What Is Eco Living? A Beginner’s Guide to Green Living

1. Protects Your Environment

• Reduces Pollution: As you may already know, as the population increases, so does pollution. But through eco living, you help minimise air, water, and soil pollution by reducing waste and adopting cleaner energy sources.
• Saves Natural Resources: Eco living contributes to preserving limited resources such as fossil fuels, forests, and minerals by conserving energy, water, and raw materials. And yes, you can help with this!
• Fights Climate Change: By living an eco friendly lifestyle, you choose sustainable actions that lessen the effects of global warming, including cutting carbon emissions and utilizing renewable energy.

2. Promotes Sustainability for Future Generation

Perhaps the most significant reason for sustainable living is to keep the world inhabitable for future generations. Humans are one of the primary drivers of climate change. Our plastic production and energy use from fossil fuels are only the tip of the iceberg. Burning up all of our fuel, food, and water while ruining the ecosystem may be acceptable if no one else came after us.

Our responsibility to future generations is to ensure that the air is clean and that there are adequate resources. Making a concerted effort to live sustainably helps ensure they have enough to meet their needs. This entails having a low environmental impact and focusing on sustainable growth.

3. Using Sustainable Products Saves you a Buck

You may be, as we all are, complaining about how your current comfort and resource usage impact your wallet. But did you know that going green contributes to the planet and saves you money? Sometimes, simply changing to a more efficient lightbulb or using less air conditioning during the summer is all you need.

• Reuse, Reuse, and Reuse

Plastic is permanent. Every year, at least 14 million tons end up in the ocean, accounting for 80% of all marine debris. Hundreds of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals die after ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it.

You can start reducing your plastic waste in a few simple steps: use reusable bags when shopping, avoid single use water bottles, bags, and straws, and choose unwrapped produce whenever possible. Switching from single use to reusable products benefits the environment with every bit of plastic saved.

• Use Water Wisely

As our population grows, so does water demand. National water resources are strained and we face unprecedented droughts. To save water, start by taking shorter showers, replacing leaking toilets, and using low flow, water efficient appliances.

Consider landscaping your yard with native, drought tolerant plants that require less water and maintenance, while providing habitat and food for birds and bees. Reducing meat and dairy consumption can also help conserve water.

• Eco Green your Home

Maintaining your home promotes energy efficiency just like keeping your car in shape. Ensure your home has proper insulation and energy saving windows, and use a programmable thermostat for more efficient heating and cooling. Energy saving lightbulbs also contribute to better lighting efficiency.

If your state permits choice in electricity suppliers, select one that generates at least half of its power from wind, solar, or other renewable sources. Installing rooftop solar panels or solar water heating is both environmentally friendly and cost effective.

• Choose Sustainable Lifestyle Products

Buying individual product items often results in excessive plastic waste. Instead, purchase in bulk and reduce packaging waste by buying grains, beans, and cleaning supplies in larger quantities.

Additionally, opt for eco friendly cleaning products, choose biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners or even make your own with vinegar and baking soda. Supporting a local and organic food supply also reduces your carbon footprint and is often more affordable.

• Be Energy Wise

Reducing your energy consumption is one of the most efficient ways to live eco friendly. Begin by switching to energy efficient appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label on products.

Use LED bulbs that consume up to 75% less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. Also, unplug your electronics when not in use to avoid "phantom energy" consumption.