Adopting
a lifestyle that is not only healthy but is also more Eco-friendly with as
little impact on our environment as possible is never easy. Thankfully, with
more and more people, governments, and subsequently, nations becoming aware of
the huge impact that global warming can have on our planet if not controlled,
various newer methods in whatever we do are being tried so as to find better
ways that are environment-friendly and sustainable. The thing with this new
endeavor across the globe (almost like a mass revolution) for devising greener
methods, natural methods that will alleviate the effects of global warming
along with saving our planet’s resources as well is that we all have a role a
play. In fact, all of us need to do our bit if we want our home, our planet to
survive and trust me when I say that it doesn't need much to do so.
Below
mentioned are some of the things that will help you move towards a better,
greener way of life, which is also healthier, more fulfilling and happier:
Green Ways for Home
- Switch off appliances that work on
electricity whenever not in use – this will save you lot of energy and
money as well. Make this a rule with for managing your electric gadgets,
electric appliances, personal gadgets, lights, fans, ACs, heaters, and
even computers.
- Reduce the use of appliances such as
dishwashers and washing machines, run these only when needed – this should
save you plenty of water.
- Employ energy-efficient (rated) bulbs, tubes,
fans, and other electric appliances in your home.
- Try and avoid unnecessary water wastage -
make sure that you immediately close water taps after use.
- Buy organic, natural food items if possible,
these are not only eco-friendly but are also healthier.
- Avoid buying any item that is made from
harmful chemicals.
- Use reusable bags such as cloth bags and so
on when shopping. This also goes for water bottles, juice bottles, mugs,
food packs, and storage boxes, and so on.
- Most things such as plastic, paper, aluminum,
and glass can be recycled. You may set up a nice recycling system in your
house; however, you will need to check the local recycling rules
beforehand.
- Drop your old PC, monitor, cell phone, and
other old electronics at designated recycling centers.
Green ways for the Outside
(garden, lawn)
- Make use of soaker hoses or drip irrigation
systems watering trees, shrubs in your garden. Also, you may install
faucet aerators and high-efficiency shower heads, which will save huge
amount of water annually.
- To clean your garden, lawn, or corridor, do
not use water, instead, sweep the area for cleaning.
- Try and compost your kitchen waste, garden
waste, dead plants, and so on by investing in a good composter, this will
provide you with nutrient-rich, natural fertilizers for future use in your
garden.
Green Ways for Office
- Print less paper (only when needed) and when
printing, print on both sides. It will help if you keep the ink resolution
low.
- Switch off your monitor (if you are using a
desktop PC) when you move away from your desk and completely shut down the
system while leaving from work. This will save huge amount of electricity!
- Use energy-efficient laptops, tablets instead
of desktop PCs (wherever possible). Also, reduce number of cables by making
use of good WiFi setup at work place.
- While packing lunch, meals, make use of
reusable containers and bags.
- Use public transport if possible. You may
also use the carpool method where you can share vehicles with someone
while travelling. This will not only reduce gas usage but also save you
money.
- Encourage your office to invest in a good
recycling program and help in implementing it (of course only if it goes
through!).
Well,
these are some of things we all can do and without much effort. And I guess,
the payback is huge; what we get is a healthier, better life style that also
impacts our environment in a positive way.
