Green is the new black. Or so you'd think considering everyone deems themselves 'green' these days. But, really, what makes something green? And how can you get started living green?
Green living is all about making choices - big and small - that lessen our environmental impact. It's about living a healthier lifestyle, not just for this generation, but for the many generations to come. Essentially, greener choices will fall in to one or more of the following four categories:
- Protecting Natural Resources
- Limiting Waste
- Socially Responsibility
- Healthy Living
This means conserving water and energy or preventing pollution. Cutting back your consumption and choosing products that won't damage our world's waters are great ways to contribute to a greener planet.
When most people think green, they think recycling. While recycling is a big part of limiting waste, composting, reducing and reusing are also effective alternatives.
By choosing to purchase fairly traded items and shop locally, you're not only cutting out the middlemen, you're contributing to a better way of life for those who need it.
A healthy planet is important, but so is a healthy lifestyle. By being consciously aware of your diet and exercising regularly, you can be sure that you'll be around to reap the benefits of going green.
In the short-term, you may be just as concerned with saving money as you are about limiting your impact. Or maybe avoiding contaminants in your food more than social responsibility. But making conscious decisions in your day-to-day life will have a very big effect on the planet in the long-term.
It may sound trite, but it's true: Even the smallest efforts add up.
