As the state of our environment continues to deteriorate, it’s crucial for everyone to seek more sustainable lifestyles. Fortunately, you can reduce your negative environmental impact in several ways, many of which require little effort. If you’re looking for a way to help protect and preserve the planet, consider these tips for living a more sustainable life.
Wear clothing made from sustainable materials
Manufacturing many of the most popular clothing materials—including cotton, polyester, and nylon—requires huge quantities of water or oil. To reduce the production of such harmful materials, consider purchasing environmentally friendly fabrics such as hemp, organic cotton, and organic linen instead. These materials offer a host of benefits—hemp clothing, for instance, is not only eco-friendly, but also durable, exceptionally comfortable, and naturally antimicrobial.
Reduce your dependency on single-use items
Single-use items such as disposable water bottles, paper plates, and plastic bags sit idly in landfills across the country, contributing to pollution as a result. Many single-use items also require a harmful amount of energy to mass-produce. By simply switching to reusable alternatives, you can help reduce the negative environmental impact of these temporary items.
Burn less fuel
Driving a car burns a large amount of fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As such, it’s important to find ways to cut back on the amount of gas you use. If riding your bike or walking isn’t an option, consider carpooling, taking public transit, or utilizing a ride-sharing system.
Eat fewer animal products
Vegan or vegetarian diets aren’t just for animal-lovers—they can also have numerous environmental benefits. The meat and dairy industries are responsible for massive water use, pollution, and habitat destruction. When you reduce the amount of animal products you consume, you consequently reduce these negative environmental impacts.
Grow your own food
Most of the produce you find in your local grocery store likely traveled thousands of miles to its destination. This lengthy journey burns a lot of fuel and releases harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere. To reduce the demand for such wasteful practices—and to enjoy the flavors of fresher food—consider growing your own produce. You don’t need a huge garden to grow your own food; simply set aside some space on your windowsill or porch. Bloomin’ has a variety of vegetable and herb seed paper options to get you started.