Embracing Eco-Friendly Habits For You, Your Family, And The Planet

Being eco-friendly means living in ways that are not harmful to the environment. If you want to make the change and learn how you can help, here is a list of mindful practices you and your family can develop to help preserve the Earth. Remember, each change we make sets a chain reaction- how we help and act around others will affect their decisions in their own life.

Help Out

I had the pleasure of taking my oldest out to the park to pick up trash and teaching him the importance of preservation. What was great about the outing was he got to learn from example and was a great help! Allowing him to be a part of that experience helps drive that habit for him and hopefully stick as he grows older and more independent. Rewarding these moments helps drive the incentive and makes for a longer lasting memory.

This weekend there will be a few opportunities to help. Cal State Long Beach is hosting a Beach Clean Up Day.

Reduce Water Waste

Try to limit the amount of times you run your dishwasher or laundry as this ends up using a lot of water in the process. Consider waiting until each load is completely full.

Other water uses like showers and washing dishes should be done sparingly when possible.

While we're on the topic of water- I like to use a reusable water bottle along with my water filter at home in order to cut back on the water bottle plastic use.

Recycle

Divide your waste into different categories like cans, paper, bottles, and different types of plastic. Noting the numbers found on the waste helps to further separate your recyclables. Teach this to your children at a young age so they can get into the habit and make those eco-conscious decisions early.

Experiment with Vegetarian or Vegan Meals

Being vegetarian or vegan minimizes pollution in our streams, rivers, and oceans. The pollution created from livestock production can be incredibly harmful as their waste can flow into our waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems, destroy topsoil, and contaminate the air.

Try implementing fun, delicious vegetarian recipes and the habit will sometimes take off from there!

I hope this was helpful and that you're able to exercise these strategies over time. The key is grit and persistence! Teach your younger ones and educate your elders and with time we can build a better society.

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