Top 5 Trends in Green Living

May 9, 2020

The last year was marked by devastating wildfires in Australia, Amazon, Siberia, and Africa and hurricanes and floods in many parts of the world. Mankind is more and more conscious of the effects of climate change on weather, wildlife, the environment, and its lifestyle. 

Humans are responsible for causing the climate to change and we are the last ones who can do something about it. More and more people aim to reduce the effects of climate change by adopting healthier and greener lifestyles. In this article, we present the top 5 trends in green living you should know and care about. 

1. Reducing Plastic Consumption 

Few people know that half of the plastic ever manufactured was made in the last 15 years. Plastic pollution is one of the most important and pressing environmental issues and is caused only by humans. Sadly, only 9% of the plastic produced worldwide is recycled and most of it is accumulating in landfills, in our oceans, or the wild. 

One important trend that has emerged in the latest years is that of reducing plastic consumption. Single-use plastic will be banned by major states by the end of 2020. You can replace single-use plastic with bamboo, pottery, and ceramics.

Straws are the most prevalent trash item found in nature and oceans, so more and more replacement options such as silicone or metal straws emerge. To reduce plastic consumption, you need to invest in hemp, bamboo, silicone, and products that can be reused. 

2. Veganism

We must change our way of living and eating to reduce our carbon footprint. Just as twiftnews inform, agriculture contributes 22% to the total greenhouse gas emissions. The production of beef is the most intensive and demanding of all. Livestock farming produced from 20% to 50% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. 

Agriculture and livestock farming are one of the biggest industries that release over 50% of greenhouse gases, which are damaging to Earth’s atmosphere. New initiatives and organizations began to produce plant-based meat, which seems to be a delicious substitute for meat.

People that are aware of their choices’ effect on the environment and climate are going vegetarian or vegan. Researchers have shown that a plant-based diet can reduce your carbon footprint by over 60%. 

3. Minimalism

Minimalism originates in the Nordic countries and it promotes living a life with only the things you need. Minimalism is an antidote to consumerism. You do not have to have the most fashionable clothes. You don’t need the latest car model released or the newest smartphone. You do not need all these material, expensive and polluting items to be happy. 

Green living is about being aware of your lifestyle choices and opting for more sustainable and eco-friendly ones. Minimalism helps people be content with what they have and limits overspending. If you buy less, live in a smaller house, use the bike more than your car, you reduce your carbon footprint and your waste.

4. Renewable Energy 

Countries such as Denmark, Canada, or the UK aim to be carbon neutral in a few years. Other countries such as Sweden, Costa Rica, Iceland, or Germany have already embraced solar, geothermal, or wind energy as substituents for fossil fuels. 

When fossil fuels are burned to produce energy, they release a high amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and this leads to global warming. Using renewable energy is also a method to save money, as you can install solar panels or wind turbines to meet your energy demand. It is a method of protecting the environment and living green. 

5. Supporting Local Businesses

Local farmers and businesses avoid using pesticides or low-quality ingredients. Their fruits, vegetables, and foods are the most natural ones compared with those found in supermarkets. Dairy and meat production have additives and added substances to keep them fresh for a longer period. All the products need to be transported and stored and most of them travel an average of 1,300 miles to reach the supermarket. 

If you buy local, you support the local economy and generate income for little farmers that use natural and eco-friendly ways of growing fruits and vegetables. Everything tastes better because local businesses offer you fresh products and you also reduce the impact your lifestyle has on the Earth. Eat seasonal products and buy local. 

Conclusion

Living green is something we all can do to stop climate change and global warming. We must protect the Earth, our home, and the mesmerizing nature and wildlife it offers us. Choose to reduce plastic-consumption and replace it with environment-friendly alternatives. Choose a plant-based diet and buy local. Opt for a minimalist mindset and fight consumerism. Embrace renewable energy.