Check out these eco-friendly tips for going green!
Climate change has been top of mind for me over the last several months, as I’m sure it has for many of you as well. I like to think of myself as someone who cares for the environment, but when I take an honest look at my daily habits … I’m falling short. The good news, I hope, is that we are empowered with the knowledge and the ability to make changes starting today, regardless of what happened yesterday.
To that end, I have created a list of action items I am leaning into. Please note, these are not areas where I currently excel. If you’re looking at this list and thinking, wow, I do none of these things, please know that I am right there with you!
- Eat less meat (especially red meat) and shop for local animal products. Factory farming creates a tremendous amount of greenhouse gases. Reducing red meat intake, implementing a “meatless Monday,” and shopping locally for organic meat and dairy products are all approachable steps for my family.
- Shop consignment first for kids’ clothes and toys, my own clothes, and home goods. Then fill in the gaps with new purchases as needed. A few of my favorites are Kangaroo Kids and Just Between Friends for kids’ clothing and toys, Byrd Designs for me, and The Future Antiques and White Rabbit for home decor.
- Shop local as much as possible. I love to shop online because it is so easy, but a lot of planes, trains, and automobiles are required to get those items to my front door within two days of purchase. Shopping at local boutiques not only keeps our neighborhoods filled with fun and interesting businesses but it also reduces the need for a lot of that shipping. Even better: sourcing items that are locally produced, like K. Hall candles for your next fall home scent.
- Prioritize local produce. Shopping for locally grown food supports our local farming communities and reduces national and international shipping. Grocery shopping at farmer’s markets is not only sustainable, it’s a family outing! If you can’t plan your grocery shopping around the farmer’s markets, Dierberg’s has a really large and clearly marked selection of locally grown produce prominently displayed near their entrances. They also mark the price tags of locally produced condiments, frozen food items, breads, and more!
- Walk more, and drive less. Living in St. Louis, I instinctively hop in my car even if I’m only heading a few blocks away – that’s our culture! I’m challenging myself to start walking more to run errands, even if I’ll be towing bags back home.
As with anything, small changes add up. All of the things I’m hoping to work towards will not only (hopefully) make a positive impact on our environment, but also create fun activities for my family in the process. In addition, they’ll provide opportunities to talk with my children about why we’re making these eco-friendly lifestyle changes and how they can start to make a difference, too.
