By Guest Author, Emily Harper
To live green is to be a mad man in the world of gray humanity.
Take a step back.
Look at the people around you and you’ll soon realize that there are a lot of poor people–poor because
all they actually have is–money.
And frankly, that’s not enough!
Here’s why…
Every day, as we move towards the future, numerous inventions and gadgets are being handed to us.
Robots are now moving out of the factory and are invading all aspects of life.
Gone are the days when Asimo was the most advanced humanoid robot.
It sounds cool and presents a promising future.
However, coupled with how people and countries use the already limited natural
resources, this shows us a very bleak future.
Experts and scholars have
envisioned a future with
gray sky, unbreathable air,
and harsh living environments.
In a world where revolutionary and technological advancements have become almost normal and
the world as we (don’t) know it, is ailing, humanity is slowly shifting to sustainable and green living.
Many people have been equating green living with expensive and contemporary living.
But that shouldn’t be the scenario.
Green living doesn’t simply mean living in a rural area with the forest and animals around you.
It means much more…
How to live green when everything is going gray
Here’s my list of effective ways to live green when everything is going gray.
See what you think about these…
1. Mean What You Say
Going green isn’t just a whim, it must be a commitment.
For example, say you wanted to reduce plastic use.
It is no secret that plastic is the natural enemy of any environmentalist and the fact that
plastics are so available and so abundant is the absolute nightmare.
Today, everything comes in plastic: water, food, even books are wrapped in plastic.
Thus, the vision of a plastic-less life appears seemingly impossible for you.
Though you try to refuse to use plastic, soon enough you’ll be grabbing one.
Know what words ‘to mean’ and ‘not to mean’.
2. Live Like Animals
This doesn’t mean you have to live like Katy Perry’s song, Roar, neither licking others’ faces
like a dog, curling up on the bed for the whole day like a cat, nor sniffing on others’ feet like
a rabbit.
What I mean by this is: live like an animal for they live short lives and they do know
how to take care of and protect the environment that houses them.
They don’t need hundreds of years to understand the importance of environment.
They’ve known how for their entire lives–unlike humans who are ‘self-proclaimed smarter’
but have taken so long to see Earth’s mortality.
3. Maintain A Garden
It is amazing how scattered trees can form a forest, how little sprouts can turn into tall trees.
Grow fruit bearing, vegetable plants and flowering trees in your backyard.
It definitely makes sense to grow your own food in order to be prepared for future
unsustainable resources.
You can also consider growing plants in containers, such as pots or recycled boxes.
Through photosynthesis, plants release oxygen and in the process, also produce heat.
Besides, when you apply this green living tip, you won’t have to constantly worry about your
electricity, home temperature or curb appeal.
They will really look lovely inside and out.
4. Recycling is a Story of Ease & Hassle
Recycling sounds like fun: turning tissue rolls into toothbrush holders or cutting plastic bottles
and planting in them.
It appeals to the artsy child in you.
But face it, some people will ask, “Who actually has the time (and patience) to do
these things when it’s easier to just throw all these things away?”
Again, it’s a toss-up between ease and hassle.
Accept it.
Weigh the savings you may gain from recycling and it will surprise you and
eventually, you’ll love it too.
5. Detoxify Your Cyber Self
Do you really have to click another link?
Another cat picture?
Do you really need to check your Facebook and Twitter timeline “quickly” at three
in the morning?
Do you really have to check your inbox every 30 minutes?
With the emergence of smart phones, tablets, laptops, and faster wireless connections,
the Internet is constantly under your fingertips.
But did you know that the internet is releasing around 300m tonnes of CO2
per year–the same amount produced by coal, oil and fossil fuels?
Thus, conducting an internet detox does not just help you re-connect with people
—in the flesh—but also helps to lessen the world’s carbon footprint.
6. Shop with Environment in Mind
Shop for eco-friendly products.
Look for products that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, high-quality and long lasting.
Also, use re-usable bags when grocery shopping.
Invest in quality home products and buy for the long term, rather than spending money
on a series of cheap buys and eventually disposing of the products after a short while.
7. Save Home Energy Effortlessly
There have been a lot of tips online about green houses and alluring “smart” technology
meant to help households save energy.
But how many of us can really afford to use such technology when it comes to
conserving energy?
Many well-meaning people are dissuaded by the high cost of implementing this kind of
technology.
Yet, there are still many simple ways to conserve energy without spending––
rather saving.
Learn the basics of conserving energy–like unplugging electric appliances, gadgets and
other devices when not in use.
There are also energy-efficient home designs to help you save while living in style.
8. Keep Up To Date On Green News
Staying up to date on the latest news and developments related to the environment
and green living, will help you on your path to sustainable living.
9. Help Others Go Green
Great ideas are to be shared with those who are not yet in the know.
Help others delve into green living and share the same path with you.
Teach them how.
Share your green thumb and ideas with them.
No single act is little, but shared acts are bigger.
Start with your kids.
Let us ensure the welfare of the world and guarantee our grandchildren a safe and
happy future.
Help color the world back
to emerald green
and turquoise blue
because Mars is not an option.
About Guest Author: Emily Harper
Emily Harper is an Environment and Women’s Advocate. She is fond of discussing style, security, health and sustainability. She’s been writing about green living and sustainability in hope for a greener world. She is insightful, vigilant and lives happily with her two kids. You can read more of her articles at www.securityocean.com. You can contact at emilyharper80@gmail.com.
We’d love to hear your comments. Share your thoughts and opinions with us.
What would you add to this list of effective ways to live green when everything
is going gray?
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