Simple and eco-friendly practices that anyone can do

Are you planning to shift to a more eco-friendly lifestyle? You do not have to make huge changes right away to show more ecological responsibility. Here are some small and simple changes that you can do to lessen your impact on the environment:

Reducing food waste

  • When grocery shopping, make it a point to buy less than what you think you need. There will always be unexpected dinners out, and there will always be leftovers.
  • Chop up and store the vegetables and meats the moment you get home. This will prevent you from wasting time with ingredient preparation during the week.
  • Freeze your fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life. If some of the fruits get a bit mushy, but not rotten yet, use them for smoothies or fruit breads.
  • If you still manage to create food waste, or there are leftovers from your meals, don’t throw them out. Create your own small compost pile for your garden.

Alternative transportation

  • Instead of taking your car everywhere you go, take the bus or train. Better yet, ride your bike to get there. If it takes less than 30 minutes to get where you’re going by car, make it a rule to just walk or ride your bike.
  • Start a carpool sheet where you work so that you and your co-workers can ride together to work. This can save a lot of money on gas. Aside from that, it can also cut back on your fossil fuel emissions.
  • Pitch to your boss the benefits of working from home one or two days a week. This can reduce emissions, and lessen electricity use in the office.

Eco-friendly home

  • Replace all of the lights in your home with high-efficiency LED lights.
  • Change your showerheads to low-flow ones to make them more efficient.
  • Install a solar panel system, a very efficient one that can supply all the electricity that you need, or at the very least, take out a huge chunk of your monthly electricity bill.
  • Replace your windows with double-pane ones to save money on heating and air-conditioning. If you cannot afford to switch all your windows, seal them using silicone caulk.
  • Unplug all of your electronic appliances when not in use to prevent them from consuming phantom electricity.
  • Wash your clothes in cold water, and hang them out to dry instead of using the dryer.

These practices may just be simple and minor but you can expect them to have major contributions in saving the environment. Start caring for the environment by making these eco-friendly practices a part of your routines.


FAQ: Ecological Responsibility

What is ecological responsibility?

Ecological responsibility simply means that your lifestyle revolves around how you can help the environment instead of being a burden to it. It means being responsible when it comes to producing as little household waste as possible. It also encompasses being mindful when using electricity and other things that can lower your carbon footprint as much as possible.

At the core of ecological responsibility is sustainability. It aims to create a world that does not rely on finite resources that also harm the environment, like fossil fuels and using trees for lumber. Being ecologically responsible means that you are doing it not only for yourself but also for the good of future generations.

Why should you be ecologically responsible?

First, you will be saving a lot of money. You can save a significant amount from your electric bill when you are more mindful of your use of the electrical appliances around the house. You can also save on food when you actively practice reducing your food waste.

Another reason why you should be ecologically responsible is that it is a healthier option. For instance, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables does not just prevent more plastic waste from going into landfills. Also, taking your bike when going out on errands is better for your health than taking your car. There are many other ways that you can be ecologically responsible, so try to do as many of them as you can.

The biggest reason is that it is the only planet that you can live in. Unless space travel becomes exponentially viable in the next couple of decades and humanity has found another planet to colonize, which is very unlikely, you should do your part to save this one planet that we all call home.

How can you be ecologically responsible?

There are many ways for you to be ecologically responsible. You can start at home by reducing food waste as much as possible, limiting or completely stopping the use of single-use plastic products, and others. You can also do your part in the workplace by suggesting that your company should be more ecologically responsible during your next meeting. However, be professional about it and do not be condescending.

If you are a business owner, you should make sure that your company shares the same ecological views as you. For instance, use biodegradable packaging instead of plastics. Also, consider installing solar panels to serve as your office’s main source of electricity.