your area, chances are you can find great garments at a fraction of the original retail price. Sometimes, you can find items that still have brand-new tags on them. If you don’t want to spend a ton of time looking through the various aisles, there are plenty of online resale websites. Just search for what you want and purchase from an online secondhand retailer. In many cases, major retailers have so much inventory that they can easily donate inventory to thrift stores and shelters without experiencing a profit loss. The fashion industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the entire world. There are so many garments that are rotting in landfills. As a result, no one knows what to do with these items. By purchasing from thrift stores, online resellers, and consignment shops, you can help to keep the clothes, shoes, and accessories out of landfills.
As you begin to master these simple tactics, work on becoming more intentional about including new habits that can reduce your carbon footprint. As you make small changes over time, this can influence others to make positive changes in their homes as well. When more people lead eco-friendly lifestyles, this movement can continue its ripple effect. In return, this ripple effect with change the integrity of the planet that gets passed down to future generations.
