By One of my favorite quotes out there was said by author and environmentalist Wendell Berry. “The Earth is what we all have in common,” he says. He’s totally right. It doesn’t matter what we believe, who we are or where we live, the Earth is our collective home, our point of connection and our shared responsibility.
Taking care of our planet has never felt more urgent–this means we all have a role to play, both as individuals and as a community. We can help shape a better future for the next generation by working towards a greener planet. But to improve the well-being of our collective home, we first have to look at our personal spaces. After all, change begins with us. Here are five steps to make your home more eco-friendly.
1. Improve the air quality of your home.
The home is our safe space. It’s where we gather with our loved ones, relax and unwind. Many of us enjoy candles or air fresheners as a way to improve the air quality of homes. Little do we know that, in the process, we put the planet and ourselves at risk.
Get in the habit of reading labels. Seek products that are made with natural ingredients rather than toxic chemicals. When it comes to candles and incense, choose brands that are made naturally and ethically. Another great way of improving the air quality of your home is by surrounding yourself with indoor plants.
2. Dispose of waste responsibly.
We are facing a serious waste problem. Have you ever thought about where your trash ends up? Your home is a great place to start when it comes to tackling the excessive amounts of waste produced. Do your research and find out how you can dispose of waste responsibly: compost your food waste, and avoid plastic as much as possible.
3. Embrace minimalism.
Minimalism seems to be the new trend – and for good reason if you ask me. The idea behind it is that you live with fewer material things, so that you have the time and money to experience life. You keep only what you need and enjoy the luxury of space. By opting for a more minimal lifestyle, you say no to materialism and our consumer culture, which are the biggest threats to our planet and its health. This also means a more meaningful life for you and a better planet for all of us.
4. Use natural cleaning products.
It’s so easy to relax at home when everything is clean and tidy. Here’s the problem: the conventional cleaning products out there are filled with toxins and chemicals, putting your health in serious danger. The truth is when it comes to keeping your home clean, all you need is a few natural ingredients.
5. Pay less and turn off the lights.
One of the main ideas behind a more eco-friendly life is using only what we need. It’s simple but truly important. This applies to everything from the food we eat, the clothes we buy and the resources we use. Take shorter showers, turn off the light when you leave a room, use natural light when you can and do every little thing in your power to do good things for our planet.
How we treat the planet starts from within our homes. We have to do our part as individuals and then come together as a global community to take care of and protect our shared home, the Earth.