Earth Day is here! In addition to being a celebration of our planet, the annual holiday calls for the support of environmental protections. Everyone plays a part in how we care for the Earth. There are many ways we can make our daily routines more environmentally friendly, like practicing recycling and water conservation. But, there are other things people don’t necessarily think about regarding environmental impact, such as the food they eat and the things they buy, and how making a few changes can make a big difference! Below, we will talk about 5 top environmentally friendly trends to consider incorporating into your life.
1. Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Plastic shopping bags are terrible for the environment. Nowadays, everyone seems to have reusable bags to use for shopping. The problem is that the bags are frequently forgotten at home or in the car when people go into the store.
Remember to take your reusable bags with you by putting them somewhere you can’t miss, such as in your car door pocket or on your passenger seat. And after you have unloaded your purchases at home, put your bags next to your keys so you don’t forget to put them back in your car the next time you go out.
2. Run Energy-Consuming Appliances Less Often
Appliances like air-conditioners, dishwashers, and washers and dryers use up a lot of energy. If you can reduce the amount of time they are used, then not only will you be reducing your negative environmental impact, but you will likely save some money on your utility bills!
Instead of doing two small loads of laundry during the week, try doing one large load.
Instead of running the dishwasher for a few plates and utensils, wash them in the sink.
Consider raising or lowering your thermostat a couple of degrees depending on the season, so it runs less frequently.
Tips like turning off the lights or TV when you leave a room are helpful too, but having awareness of your large, energy-consuming appliances is where you will have the most impact.
3. Buy Second-Hand
Every new item purchased needed resources to create it and transport it to consumers. There is a significant decrease in the allocation of those resources by buying second-hand because thrift and consignment stores often receive their items directly from people who bring them in to sell or donate.
Buying second-hand also helps items that would have otherwise been discarded to a landfill, allowing perfectly good items to have second lives.
4. Meatless Mondays
Without getting into the nitty-gritty, the meat industry utilizes many environmental resources, including the land needed to house animals, the land required to grow the crops for the animals to eat, and the water necessary for the crops and the animals.
You don’t have to have a vegetarian or vegan diet to positively impact the environment (though it certainly helps!) Making a point to consume meat and animal products less frequently, such as Meatless Mondays, can cut back on meat industry demand and production.
5. Use Eco-Friendly Products
Being more conscious of the products you buy is important regarding environmental impact. Maxim’s products, for example, use 100% Certified Organic Cotton, which is safer for your body and the environment. When shopping, try to seek out organic, biodegradable, and cruelty-free products.
Companies that practice responsible sourcing and product creation make a big difference in environmental impact. As consumers, actively supporting these companies helps show different industries that responsible sourcing and production are vital to their consumer base.
By making small changes to our lifestyles, we can better serve and care for our planet. If you are interested in practicing some of the top environmentally friendly trends, remember to use reusable bags, run large appliances less frequently, buy second-hand when possible, consume fewer animal products, and shop for eco-friendly items. These are excellent, easy things to consider incorporating into your life.