10 Small Lifestyle Changes That Can Help the Environment

The Environment: While we’re just one person and may not be able to help the environment all by ourselves, there are so many things we can do collectively to help Mother Earth. If you’re not sure where to start, we have you covered. Start with the basics, such as using less water, reducing plastics, and choosing ethical products such as  vegan beauty products. Get started today by utilizing any of these ten small lifestyle changes that can help the environment.

1 .Switch to a Vegan Lifestyle — Cutting out meat for one day a week can make a big difference. Imagine   how much of a difference you can help make for the environment and fellow animal friends by switching to   a completely vegan lifestyle! There are so many benefits that come to you and the planet by switching to a   vegan lifestyle. According to the Rush University Medical Center, research has shown that a vegan diet can   help promote weight loss, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help manage diabetes. Going vegan helps   reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces energy consumption, conserves water, and more. And if you   aren’t already using vegan skincare products, now’s the time to make the switch.

2 .Use Cruelty-Free Beauty Products — Give yourself a gift that keeps on giving by getting a monthly   cruelty-  free beauty box subscription. Non-cruelty-free beauty brands aren’t just testing on mice. They’re   also testing   on many other animals that we’ve come to love as pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. With   thousands   of  cosmetic ingredients that have long been determine as being safe, there really isn’t a need   for beauty brands to test on animals.

3 .Ditch Single-Use Plastic Bags — When shopping at the grocery store, bring your own reusable bags. In     some cases you you might need to bring your own reusable bag because several states have already   banned single-use plastic. Even if your state hasn’t adopted the plastic bag ban, it’s still a good habit to get  into the environmentally friendly practice of ditching single-use plastic bags and using tote bags or other  reusable bags instead.

4 .Drink Out of Reusable Water Bottles — Avoid plastic water bottles if you can. Instead, drink out of   reusable water bottles or thermoses. Many reusable thermoses have features that keep your drink cool,   too.  Likewise, if you like buying your coffee to-go from a coffee shop in the morning, brew your own coffee at   home instead and take it in a reusable thermos. If you can’t resist the urge to visit your favorite coffee shop,   ask if they have a reusable thermos option for drip coffee—some cafes even offer discounts!

5 .Wash Clothes in Cold Water — Tap or cold water will use less energy to wash clothes than warm water.  Hot water uses more energy. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your clothes shrinking or fading if the water is too hot. Cold water will still be able to remove stains from clothing, including makeup smudges or grass stains.

6 .Use Shampoo Bars Instead of Plastic Shampoo Bottles — All those plastic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles add up, and you’re just one person. Multiply that by billions of people around the world, and we have a serious plastic waste issue. Instead of using plastic shampoo bottles, use shampoo bars instead. If you love the look and feel of beauty product bars, you’ll also love the benefits that come with switching to vegan makeup.

7.Shop at Secondhand Stores — Today’s trendy fast fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits of environmental waste. Whenever possible, shop at secondhand stores instead. You’re bound to find hidden gems at these thrift or consignment stores. It’s friendlier for the planet and your wallet, too.

8 .Use Fewer Pesticides — Have your own yard? It’s a good idea not to use pesticides. These chemicals aren’t always friendly to our animal neighbors. Avoid using pesticides whenever possible And opt for organic produce if you’d like to avoid pesticide residues that are commonly found on conventional fruits and vegetables at the grocery store.

9 .DIY Cleaning Products — Make your own DIY cleaning products with ingredients you already have in your own home. White vinegar works wonders. You probably have baking soda in your kitchen fridge, too. Together, both white vinegar and baking soda clean just about anything. When you make your own cleaning products, you’ll be reducing packaging waste by not buying it from the store.

10.Switch Light Bulbs — If you haven’t already switched to LED light bulbs for more energy-efficient bulbs,     now is the time. Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs such as compact fluorescent light bulbs will make your home apartments for rent in lincoln ne energy efficient. Because your home will be more energy efficient, you’ll save more money   and help the environment. In fact, according to the Residential Energy Consumption Survey, at least one energy-efficient light bulb was used by 58% of households.