WHAT YOU CAN CHANGE OR SUBSTITUTE IN YOUR LIFE

Ways you can adapt to a more eco- friendly life

START WALKING OR TAKING PUBLIC TRANSIT MORE.

It's hard to see, but public transit is very good for the environment. Buses can usually seat around 40 people and carry around 80, while cars only seat 2-8. The subway is very effective as well and usually great for downtown jobs. If everyone took public transportation, it would decrease traffic, help the environment, and encourage cities to make their transportation even better than before. However, while not easy for some, walking or biking is really the best for the environment. Find a way to get around not using a car and try it out!

TRY EATING LESS MEAT AND INCLUDING MORE VARIETIES OF FOOD IN YOUR DIET.

This doesn't mean going vegan or vegetarian! While some believe in a meatless diet or have to eat that way because of allergies, you don't have to go totally meatless. It's true going vegan/ vegetarian does help animals in the environment, but you don't have to cut meat or animal products out of your life entirely.  There are many meat substitutions these days that both give you protein and a better carbon footprint. These include legumes, soy, and plant based meats. If everyone used these alternatives for half of the meat-based meals they have, a big part of the problem would be solved and there would be less methane in the air. If you like eating meat, that's okay, just try substitutions every now and then -- for your health and the Earth's.

STOP BUYING AND START BORROWING.

Everything these days is so tempting. From fashion to furniture and from home goods to houses, there is a demand for everything. But the real story behind each item in the store is not as inviting. Most goods are likely made in a factory that produces pollution and wrapped or packaged in plastic.  But goods are not known for the carbon footprint involved in their production.  An easy way to live in a more eco-friendly fashion is to edit your possessions and donate what you have so someone else use it instead of buying something new.  And then you should buy less and use what you have. But if nothing you have works, try buy something, try buying second- hand or borrowing. Thrift stores are a great example of this and many clothes in thrift stores come at a great discount as well. Many name brands are part of fast-fashion, so they are produced in bad conditions with a bad carbon footprint. Give clothes a new life by buying them again. Another trend is borrowing one time or short- term items from a friend. Wedding dresses, formal event clothes, and baby clothes are great examples of this. Lastly, when you don't need something, donate it to someone who does, don't just throw it out.  Recycle it (if it's in good condition).

CHANGE UP HOW YOU SHOWER

You probably shower a lot, or at least you should. And while quick showers usually beat out baths in water conservation efforts, there is always room to improve. The best way is to reduce the time the water is on in the shower. By spending less time singing or just standing you can cut down that time. Be efficient. Another helpful thing to do is to turn off water when you apply shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. If you want to do even more, then buy a water-saving shower head. This will reduce the water you waste from the start and many reviewers often say it feels the same anyways!
In addition to saving water, shampoo bars are also a great way to reduce waste. Free from plastic packaging and often made with natural ingredients, shampoo bars are a great alternative to plastic bottled or chemical infused shampoo.