Scrolling through Pinterest the other day, I came across a blog post that was both clever and effective at once. The blogger wrote about a game she plays with every new person she meets. This game made for a great topic of conversation as well as had a huge influence on the persons involved.
So, it went like this-
She would ask the person what the most toxic things in their homes were and what was the number one thing they would change!
She got some stirring answers:
- Non-stick cookware
- Wi-fi routers
- Air fresheners
- Bug sprays
- Antiperspirants
- Fabric softeners
As you may imagine, all these controversial items were soon dealt away with or their usage considerably reduced.
Living green is a conscious choice. Modern lifestyles have solved many problems to make our everyday life comfortable but only to have added some serious other issues. Of course, we are aware of them and want to redeem ourselves by doing our bit for the environment. We want to make changes in our lifestyle, but those that don't require too much effort on our part changes without the added burden of “things to do”!
Creating a green home is a lot more than just separating waste and reducing plastic usage. Conversely, it also does not mean that we have to make huge investments at the onset. In the present-day world, there are numerous smart ways to begin our journey towards a greener lifestyle.
- Dispose off e-waste responsibly (old batteries, unused chargers, etc)
- Make your own cleaning detergents and softeners (there are many DIY options available online)
- Open up the windows. Turn on the cooling systems only when required.
- Set the refrigerator to the right temperature with respect to the season.
Less cooling is required in cooler months so make sure to adjust.
(This can save more energy than you imagine.)
- Repair leaky plumbing lines and taps.
- Buy energy-saving appliances when purchasing new ones.
- Pick eco-friendly pest control agencies.
- Choose organic personal care products and cosmetics.
- Opt for natural fabrics.
- Avoid manufactured products.
Opt for handmade products from natural materials.
- Buy real, organic, unpackaged food as much as possible.
Try and shop at farmer’s markets.
- Grow your own food.. even if it means just a few pots of herbs.
- Choose storage containers in materials like glass, wood, and metal instead of
plastic.
- Reduce disposable ware - paper plates, plastic cutlery, paper towels, straws.
- Shop mindfully and invest in items that will last.
Experts say that change takes time. The need is to begin with small steps to improve our quality of life in a major way. If only, we can try and change that one habit every couple of weeks.
An interesting 21/90 rule states that it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to make it a lifestyle.