Eco-Friendly Lifestyle: Green Resolutions Worth Keeping {Guest Post}

Guest Post By Sophia Smith

If there is anything we can say with certainty, it’s that every action comes with its set of consequences. Everything we do has an impact, which is why it’s vital that the impact is a positive one. A sustainable and eco-friendly living is not only beneficial to our health and quality of life, but also to Mother Nature. It has given us so much, and it’s high time we started raising the awareness about the importance of giving back. This way, we are saving our planet for our children and all future generations. Children learn by example, so if you implement eco-friendly practices in your home, be sure that your children will pick them up, and hopefully, pass on the ‘message’ to their own children.

This is a cycle we wish to create, and while it may seem like a lot of work in the very beginning, it will become second nature before you know it – once you go green, you will certainly never look back. We will do our best to show you how every aspect of your life can become sustainable, and all the benefits of going green. So, let’s dive right in.

Safe and sound

Aside from simply tasting like ‘real food’ as our grandparents say, organic food brings numerous health benefits. For one, it’s grown on uncompromised soil and without the use of pesticides, so you know that every meal you prepare for yourself and your family is healthy. Studies have shown that certain pesticides, such as Roundup, have been classified as a probable human carcinogen, which is a reason enough to avoid non-organic produce. Other benefits include healthier omega-3 fatty acids found in organic milk and meat products, as well as higher contents of antioxidants and vitamins in organic produce.

We truly are what we eat, so bring health through the mouth. You’ll be keeping your family safe, healthy, and even be able to save money, as preparing your own food costs much less than eating out.

Every bit helps

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that one-third of all food produced for human consumption in the world (around 1.3 billion tons) is lost or wasted yearly. There are counties that have already taken steps to put a stop to food waste, such as Denmark and France, but you can pioneer the change in your very own household.

The first great habit you can adopt is to make your runs to the market more frequent and buy less produce. This way, you will not only always have fresh ingredients, but you will also avoid throwing those that usually pile up and go bad. Composting your scraps instead of just throwing them out is another great activity for the whole family, including your younglings. You will help the planet and instill good habits in your children.

Brave new clothes

This is probably a transition that will take the longest, but sticking to it is more than worth it. Organic clothing is one of the most unexplored areas of sustainable living, but the benefits are more than numerous. What we do know about it is that it is made of organic fabrics, such as wool, linen, organic cotton and bamboo, and they must be processed with natural or no dyes at all. But what’s in it for you?

Well, you may have already noticed that most of your clothes don’t make it to the next season. That’s because the pesticides used for cotton and other fabric processing result in clothes of poor quality and short lifespan. Besides longevity, organic clothing comes with immediate benefits as well. For instance, organic cotton doesn’t cause irritation and respiratory problems, in addition to simply having a better feel on the skin. Then we have the amazing organic bamboo clothing which allows the skin to breathe and has antibacterial properties. Linen, for instance, has the ability to absorb and release water quickly, and like wine, it only becomes more pleasant with time. So, the next time you go shopping, make sure to read the labels carefully, so that you know what you and your family put on your skin.

End the disposable cycle

You should steer clear of anything that is labeled with the word ‘disposable’. This includes paper towels, plastic cups, drinking straws and much more. Have in mind that disposable tools add to the landfills and increase your ecological footprint. So, switching to real dish rags and investing in a reusable coffee cups is a great sustainable alternative that doesn’t take much effort.

Make your own stuff

There are so many wonderful DIY blogs and channels that teach us how to make everything, from cleaning products to skincare and bath products. Making your own things is plain fun, and the entire family can partake in this activity. Engaging the kids in this kind of ‘craftiness’ will not only be fun, but also educational. Of course, there is also the added health and safety benefit – when you make your own cleaning products, you know that every surface or piece of clothing your children touch is safe and free of toxic chemicals.

BIO:

Sophia Smith is beauty blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover and a food enthusiast. She is very passionate about natural skincare, minimalist wardrobe, yoga and mindful living. Sophia writes mostly about beauty-related topics in her articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Eco Warrior Princess, Viva Glam Magazine, How to Simplify and Carousel.

You can find out more about her writing by following her on: Facebook  Twitter  Google