5 Green Living Tips You Need To Follow Today

People are drawn to a green lifestyle for several reasons. Whether it’s sound environmental practices, cost-savings initiatives, and the opportunity to instill positive values in the younger generation, going green checks all the boxes. Fortunately, green living satisfies all of these areas simultaneously and it offers other benefits, too.

In Washington DC, residents are not only part of a vibrant local culture but are often influenced by sustainable living, the larger community provides. There are many benefits to DC that you can’t find anywhere else. In fact, many young people love living in Washington D.C. to follow a greener lifestyle. Green homes perform better, they net higher rents, higher occupancy rates, and higher prices when sold and buyers know the long-term investment is well worth the premium.

Below are 5 green tips to use in your daily life. 

1. Reduce Purchases

In general, think before you buy any product – do you really need it? How did the production of this product impact the environment and what further impacts will there be with the disposal of the product (and associated packaging materials)? When you are thinking about buying something, try the 30-Day Rule — wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want a product to really make your decision. This will eliminate impulse buying. 

2. Reduce the Lights

Turning off the lights in an empty room is an energy-saving tip that predates the green-living movement, but it remains a good habit to follow for those interested in green living at home. In addition, those interested in conserving energy should reserve artificial light for tasks that require it. Opening the curtains in one’s home to welcome sunlight during the day can often provide all the light that is necessary. At night, try to go as long as possible before finally turning the lights on.

3. Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles may be a quick and easy thirst-quencher when you’re out and about, you don’t have to resort to this measure when you purchase non-disposable, eco-friendly water bottles. There are several different styles and brands of eco-friendly water bottles, which allow you to fill them up before you head out and avoid spending extra money or contributing to plastic consumption with this basic need. Keeping a non-disposable water bottle on hand is not only more responsible, but it can also encourage you to drink more water throughout the day, which is a healthy habit to develop. Also, read about Plastic bottle houses.

4. Cloth Over Paper

Each year, millions of pounds of trash end up in our landfills. Some of this trash finds its way into nature and our ocean, causing trouble for wildlife. Every little bit counts and little changes by you can have a huge impact. Want to go the extra mile? Make your own cloth napkins from old pieces of fabric, or find them in the home section of a consignment shop. Whether repurposing old t-shirts as cleaning rags or investing in towels, cloth presents a more eco-friendly alternative to paper. Use cloth towels for cleaning projects, cloth napkins for meals, and cloth diapers for children.

5. Compost

Use a compost bin to turn your food and lawn wastes into rich mulch. It’s a great way to reduce your trash production, and next year you’ll have rich compost ready to go for spring planting.

About the author: This article was contributed by Alison, who is a green energy enthusiast.