Green habits and daily choices – introduce them today

Date of the last update: 23.12.2024

Nowadays, with climate change becoming more and more apparent and ecosystems around the world suffering, introducing eco-friendly habits into our daily routine is not only desirable, but necessary.

Especially as Ecotherapists, we cannot allow our daily actions to contribute to environmental degradation. By supporting people to make conscious and ecological choices, we aim to create a healthier and more sustainable world.

We have prepared for you ecological habits that you can implement into your daily life right away. So that each of us can contribute to protecting our planet.

Table of contents:

1. Do away with disposable products
2. Save water
3. Waste segregation
4. Be a conscious consumer
5. Reduce energy consumption
6. Use public transport and cycling
7. Avoid buying unnecessary gifts
8. Summary

Do away with disposable products

Single-use products such as plastic bags, bottles, straws and packaging are a huge burden on the environment. The production of plastic uses significant amounts of energy and raw materials, and it takes hundreds of years to decompose. Not to mention that tonnes of microplastic flood the oceans already and poses a threat to marine life. 

Alternatives: 

•  Instead of plastic bags, use reusable bags made of eco-friendly materials.  
• Buy reusable water bottles made of metal or glass.  
• Replace plastic straws with metal, bamboo or paper straws.  
• Choose products packaged in eco-friendly packaging, such as paper or glass. 

Check out also: Ocean pollution – causes and effects

Save water

Water is one of the most precious resources on earth. Unfortunately, we often waste it unknowingly. Saving water is not only a matter of ecology, but also economics.  

Ways to save water:  

• Install aerators on taps to reduce the flow of water.  
• Choose to have showers instead of baths.  
• Repair any leaks in your water supply immediately. 
• Only use dishwashers and washing machines when they are full.  
• Only use as much water as you actually need!

Waste segregation

Waste separation is the basis of taking care of the environment and the planet. By doing so, you can increase the amount of recycled materials, thus reducing the amount of rubbish going to landfills.  

Segregation rules:

• Separate paper, plastic, glass and metal from organic waste.  
• Check your local segregation guidelines as these may vary from region to region. Segregation rules may wary across countries, regions and even cities. 
• Dispose of batteries, electronics and chemicals at special collection points.  
• Take unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy.  
• Set up a compost heap in your garden if you can.

Be a conscious consumer

By buying less, you reduce the demand for products whose production and transport generate significant amounts of waste and CO2 emissions. Think about whether you really need an item, prioritise quality over quantity and use the resources you already have. 

Principles:

• Buy local and seasonal produce that is fresher. Also, this way you support local farmers and the economy.  
• Don’t buy clothes you don’t need.  
• Minimise the amount of cosmetics you use or replace them with natural ones.  
• Don’t spend money on more gadgets you don’t use.  
• Buy in large packaging  
• Buy recycled items  
• Repair instead of throwing away  
• Buy in returnable packaging  

Reduce energy consumption

Saving energy not only helps protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of natural resources, but also reduces your electricity bill, allowing you to use the money you save for other needs.  

Ways to save energy:  

•  Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-saving LEDs. 
• Switch off electrical appliances from sockets when you are not using them. 
• Use natural light instead of artificial light.  
• Invest in energy-efficient household appliances. 

Use public transport and cycling

Cars emit huge amounts of carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.   

New habits:  

• Use public transport whenever possible,   
• Swap your car for a bike, especially in summer. You will not only take care of the environment but also your fitness and health.  
• Take advantage of the weather and go for a walk.

Avoid buying unnecessary gifts

Avoid misguided gifts – instead of buying things just because it’s the right thing to do, opt for thoughtful, practical gifts or experiences that will really please the recipient and won’t generate unnecessary waste. In this way, you will not only make your loved ones happy, but also contribute to the environment. 

Alternatives:   

• If you must, buy your children eco-friendly wooden toys instead of plastic ones, which generate waste and are often of poor quality. 
• Don’t buy flowers from the florist – you can make a bouquet yourself using flowers from your own garden.  
• Do it yourself! Gifts created by yourself in the form of handicrafts are not only beautiful but recently very fashionable.

Summary

In conclusion, green habits and daily choices make a huge difference to the environment. Living in harmony with nature is not difficult – all it takes is making a few simple changes, such as saving energy, reducing plastic consumption or being a conscious consumer. Each of us can contribute to protecting the planet by taking care of our surroundings and making informed purchasing decisions. Remember that small steps can lead to big changes, so it is worth starting to incorporate green habits into your life today.