Okay, so I have been a bit slack lately getting some posts out. It has been a bit hectic here at earthly passion and although I have been on my laptop a lot, finding the time to start a post has been a bit hard. This time of year we get so busy with the business and family activities. It can feel like there is too much going on.
The same can be said when trying to be eco-friendly. It seems like there is so much you have to do to make the change to an eco-friendly lifestyle. You have to think about how much energy you are consuming. Are you buying sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical made and natural/organic products? How can you produce less waste? How can you encourage your family and those around you? And more. It can seem really daunting and all too hard to do, but it doesn’t need to be.
I know it can be overwhelming (I’ve being there and still working on it), but there are a few ways to make it easy
Know your why
First find out why you want to incorporate an eco-friendly lifestyle into your life.
Do you worry about climate change and what is happening to the environment?
Are you concerned about what kind of world will be left to your children or future generations?
Do you want to live a less toxic life?
Do you love nature and the waterways?
Do you want to live with less stuff (less stress)?
Do you want to make a change in the world?
What is your reason for becoming eco-friendly? Understanding this will motivate you to keep going. Mine is my family and the life I will leave for future generations. I can see some great things happening in the future (technology and innovation), but I do worry will future generations enjoy the same lifestyle and environment we live in. This may not be what motivates you and it doesn’t have to be any of the above, but knowing what motivates you will help you keep pushing forward. Write it down and pin it to a notice board, fridge or bathroom mirror, so you are reminded why you are making these changes.
One step at a time.
Don’t try to do everything at once, otherwise you are doomed to fail. You will find it is such a drastic change to your lifestyle, you won’t want to make the change. Instead pick one thing to do and master it. Also, start with something easy. It will make it easy to start the next step and build on it. Do things like
Ensure all lights in your house are energy efficient
Buy recycled paper and toilet paper.
Place a post-it on your bathroom mirror to remind you to have shorter showers (this is a great way to remind the kids, and the big kids) not only about the shower, but switching off lights.
Place a basin or bucket in the shower to collect the water when it is warming up.
…and much more. It is your choice.
Don’t beat yourself up
In the early days, I did this a lot. I would forget to bring a reusable bag with me to the shops and curse myself. I would find I had (or the kids had) left electrical devices powered on. Then I could see all the plastic I was buying just through my weekly shopping and thought how am I going to avoid this. It was getting too much, trying to remember to do everything eco. I had to stop and take a breather.
Yes, you are going to make mistakes, but your intentions are good and if you keep on persisting with the changes they will become a habit. Eventually the mistakes will be a thing of the past.
Have an open mind
With change, comes a different way of thinking. It might be frightening to become eco-friendly and you may think you suddenly have to hop on your bike and become a hippie, go off grid, become vegan, etc. Sure, these are great ways of being eco-friendly, but it is not for everyone. Being eco-friendly means being conscious of the environment and making changes in how you live to avoid harm to the earth, but it doesn't mean you have to change your lifestyle totally. Meet or talk with others who have made the change. Learn from them. You will be amazed at what changes you can make easily and what an eco-friendly lifestyle will bring to your life.
You need to be open to the possibilities. Yes, it may seem difficult, but we think you will soon get to see it is not so daunting and you will come to enjoy doing your part to be eco-friendly.
Be kind to yourself and be earthly passionate,
Attracta and the earthly passion team.