6 Ways to Keep a Greener Lifestyle this 2022

In today’s world, maintaining a green lifestyle is key in preserving our environment. Make sustainability your 2022 resolution, and start your journey into responsible consumption! It is often difficult to maintain a green lifestyle, especially as the pandemic shifted us back to single-use, disposable products for safety and sanitary reasons.

However, keeping clean and keeping green do not have to be independent of each other. In fact, maintaining a sustainable lifestyle can lead you to a healthier one, as you make choices that benefit both you and the environment. 

Here are six ways you can keep a greener lifestyle this 2022! Start small, and work your way up to fully introduce sustainable practices into your everyday life. It all starts with a conscious effort, but by the end of the year, you’ll be going green by default! 

1. Decrease Unnecessary Water Consumption

The most basic form of eco-friendly consumption is to decrease the amount of water you use in everyday activities: flushing the toilet, washing your clothes, taking a bath, etc. By optimizing your water consumption, you are not only preserving the limited fresh water we have, but you also decrease your water bill at the end of each billing cycle! 

There are plenty of ways to save water. You can opt to do your laundry once a week instead of daily to reduce the consumption costs of your washing machine, or use the old water in your fish tank as a nutrient-rich water for your plants. Close the tap when not in use, even as you’re simply brushing your teeth. While these seem like small steps now, they create a greater impact later on. 

2. Use Solar-powered Devices

Solar-power is a renewable energy that the majority of areas would have daily, with the exception of some shaded areas or locations that don’t get as much sun throughout the year. However, if you live in a temperate or tropical area, then chances are you get to see much of the sun daily, and its light can power up your devices in an eco-friendly manner! 

There are numerous brands of solar-powered products on the market, such as solar-powered power banks, chargers, water filtration systems, air purifiers, and more! To truly practice sustainability, consider installing solar panels to power your home, and the devices that you already have instead of purchasing new ones! 

3. Purchase Bulk Options and Groceries

Purchase non-perishables and dry goods in bulk the next time you go grocery shopping. It may be difficult to finish up all those dried pastas, rice, and beans when you live alone, but there are grocery stores that offer package-free options in bulk and in small quantities, so you can bring your own container, and pick up only the items that you need! 

Find a local grocery store near you that would supply these items. Dry goods can be stored for long periods of time, as long as they are kept away from moisture and pests. Non-perishables may never expire, or will take an incredibly long time to expire, like soaps, shampoo, and other toiletries. Consider halving bulk options with friends and family as well! 

4. Utilize Reusable Supplies

Reusable supplies are those everyday household items that you don’t often think about when throwing them away. Paper towels used in catching grease, cleaning gloves that protect you from harsh chemicals and dirt, and those chopsticks that come with your Chinese food takeout are all examples of household staples that can be made reusable.

Consider getting reusable options that you can wash and reuse for a long time: upcycled cloth towels, silicone gloves, and your own set of utensils that you can easily bring around with you wherever you go. These will help cut down on your single-use consumption, while staying clean and convenient!

5. Start a Compost Bin

If you’re a home chef who enjoys experimenting with different types of food and recipes, consider starting your own compost bin to get rid of those organic kitchen scraps. You’ve never had to use those carrot tops, onion skins, and celery roots anyway, so give them a new purpose in your compost bin instead of the trash bin!

A compost bin is easy to start, and will reward you with a nutrient rich compost that will grow leafier, greener, and heartier plants than any commercially available fertilizer! Plus, you can turn composting into a side business with the liquid gold fertilizer prized by many organic farmers! Now you can think about growing your own herbs in an organic garden.

6. Enjoy the Cool Breeze

Air conditioners are energy-guzzlers: they use up a lot of energy and electricity to cool down your room, especially during the summer months. Yet, many people believe that they need to run their air conditioners 24/7 to keep cool throughout the day, without considering that nature already provides a cool breeze that can keep your room cool despite the weather!

When the weather permits, consider letting in the breeze instead of using air conditioners or electric fans. If you’re worried about the bugs getting in, a screen will help keep the bugs out, and the breeze in! Try installing breeze blocks for better airflow around the home, and you’ll be just as comfortable throughout the day!