Climate change is real, no matter what some people say, and even though there are many suggestions and tips on how to prevent it or at least reduce it, it still puzzles ordinary people when it comes to their role in the whole process. There are so many tips, advice, and warnings from mainstream media, bloggers, and celebrities that it’s really hard to make up one’s mind regarding what’s right and what’s wrong.
Especially since most of the current things we do, use, and consume are exceptionally convenient to us. Yet, there are ways to be more considerate of the environment, such as being more ethically aware through everyday living.
Now, being single and living alone can make this much easier, but that doesn’t mean that having a family should stop you from engaging in more eco-friendly practices. So, here are some ways that will help you and your family be more ethically aware:
Be careful with food
Having kids often means a lot of food waste, especially if they’re small. Toddlers can be especially difficult to deal with, as they’d often rather eat sweets than fruits and vegetables, which often leads to food waste and spending more money. In case you have a family to feed, being careful with how you buy, prepare and store food can significantly help you reduce your food waste.
So, next time your kid struggles with finishing his/her meal, it’s best to store it for later or find a way to reuse the remaining food. Additionally, buying excessive amounts of food can make it go rotten, especially if it’s raw, such as meat, vegetables, and fruit. Planning your meals for a week in advance can help you save money and know which items to buy when shopping for groceries.
Don’t indulge your children too much
Parents can often spoil their kids, which is completely understandable after all every parent wants their kid to be happy, and in today’s consumerist climate, happiness is often equated with shopping and getting new things. Therefore, instead of buying new toys (which are often made of hazardous materials), it’s better to find creative activities for your little ones, that will also teach them to be smart and quick-witted.
Instead of getting them new toys, trucks, dolls and other things, find a way to spend time together in nature or play games that don’t require you to spend a lot of money on toys.
Use less plastic
Unfortunately, plastic has become an integral part of our lives, which isn’t that great, considering that plastic waste is responsible for a lot of pollution. So, instead of using plastic bags, it’s better to get reusable ones made of cotton and polyester.
Similarly, getting reusable water bottles will also lead to less plastic consumption. Besides the above-mentioned toys, you can also switch to reusable cutlery, and instead of plastic toothbrushes, there are eco-friendly replacements such as those made of bamboo.
Spend more time outdoors
Kids are often hyperactive, and parents, due to their busy schedules, find it much easier to pacify them with new toys and gadgets, which is often a short-term solution. Next time you feel like spending time with your children, it’s advisable to take them to a park where they’ll be able to learn more about plants and nature.
Additionally, spending time in your backyard can be super beneficial for them, so if you don’t feel like traveling elsewhere to have fun, you can organize a picnic or a camping area in your own yard, just remember to get a comfortable outdoor rug so you’ll be able to have a great time without having to sit on the ground.
Reduce the number of plastic straws you use
Plastic straws can be truly convenient, especially if you prefer to sip an iced coffee on your way to work. Plus, kids simply love drinking with a straw as it’s easier and more fun. But, plastic straws are responsible for a lot of overall plastic pollution, which is why more and more restaurants have decided to ban them for good.
Many people continue to use them since they’re so practical, but luckily there are better solutions, such as reusable metal straws, that often come with a tiny brush which makes it easier to clean them.
Buy fewer clothes
Buying new clothes can often have a therapeutic effect, and many parents know that having children is often a great excuse to buy new things without much planning. Kids grow pretty fast, which means they need new clothes often, but since they quickly grow out of them, parents are often left with a lot of stuff that causes mess and clutter.
In that case, buying second-hand clothes can significantly save you a lot, and for those who prefer to get new clothes, make sure to buy from ethical brands that pay more attention to their environment and employ fair-trade and cruelty-free business practices. Also, donating your old clothes will help someone in need, and consequently, your home will be more orderly and neat.
Teach your children to care for the environment
Of course, every parent should aim to raise their kids well, meaning teaching them the right manners and politeness. But, if you want to be more ethically aware, your kids should also be taught how to care for the environment.
Therefore, teaching them not to litter will help them be more responsible when they grow up. Also, helping them recycle and sort out the trash can be great fun, since kids usually love to do anything that involves spending time with adults and feeling older.
Make your home more eco-friendly
One of the best and most effective ways to be ethically aware is to live in a green household. Sometimes, that can be a bit expensive, but you know what they say: big changes start with small steps. Lowering your energy consumption, and opting for LED light bulbs can be multi-beneficial to your wallet and environment alike.
Additionally, opting for green building materials and eco-friendly furniture is also a brilliant way to be more eco-friendly. Reducing your carbon footprint and driving less is another tip that doesn’t cost much and can have a positive effect on your finances.
Going eco-friendly can have great benefits for the whole family. Spending time together and being more ethically aware will teach your kids to care for the planet, while you can be happy knowing that you’re doing your part when it comes to saving the environment. Finally, living an ethically-aware life will help you save money that you can use on something more impactful, such as traveling or investing in your children’s education.
