7 ways to live Green!

Since we have all been under lockdown. I have tried to engage in all kinds of hobbies to keep me from sliding into ‘pandemic fatigue’ which essentially means I was going crazy and needed a mental boost.

1. Create a compost and use in your garden

So one of my hobbies that I started was my garden. I did all the research and started planting various plants with much enthusiasm. Then they died. All of them. Frustrated I tried again and to my delight they thrived! This time around I had used compost in my garden and my plants loved it!

A compost is basically a combination of vegetable peelings and other  organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away, and could be composted instead. So along with helping my plants grow I was also helping the environment.

Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. It also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. It also encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.

So how else can you go ‘green’?

2. Go fully online!

Instead of getting your bills mailed why not simply access online billing system? This reduces the need to have endless envelopes each month and cuts down on your stress level as well. Online alerts can even be created to remind you about payment!

3. Make your own household cleaners.

If you are like me, the smell of heavy chemicals can wreak havoc on your sinuses. So why not make your own cleaning products? Just do your research first to ensure that you are using the right ingredients.

However, many items can be cleaned with just warm water and baking soda or vinegar. Since they do not release harmful fumes they are so much better for the environment.

4. Unplug unused chargers and appliances.

Well of course this is a given but I can’t tell how many times I have seen them just left hanging in the socket forgotten after they have finished charging the phone or tablet!

5. Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage, especially in the kitchen.

6. Use solar panels for hot water – the initial cost is outweighed by the reduction in energy it uses as well as lower electricity bills!

7. Walk or ride a bike for errands two miles or closer – leave the car behind for short trips as it is great exercise and also great for the environment!

How do you live ‘green’? Drop me a line or two and let me know!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: environment. garden, green, pandemic