Being environmentally conscious can be very tiring and time-consuming. Hey, we’re not all Greta Thunberg, and people have jobs and families to look after. But there are some simple steps we can take in order to be a little more eco-friendly without going out of our way or completely change our lifestyle. Here are some of the best ones:
Get a few recycling bins
Your standard waste bin usually holds some perfectly recyclable items that have no business in a regular landfill. Get a couple more bins, tag them according to you’re city’s recycling guidelines (cans, plastic bags, paper, etc.), and make it a habit to throw your trash in the proper one. This way, recycling will be a lot less of a hassle and you’ll feel a lot better about your environmental efforts!
Make your own vegetable stock
Composting doesn’t really work for everyone. Plus, there isn’t much you can do with compost if you don’t grow any plants. But this doesn’t mean your produce scraps are doomed for the trash. Next time you peel some vegetables or cut up some salad, toss the scraps into a saucepan or another small container and put it in the freezer. When you have enough scraps (about 3-4 cups worth), cover it with water, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Then, strain the scraps out of the stock and pat yourself on the back for being a mature, responsible adult.
Say goodbye to bottled water
Instead of buying a small bottle of bottled water whenever you’re feeling parched, get a reusable one. A reusable bottle will possibly be a little more expensive than a plastic one, but it will actually save you money in the future because you can keep using it over and over, ultimately saving you up to 1,800 bottles per year!
Visit the farmers’ market
Getting your produce from local farmers helps has no downsides: you end up with fresh fruits and vegetables that didn’t need to be shipped from further away, you support your local community, and you let mother nature know you care about her. Everybody wins!
Look for thrift stores and clothing swap events
Fast fashion and new trends may be tempting, but vintage is the real deal, people. Going to thrift stores will actually make your closet a lot more unique than the wardrobe of people who shop at common brands. Also, when you feel like getting rid of some of your clothes, give them to thrift stores or set up a clothing swap party with a few friends. That way, you know your clothes will end up in good hands.
