The Importance of Going Green
October 12, 2016We’re sure you've heard about "going green" and "living sustainably," but why exactly is it so important?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the messages on how we should be living; turning down the air conditioning, riding a bicycle, recycling, and taking shorter showers. You may have even started tuning out these messages after constantly having them advertised to you.
Everyone’s got a good idea on how to live greener… but today let’s talk about WHY you should care.
Every single thing we do has an impact on the planet - both good or bad. The great news is that as an individual, we have the power to make decisions that have a positive impact (or a less negative impact). Green choices have a positive impact for all humans, animals, plants, and the Earth.
Actions such as recycling, pollution reduction, nature conservation, and plant and tree cultivation contribute to creating a more sustainable world for our future generations.
Another thing that people easily overlook is the fact that by living green we can increase the quality of life that we are currently living. By encouraging cleaner air and oceans, less clutter and ‘stuff’, healthier food, and greater community awareness - we will be closer to our family and neighbors, breathe cleaner air, be physically lighter and fitter, and we will dramatically reduce the health crises plaguing our generation.
Can one person really make a difference?
“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can”
It always starts with one person. Each person who contributes 1 less paper coffee cup to our trash dumps each day saves 365 cups from being disposed each year. That person gets two friends to follow suit; and that is nearly 1100 paper cups saved in a year! The production of 1100 paper cups emits 121 kilograms of CO2.
Our planet's resources are limited, and the production of those paper cups fills the air with carbon dioxide and fills the Earth with rubbish. It is HUGELY important to live green; for yourself, your children, your air, your water and your Earth.
Going green means preserving the rainforests, improving your health, saving money, and protecting your children; why wouldn’t anyone want to go green?
Some easy ways to go greener today:
EAT REAL FOOD: Choosing to buy healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains means you are reducing packaging and energy used for processing refined foods. As a bonus, buying local means you support your local economy and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions required to transport food to your city.
CHANGE YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE: Products such as makeup, shampoo, conditioner, face wash and moisturisers have an impact on the environment. Switch to a beauty regimen that doesn’t involve the use of chemicals and you will increase your own health as well as that of the planet.
USE LESS: Use fewer resources! Switch the lights off when you leave the room, don’t have the TV on unless you’re watching it, and take shorter showers.
CHANGE YOUR TRANSPORTATION: Anytime you walk, ride a bicycle, or take public transport you reduce the carbon dioxide and emissions that would’ve been created by driving a car.
SUPPORT BRANDS THAT CARE: One amazing thing about 2016 is the emergence of brands that care to protect the Earth’s resources, and brands that give back to our planet. For nearly any luxury, you can probably find a brand that promotes sustainability. Just do a little research!