What motivates people to embrace a sustainable lifestyle?
No matter where we travel, more and more individuals are putting an emphasis on going green because it benefits the environment. People are striving to come up with new and practical solutions that are sustainable and helpful in promoting environmental sustainability, from recycling plastic bags to treating chemical items.
But why should we really go green? It is clear that it's crucial to comprehend the process' various advantages even before we start. Going green is ultimately a personal decision that people embrace in order to help the earth and make the world a better place to live for future generations. Here are 10 compelling arguments that will persuade you not to go green if you are still on the fence about it.
Increase Value of Your Home
Making your house more environmentally friendly alone could increase its worth tremendously. You can save money and offer a benefit for potential buyers if you put solar panels on the roof or build a toilet and shower that use less water.
Green homes also make use of environmentally friendly, sustainable resources. Many governments also provide financial aid to people who follow sustainable practices. If you decide to put solar energy panels in your residence, for instance, you may be eligible for enticing rebates on your energy costs in the US.
Massive Savings in Energy Costs
According to the US Department of Energy, if all buildings were green, the US would use $20 billion less energy annually. Making your home more environmentally friendly will also get you savings.
Fixing minor issues in your house or workplace that increase energy consumption can result in these energy savings. For instance, you may save a lot of water and electricity by only running your washing machine with full loads throughout each cycle.
Source: selectra.ie (2023)
Save money on your water bill
By making the decision to be sustainable, you may possibly save hundreds of dollars on your current water bill. You may consistently save hundreds of dollars a year on your water bill by investing in Energy Star appliances and water-saving plumbing systems.
For example, using low-flow showerheads and faucets, fixing leaks promptly, and using a rain barrel can help you save a significant amount of water, which can lead to lower water bills. Similarly, watering your lawn and garden wisely, using a dishwasher and washing machine only when full, and choosing water-efficient appliances can help you reduce your overall water consumption, leading to lower water bills.
Moreover, by reducing your water consumption, you are also contributing to the conservation of the planet's water resources, which is essential for our survival. So, using a green lifestyle not only benefits you financially but also benefits the environment and future generations.
Improves Your Health
You can lessen the amount of pollutants released into the air by buying an eco-friendly car and house. You and others can breathe better air indoors and outdoors as a result. In the end, you'll be breathing cleaner air. Better health translates into less money spent on medical expenses and insurance, which will ultimately reduce your expenditures.
For example, Green lifestyle practices like reducing energy consumption, driving less, and using natural cleaning products can help reduce air pollution, which can improve your respiratory health. Besides, by growing your fruits and vegetables or buying them from local farmers' markets, you can ensure that you are consuming fresh, nutritious food that is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. In addition, choosing to walk or bike instead of driving can help you get more exercise, which can improve your overall health and wellbeing.
These are just a few examples of how adopting a green lifestyle can help improve your health. By making small changes in your daily habits, you can make a significant impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.
Source: ecogreenlove.com (2023)
Improves Air Quality
Using only natural items improves your health. Being healthy also naturally makes you more productive at work.
It's important to keep in mind that the fewer chemicals you use, the less pollutants you and your family are breathing in. You may buy eco-friendly versions of everything, from everyday items to cosmetics.
Additionally, because green paints and cleansers contain fewer volatile organic compounds, green homes have been found to have superior indoor air quality. Homeowners can breathe comfortably just because of the low volatility.
Effects on Human Health and Wildlife
Because air pollution has become "a major environmental health risk," according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has resulted in the early death of 3 million people, living a greener lifestyle can help save lives. According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, reducing air pollutants would also reduce water pollution by reducing acid rain and eutrophication, which can harm crops, trees, and wildlife, particularly in aquatic habitats.
Source: galapagosconservation.org.uk (2022)
For example, Green life practices by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals such as using natural cleaning products, avoiding single-use plastics, and buying organic food can help to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. This can have a positive impact on human health, as exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to a range of health problems. Additionally, reducing the use of toxic chemicals can help to protect wildlife and their habitats. Thus, adopting a green life can have a positive impact on both human health and wildlife. By practicing eco-friendly habits, we can create a healthier and more sustainable world for ourselves and for future generations.
Ensures Better Future for Your Kid
It's time to become green if you want to provide your child a healthier environment. You are paving the way for a cleaner, brighter future for your offspring and future generations by choosing to live sustainably.
For example, by adopting a green lifestyle, you are promoting a healthier lifestyle for your kids. This includes eating fresh and organic food, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, and encouraging physical activity. By promoting healthy habits, you are helping your kids to develop strong and healthy bodies that can better withstand the challenges of the future. Furthermore, adopting a green lifestyle provides an excellent opportunity for you to teach your kids about environmental sustainability and the importance of taking care of the planet. By educating them about the benefits of eco-friendly practices and encouraging them to adopt these habits themselves, you are helping to create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who will be better equipped to tackle the environmental challenges of the future.
Source: makesense.org (2023)
More Self-Sufficiency
By being green, you'll depend less on gasoline and other toxic substances. You'll learn how to fend for yourself, develop fresh, inventive ways to commute to work, and conserve energy in your residences.
You must employ renewable energy sources and other resources if you want to live a sustainable existence. For instance, if you install solar panels, you won't be impacted when your neighborhood experiences a power outage. You could refer to eco-living as autonomous living.
Overall, adopting a green lifestyle can help promote self-sufficiency by reducing reliance on outside resources and promoting sustainable and renewable practices. By becoming more self-sufficient, you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and create a more resilient and sustainable future for yourself and your community.
Reduces Electricity Bills
You can significantly reduce your monthly power bill by switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels. You can also save energy and money over time by switching to energy-efficient options like CFLs, LEDs, and energy-saving door and window fittings instead of conventional bulbs because they require less electricity.
For instance, by designing or retrofitting your home with passive solar features, such as proper insulation, energy-efficient windows, and shading devices, you can reduce your heating and cooling costs and save money on your electricity bill. Another example is that, by practicing energy conservation habits such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use, adjusting thermostat settings, and unplugging appliances when not in use, you can reduce your electricity usage and save money on your electricity bill.
Prevent POPS
By following these steps, the UN Environmental Programme-identified health effects of POPS, such as harm to the neurological, immunological, and reproductive systems and anomalies in baby and child development, can be avoided. It is possible to stop the impact that POPS has on mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds because of issues with their immunological, enzyme, and reproductive systems, according to the WHO (pp. 8 & 9).
Since POPS do not decay quickly and last for decades, caution must be taken when using them. POPs levels have dropped internationally in the first decade of the twenty-first century compared to the 1980s and 1990s as awareness of their dangers has grown, but uncontrolled new products continue to add to the POPs level.
Source: cs.tum.de (2021)
Going green can have a significant impact on how you view the world. A minor change here and there can have a significant effect on the people and environment around you. These are all practical and simple methods to go green. It only requires a little compassion and work, not a lot of time. What are you still holding out for? Adopt these eco-friendly and beneficial behaviors to improve the planet for you and your loved ones.
