Quick Hacks for a Sustainable and Green Life

 

Don’t be blue. Be green. Mother Earth is crying out. The world isn't what it used to be. The damage is being done by us. We need to arrest the damage and protect her. We simply can't stand by and watch her disintegrate. 

Going green doesn’t need you to make significant changes in your life. Incorporating simple yet effective changes works well. If each one of us lived responsibly, together we could make a huge difference and protect the planet we live on.

 

·       Switch to reusable

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Eliminate single-use plastics like disposable cups, straws and utensils in favour of reusable alternatives. Use durable water bottles and opt for cloth shopping bags.

 

·       Optimise energy use

Unplug devices and appliances when not in use. Make use of energy–efficient LED alternatives and choose appliances with high energy ratings. Remember to switch off lights and fans when leaving a room.

 

·       Go paperless

Switch to digital receipts, online billing, and e-books instead of their paper counterparts.

 

·       Create a composting system

Don’t throw away fruit and vegetable peels. Turn them into a nutrient-dense compost for your plants. If you don't have a garden, connect with a compost collection programme in your city or town.

 

·       Shop locally

Shop from local farmers, small businesses and local businesses.

 

·       Change the way you commute

Carpool, use public transport and walk to nearby locations.

 

·       Choose eco–friendly brands

Choose brands that promote sustainability through ethical sourcing and green packaging.

 

·       Conserve water

Remind yourself and others to turn off the taps when brushing teeth. Fix leaks immediately and use low-flow faucets and showerheads.

 

·       Eat seasonal and local

Nutritionists are always drumming it into our heads to eat seasonal and locally produced fruits and vegetables. Besides having a positive impact on your health, eating seasonally and locally produced fruits and vegetables, will have a lower carbon footprint than out of season fruits and vegetables.

 

·       Switch to green power

Make use of renewable energy resources like wind and solar power. These can reduce our reliance on coal-burning power plants.

 

·       Manage e-waste

Donate or recycle old gadgets for reuse.

 

·       Reduce Garbage

Buy in bulk and try buying minimally packaged goods

 

·       Choose chemical-free options

Buy eco-friendly cleaning products or try concocting your cleaning solutions at home. Switch to chemical-free hair care and skin products. However, choose eco –friendly products with caution. Don’t be misinformed.

 

Challenges to sustainable living

 

·       Cost factor

Eco–friendly products come at a higher price and may not suit those on low budgets.

 

·       Lack of awareness

Quite a few may not be informed about the consequences of the choices they make. Hence, people must be educated about a sustainable way of life.

 

·       Convenience and habits

Humans are creatures of habit. Breaking old habits and adopting new ones may take a while and need some adjusting. Getting rid of plastic from the house may need extra effort, or even walking that extra mile may not come easily.

 

Infrastructure challenges

Lack of infrastructure for recycling, composting or renewable energy adoption may hinder efforts to achieve a sustainable way of living.

         

Despite the numerous roadblocks that may occur, each small step towards sustainability by each one of us can have a major impact on conserving and protecting our planet.

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