Little things really do add up to make a big difference.
There are many small changes you could be making to your daily routine that won’t cause you too much extra trouble, but will have a positive impact on the environment.
Here are a few little ways you can save the world and be more green everyday:
– If it’s warm enough, hang your clothes outside to dry naturally on a clothesline rather than using the dryer. (They will smell fresher too!)
– Always recycle your glass bottles, aluminum cans, paper and other recyclable materials.
– Have at least one day per week when you eat vegetarian or vegan. (Meat and dairy production uses a lot of resources.) Use it as a chance to check out one of Toronto’s great vegetarian restaurants!
– If there’s an option to switch to a paperless version, do so. For example, switch to using a notebook app on your phone rather than making notes on paper.
– Use a refillable water bottle and fill it from the tap, rather than buying bottled water all the time.
– Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Believe it or not, it can save five gallons of water per day.
– Whenever possible, buy second hand. It will help you save money and give the item a second life. (There are a TON of great second hand shops in Toronto.)
– Try to drive as little as possible and use alternatives such as biking, walking and public transport instead. (Plus, if you choose to bike or walk you’ll be getting exercise during your commute!)
– Plan your meals for the week in advance, so you end up using all the food you purchased and wasting less.
– If you do find yourself throwing away wasted food often, make a note of it and adjust your buying habits accordingly.
– Get your own coffee thermos to bring to your favourite coffee shop, instead of using a disposable cup every time. (Many cafes – will even give you a discount if you do this!)
– Stash a few re-useable canvas bags in your backpack or car, so that when you go to the supermarket you won’t have to use plastic bags.
– When you are shopping, look for items that have as little packaging as possible. For example, look for fruits and vegetables that are sold loose rather than wrapped in plastic.
– If you order takeaway and are eating it at home – there’s no need for all the napkins and plastic forks. Make sure to ask the restaurant to not include them with your order.
– Make your own non-toxic cleaning products when cleaning your home rather than using bleach.
How can you be more green in your day to day life?
These are just a few of the many little shifts you can make to your daily habits in order to be more green. It’s not as difficult as you might think. Each little change and healthy habit is small and once you get used to it, you might barely think about it.
However, every little bit counts and each change leads to more awareness. No effort is too small, so implement just one of these new habits today to be more green!