There are many reasons people may choose to live a more environmentally conscious life. Whether it’s for personal ideology, or simply to help fight climate change, converting to a more eco friendly lifestyle can be very beneficial.

However, while it may seem difficult to break some habits and build new ones, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your negative impact on the environment.

Turn it off

Energy conservation is one of the top priorities when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. One of the most simple, yet effective ways to reduce your energy consumption is to turn off lights when you don’t need them. Leaving the lights on in a room you’re not currently using is a big waste of energy, and can even make your monthly bills more expensive.

Opting to turn off the lights can be a great way to reduce both your energy consumption, as well as reduce the cost of your monthly electricity bill. Similarly, any electrical appliances you use should be unplugged and put away when you’re done using them. This is because leaving your appliances plugged in uses unnecessary energy, even when the devices are on standby.

So, turn off the lights when you don’t need them, and unplug your charger when you’re not using it!

Reduce, reuse and repurpose

Reduce, reuse and repurpose is a mantra for environmentalists. This simple yet practical practice is based on the idea that you should reduce your need for new items by reusing and repurposing what you already own. This is where you get to be creative.

Reducing the amount of plastic waste, for instance, can be done in a variety of ways. From using beeswax food wraps instead of plastic cling crap to switching to reusable menstrual products for feminine hygiene, there are many ways to cut plastic out of your life.

However, this mantra doesn’t just cover plastic use. Food waste is also a big environmental issue, and many countries all over the world have tried implementing various ways of reducing food waste today. While joint effort is important, taking individual steps is crucial to reducing the amount of food being thrown out.

If you’re struggling with food waste, an effective measure you can take is to learn how to properly portion your meals. Don’t make too much food if no one wants to eat leftovers. On the other hand, leftover food is almost inevitable, since we don’t always eat the same amount. If you do have leftovers, learn how to reuse them in another dish.

Alternative transport

It is no secret that transportation is a major environmental issue. While individuals can’t tackle issues such as oil spills from big ships, or air pollution from commercial air flights, individuals can cut down on their own carbon footprint by opting to use more sustainable modes of transportation.

Driving to and from work every day can create a lot of pollution in the long run, so you should consider carpooling or offering to drive coworkers who live close to you. Another, more effective way of reducing the amount of pollution you create is to use public transportation in your town. Public transportation is there for a reason, and you should take advantage of it.

Additionally, you can always use a bike for transportation. Biking is not only good for the environment, it is also beneficial to your health. Riding a bicycle builds endurance and stamina, and it increases cardiovascular fitness.

Eat your veggies

While going vegan isn’t an option for everyone, choosing a more plant-based diet is a healthy way to help the environment and your own body. Vegetables and fruit are full of nutrients and vitamins that have a lot of beneficial effects on the human body. Apart from that, reducing your meat consumption is a great way to minimize your impact on the environment.

The meat industry is one of the leading industries that have a negative impact on the environment. One way to combat this, even if you can’t stop eating meat, is to get your goods from local sources.

Buying your groceries locally will not only support your local farmers, you will also be buying fresh produce that hasn't been shipped across the globe to get to your table.

Take some action

If you want to be more eco-friendly there are a few simple ways you can do so.

Try planting local wildflowers by dispersing the seeds over empty lots. Wildflowers are very important for the environment, as they provide a lot of essentials for our loyal pollinators. Wildflowers are a plentiful food source for bees, and they provide a place for shelter and rest.

Another way you can take action is to be more active in your community, join tree-planting projects, and help educate people about the environment and how it can be protected.

Final Thoughts

This article gives you just a few ideas of how you, too, can take a step toward reducing your carbon footprint. With these simple steps, you can take action and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.