Green living is much more than recycling your cans and plastics. Living green encompasses a whole value system that bases all you do on how it will impact the environment. The belief that how you treat the environment will either improve or harm what condition you leave the earth for future generations. The proper stewardship of the place you call home; earth. Big and small ways all around the world people are choosing to make greener choices. Some areas that you can make simple changes to live greener are your food, housing, transportation, and shopping habits.
Sustainable Farming and Ranching
Green chooses in your food does not mean eating granola, homemade yogurt and drinking goats' milk. It includes buying and consuming foods that are organic, free-range, and ethically treated. The raising and farming of crops and animals with sustainable practices helps preserve the lands and waters for future generations. Your purchasing power votes for these farmers and ranchers; and it helps create the demand for sustainable, green practices. Many major groceries have increased their organic selections, so you do not have to go out of your way to incorporate green food selections into your life. Your local farmer's market is always a fun adventure and a great way to learn more green ideas that are happening locally.
Kick the Plastic Habit to the Curb
A simple, easy way to cut out some plastic in your lifestyle, bring your reusable shopping bags along when you shop. Many areas in our country are banning certain items made of plastic. Consider your daily habits and replace a few single-use plastic items with reusable. A travel coffee mug with a stainless-steel straw instead of the disposable cup and a plastic straw can be a great start to living greener. You can pack your lunches in washable containers. This habit may take an initial investment in reusable containers, but the environmental impact is immediate. Less waste going in your trash bin is less ending up in the landfill. You may even try your hand at growing a few of your own veggies. Gardening can be an enjoyable experience your whole family can enjoy and learn together.
New Life to an Old Item
Decorating with reclaimed items is a fun and creative way to live greener. Buying used is affordable and environmentally friendly. One man's trash is another man's treasure is a true statement. You can take items from a resale shop as they are or with a little creativity you can create something new for yourself. There are many ideas online and in magazines to give you inspiration for re-purposing all kinds of things. Living greener can be as simple as you make it.
Next time you go out for coffee, use your favorite travel mug instead of the disposable one.
About the Author
Meryl Diamond
While I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have spent the last 27 years living in the Lisle and Naperville area. The first single family home my husband and I ever owned was in Green Trails, Lisle. There were two things we loved about living in Green Trails - the sense of community and all the green space. This was a dream come true for my children who always had a friend to play with or a babysitter near by. For me, it gave me a chance to get to know the neighbors whom I have built lifelong friendships with. From neighborhood garage sales to summer barbeques, we always found reason to come together.
