Living a natural, eco-friendly lifestyle can benefit both the environment and your own health. The catch phrase “eco-friendly” is a bit overused these days and you might be wondering exactly what it means. Whether you are looking to improve your everyday health with an improved diet and oral supplements such as Vitamin C, are seeking weight loss, or are hoping to reduce your carbon footprint by recycling and using alternative energy sources, the steps you can take to live a more sustainable lifestyle are wide and varied. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Find the right home for you.
One of the best places to start is in your own home. Finding a place to become grounded first is important before you begin to incorporate other sustainable habits. To help you secure a place that fits your needs, style, and budget, you may consider working with a realtor. For example, if you live in North America, you can start by conducting a search on a property website like Venterra Realty. Explore neighborhoods and house and apartment listings everywhere from Texas to Florida with Venterra. When you’re ready to move forward with looking at properties, contact Venterra Realty, or even their founder John Foresi, with any questions you might have and to start your hunt for your perfect home. After you’ve landed the perfect new place, with Venterra or elsewhere, you can start adopting even more eco-friendly habits.
2. Incorporate natural supplements into your diet.
Nature is rich in powerful herbs and spices that can boost your immunity, balance body weight, reduce inflammation, fight ailments, and improve your overall wellness. You can cook with herbs and spices, add a booster into your tea or smoothie, or take dietary supplements or vitamins. Do a bit of research, read reviews, and consult a health specialist to find the right supplements for you. This is also important to ensure you are taking the right doses to maximize your benefits and minimize potential side effects.
If you struggle with blood sugar or are wanting to boost weight loss, you may consider a supplement like R-Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement. ALA has demonstrated that it supports healthy blood sugar levels, the nervous system, cardiovascular health, the health of individuals living with diabetes, and may even enhance the effectivity of insulin produced in the body. Rich in antioxidants, ALA fights cell damage and free radicals, as well as supports Vitamin E and Vitamin C levels. Diverse in its benefits, natural, and vegan-friendly, Alpha Lipoic Acid is ideal for diabetic patients and might be just the ideal supplement to introduce into your diet.
3. Focus on a plant-based diet.
A simple eco-friendly lifestyle habit you can adopt is a plant-based diet. Initially, going vegetarian or vegan may sound daunting but you can get creative when it comes to cooking plant-based dishes. Eat lots of colorful vegetables, including spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers, as well as a wide variety of fruits and berries, which are high in antioxidants. Incorporate whole grain bread and pasta, grains like quinoa and brown rice, seeds, nuts, healthy oils, such as olive oil, and fibers. Avoid processed foods, white bread, trans fat, and sugars. Remember to drink lots of water!
Although animal products don’t necessarily have to be off the table entirely, be smart about which ones you choose. Shifting towards a more plant-centric diet is beneficial both for your own health as well as that of the environment. You can improve your immunity, metabolism, and cholesterol, while reducing your carbon footprint on the planet as well. Start with a bit of research and remember to be conscious about what you put into your body.
4. Use solar power and alternative energy.
You probably consume more energy than you realize, particularly through electricity. Be conscious about how much you use and ensure you turn off lights and electronics when you’re not using them. Consider using alternative forms of energy production when possible. Although it may not be feasible for you to run entirely off of solar power, you may look into adding solar panels onto your house and using them to generate electricity for small appliances or lights for a certain part of your home. This will be particularly helpful if you live in a sunny part of the world.
5. Use green, non-toxic home products.
From cleaners to soaps, you may be introducing harmful chemicals into your home without even knowing it. Even though a small spray of air freshener may seem harmless, exposure to toxic products can add up. You may inhale it from the air. If you have pets or children, they may pick up the residue left on your tables or floors from the chemical cleaners. Opt for natural, non-toxic soaps, cleaners, candles, and air fresheners as much as possible.
You may want to make your own cleaning supplies, free from toxins, with essential oils. Natural and safe to use, essential oils are also highly effective and bring inviting scents into your home. Options for essential oils are varied and you might feel a bit overwhelmed wondering where to start. Lemon oil, made from lemon rind, is one of the best oils you can use. This oil has an energizing fragrance, supports immune and digestive function, and has effective cleaning properties. Other powerful oils to incorporate into your cleaning and wellness routines include bergamot, lime, thyme, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, cedar wood, and basil. Simply add a few drops of essential oil into a diffuser or mix a few drops with water and your home will be clean and rich in fresh scents.
6. Replace dryer sheets with dryer balls
Although it may seem like a minor adjustment to make, changing out your dryer sheets for dryer balls can be an impactful and easy eco-friendly habit to adopt. Although you may want to help expedite dry time and reduce wrinkles in your clothes, using a new dryer sheet for each load of laundry is pretty wasteful, not to mention uses harmful chemicals.
Reusable dryer balls will be your new best friend when doing laundry. They offer the same benefits as sheets but can be used many times over and and are environmentally friendly. Instead of plastic dryer balls, opt for balls made from organic wool. With a set of wool dryer balls (that last for about a thousand loads) your drying time will be shortened, your clothes and towels will feel softer (without having to use a fabric softener full of chemicals), and you will be saving energy at the same time. After the wash, simply throw a few of these wool balls into your dryer and let them do the work!
7. Plant an herb garden.
Why not take your eco-friendly lifestyle one step further by planting a garden? Even if you don’t have an outdoor space, you can still plant herbs, flowers, plants, and even vegetables with hydroponics inside. With fresh herbs and vegetables at your reach, you will be more likely to stick to a plant-based diet.
By growing your own produce, you control how they are grown, meaning you can reduce the use of toxic fertilizers and sprays. You also reduce your carbon footprint by growing and consuming locally. Beyond the environmental impact, gardening also helps your mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that by spending a time in a garden, people’s anxieties levels drop as do their symptoms of depression. Gardens are a great place to improve your mood and gain a sense of empowerment.