As our planet marks another year of life, we are all thinking about how to take better care of it.
Though it may seem like you can’t do much to improve the planet’s quality on a large scale, it’s important to recognize that your small steps towards a sustainable lifestyle can make a difference.
If you want 2020 to be a year of positive transformation and growth for both you and the planet, take a look at these various ways to live greener.
Shop Locally
A powerful way to transform your life into one of sustainability is to start shopping and eating locally. The convenience of your local supermarket actually does much more harm than good.
Those places consume a massive amount of fossil fuel to get their products to the store. Make the shift to local and seasonal products, and head to your local farmer’s market or smaller grocer for fresher, more local foods.
Quit Eating Red Meat
Switching to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle might seem hard to do, but it’s a key aspect of living sustainably. Simply cutting back on your meat consumption makes a huge difference for our environment.
When you do so, less livestock must be “produced,” which means more land for us to use sustainably.
Start Gardening
Creating more green space is never a bad idea, so do what you can to create your own.
Having greenery in the home is a fantastic idea, and planting gardens around your home will help you eat from your backyard and create a healthier planet. It doesn’t need to be a large space — having just enough to grow edible herbs, fruits, and veggies will do.
Donate More
Textile recycling is another great thing you can do to help the environment while living in gratitude. Take the time each month to gather any unused items and donate them, from clothes to electronics. Find a charity you deem worthy of donation, and send your things their way. Cut down on the clutter in your home to start the process of living on less.
Reuse Water
Water waste is a huge problem. A key aspect of sustainability is the idea of reusing and renewing the resources available to us, and water is one of those resources.
Do your part to help by using less water and reusing it when you can. For example, use any leftover water to water your plants. Collect rainwater to water your garden—the options go on and on.
Drive Less, Bike More
For years, people have said how important it is to drive less, carpool, or take public transportation.
The sooner you can implement this transportation style into your day-to-day, the better—for the planet and your health. Bike those shorter distances—the sooner you start, the easier it’ll be.