It’s clear that climate change, global warming, serious reduction of our ozone layer and natural resource depletion are real and their effects on human and animal lives can be disastrous. And, if you don’t “believe” that climate change is caused by human activities, we can all agree that clean air, clean water and a healthy environment is good for all of us. To keep you on track, here are 5 ways you can be a sustainable superstar.
- Stop Buying Bottled Water
According to Earth-policy.org, “More than 17 million barrels of oil are required to produce enough plastic water bottles to meet America’s annual demand for bottled water.” And the Container Recycling Institute (CRI) reports that “86 percent of plastic water bottles used in the United States become garbage or litter.” Save money and the environment by using a reusable water bottle and filling it up with your own tap water.
To find a water filter to meet your needs, check out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Updated Water Filter Buying Guide here.
- Eat Local and Organic Foods
A healthy way to live sustainably includes buying local and organic foods. With food being an important and essential part of our daily lives, this is a great way to help your family and the environment. If you’re not sourcing local foods, the products you are eating are probably traveling a long way to get to your plate. Eating organic foods ensures that your family is getting nutrients not toxic chemicals included in their meals.
To find out more about why local and organic foods are best, read 10 Great Reasons Why Local, Organic Food is the Best Choice for Everyone here.
- Support Local Businesses
Expanding on “Eat Local and Organic Foods,” supporting local businesses is a great way to keep your community strong. According to Sustainable Connections, “Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation, and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.”
Forbes put together a list of 43 Reasons You Should Support Small And Independent Businesses, read it here.
- Meet your Neighbors
Along with frequenting local businesses, making a connection with your neighbors is a key part of building strong and sustainable communities. Knowing and caring about the people in your neighborhood helps to keep it safer because good neighbors watch out for each other and each other’s property. Action for Happiness explains, “Getting to know the people who live nearby helps create a sense of belonging and shared identity in our local area. It also helps to strengthen connections and trust in our wider communities and contributes to a happier neighbourhood for everyone.”
To read the rest of the Action for Happiness advice about getting to know your neighbors, visit their site.
- Avoid Toxic Chemicals
When purchasing personal care products, household cleaners and lawn care items, be sure to be informed about what ingredients they contain and if there are healthier options. A great way to get an idea of all the chemicals you are putting into your body (and into the environment) is to make a list of everything you put in or on your body as well as the things you’re putting into your environment – soap, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, cleaning products and so on. Then you can start making healthier choices.
