Living a greener lifestyle is never a goal you reach; it’s a journey that requires making conscious decisions every day until your habits are as eco-friendly as possible. These habits should begin the moment you get out of bed, so here are some simple ways to start going green in your morning routine:
Be Mindful of Your Hygiene Products
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Conventional soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, and other hygiene products can harbour chemicals that are harmful to the environment. For instance, tiny microbeads in soaps and body scrubs are generally made from plastic. These beads contribute to ocean pollution, which has resulted in proposed legislation that would ban them in some parts of the world. Choosing organic products in recycled, eco-friendly containers is a better solution. Alternatively, you can make your own soaps, lotions, and hair products quite easily.
Reduce Your Shower Time
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There’s nothing like a hot, soothing shower first thing in the morning, but you may be surprised to learn just how much water and energy your shower is wasting. Hot showers are one of the top contributors to high water bills. In fact, shower usage accounts for as much as 17-percent of a home’s total electricity. Reducing your shower time and switching out your old showerhead for a low-flow version can help, but so can opting for a cooler shower.
Rethink Toilet Paper
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Did you know that 384 trees are cut down to supply one person with a lifetime of toilet paper? That may seem excessive, but it’s true. While buying recycled toilet paper is a good start, one alternative the greenest families have been choosing is what’s known as “family cloth.” These are essentially reusable wipes or washcloths you keep on hand for bathroom use. Simply wash them in the washing machine like you would cloth diapers. If the idea of using cloth toilet paper seems extreme, ease your family into it by just using them for urine, which is sterile anyway. You’ll greatly reduce your overall toilet paper waste by making this simple switch.
Skip the Takeaway
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Ordering breakfast and your favourite espresso to go on your way to work may be convenient, but it also wastes a lot of packaging that likely won’t be recycled. Fixing breakfast at home generally tastes better and brewing your own coffee is also a lot cheaper; simply pour it into a thermos for your morning commute.
Don’t Drive
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This one isn’t avoidable when you don’t have access to public transportation, but consider alternatives to driving to work, such as carpooling. Biking, walking, and taking public transportation are all viable options if you live near the office. If not, find out if telecommuting is possible. When you absolutely have to drive a car, invest in a fuel-efficient hybrid or plug-in model that will reduce your carbon footprint.
Everyone’s needs are unique, but rethinking daily habits and opting for greener alternatives is a great way to lead a more eco-conscious life.
