Eco-friendly means “safe for the environment.” The term refers to goods and services that cause reduced, minimal, or no harm to ecosystems and the environment. Let's try to figure out what eco-friendly thinking is and what its benefits are for society.
What are the benefits of eco-friendly thinking?
Since we live in a world of high technology and mass consumption, it seems that it is simply impossible to live environmentally. However, in reality, it is quite easy. The main thing is to start with yourself, and not wait for someone else to do it first. The idea of eco-friendly arose when the number of problems related to the environment increased several times. Previously, global warming was only written about in books, but now it is one of the problems that threatens our planet. The main principles of the eco-friendly idea are to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and the wise use of natural resources. Eco-friendly allows you to do something useful for yourself and for the planet, and also gives you the opportunity to save money.
An eco-friendly lifestyle means following these simple rules:
- consume exclusively natural products;
- if possible, walk or ride on environmentally friendly transport (bicycle, scooter, electric skateboard, etc.);
- unplug devices from sockets;
- recycle plastic or glass containers;
- use eco-bags or paper bags for shopping;
- reduce paper use;
- forget about plastic;
- use energy-saving light bulbs;
- take part in volunteer environmental events.
What products are eco-friendly?
Eco-products are products that do not harm humans and nature, the consumption and use of which presupposes an eco-friendly lifestyle. Eco-products can be divided into the following groups:
- products with natural composition;
- products that are safe for health and do not pollute the environment;
- products with one environmental benefit.
The last group means goods in the production of which some important environmental requirement was observed. Similar eco-labels can be found on household appliances, hygiene and cleaning products, and paper products.
Construction and finishing materials, furniture, textiles, children's products and much more are environmentally friendly.
As we can see, an eco-friendly lifestyle does not require much effort, but the result is beneficial for the planet. Eco-style involves a planet-conscious lifestyle from the moment a person wakes up to the time he goes to bed.
Of course, it is very difficult to start living green overnight. You should gradually adopt this way of life, regardless of whether others follow your example or not. An eco-friendly lifestyle will help preserve the environment, as well as improve and make a person's life easier, while maintaining his health.
Life outside of nature, among high-rise buildings, cars, factories and “wax” fruits has become commonplace for each of us. Subway, noise, the smell of gasoline, cardboard cups of coffee, sticky and spoiled fruits and vegetables from the store around the corner - what else can you do, because high-quality mangoes cost a fortune!
Unfortunately, man's desire for a "civilized" life was in fact the most terrible embodiment of his laziness. I didn’t want to wash, clean, cook, or grow. But I wanted to heat it in the microwave (radiation is life-threatening), eat with plastic utensils (they do not decompose), wear ready-made inexpensive clothes (synthetics that cause allergies) and move quickly (environmental pollution, the greenhouse effect from automobile gases). The list goes on.
A consumer society, complete disconnection from nature, and an attempt to drown out this emptiness with various strange, unnatural entertainments - alcohol, attractions, gambling, illegal intimacy... this is where we find ourselves now. Even art has become for us an object of use, enjoyment of perversion, ceasing to glorify the beauty of Nature and the creation of the Universe, as it has been for millennia. Now the object of our attention is the ordinary, adventure, fictional characters and “self-expression” - because we no longer have the opportunity to draw strength and inspiration from nature, because we have focused on the beauty of technocracy, the artificial, perverted City, on the celebration of the Ego of man, instead of the inspiration for desire to the Ideal and Purity.
Understanding all this, we are already taking the first step towards change. The next step is not moving to an eco-village and living alone on a mountain, with a fruit dryer and a cellar full of pickles. It is necessary to take into account the principle “Time, place, circumstances”. Therefore, the second step will be to apply the “15 Principles of Ethical and Ecological Living” in your life, consistent with the city rhythms. Then - who knows, maybe you will settle in a house near Tver, as my close friend is planning, install eco-batteries on the roof, think about compost and year-round greenhouses. But now, I repeat, do not frighten yourself with the complexity of the path. The ocean is made of tiny drops - so be one, practicing even some of the recommendations below, listening to the rhythms of nature and adhering to the principle of “minimal violence”.
“Live according to the original needs of the body,
laws of nature and the universe"
Give your body a rest
This, of course, applies to going to a massage, spa, sauna, for women - hair masks and just home body care. However, detox is equally important to us. Spending a couple of days on freshly squeezed juices, smoothies or salads at least once a month will help your stomach and intestines take a break from constant digestion and cleanse themselves of excess toxins and food debris. I can say from my experience of fasting once a month and detoxing twice a month - this helps get rid of headaches, feelings of heaviness, fatigue, excess weight, and many diseases. It is best to do a detox and fast on Ekadashi (11th and 26th lunar day), on the full moon and new moon.
Add movement to your life
Man is created to move. Our lymphatic system, designed specifically to cleanse the body of toxins, cannot function properly if we don’t move enough - and all the load goes to the liver. Dancing, yoga, swimming, even just walking and strolling around the park, city or coast will significantly improve your internal state.
Choose what is closer to you - calm stretching and breathing in Sukshma-Vyama or Kundalini yoga or dynamic Ashtanga yoga practices. Or maybe you love water? Swim, walk along the water's edge, practice smooth dancing... Find what's right for you.
Listen to yourself on the path to harmony within
Listen to yourself, feel, know how to pay attention to your feelings in time. This way you will understand which habits and addictions are destroying you and which are developing you. For example, drinking water with lemon in the morning is a little unpleasant at first, but you feel great all day long. And rolling a cigarette on the way to work has been a favorite ritual for many years, but then you smell of it all day, and your wife is worried about lung cancer and her future children...
Just like that, having heard about the dangers or benefits of some rituals or innovations, it will be difficult to sincerely rebuild and follow the new rhythm of life. But it is by trying, listening to yourself, even keeping a diary of self-observation, that you can build your life as productively, comfortably and happily as possible.
Sort out your makeup bag, check the shelves in the bathroom
There is no doubt that about 90% of all skincare and makeup products that we use contain alcohol, unnatural dyes, artificial oils, or are generally tested on poor animals... First, follow the 70/30 principle, when most cosmetics are natural and homemade (believe me, most creams and scrubs require no more than 3 ingredients).
It’s difficult to immediately give up your favorite mascara and a comfortable, perfectly hard lip pencil of dubious composition. Don't rush yourself - let everything happen gradually.
Limit your consumption of unnatural and intoxicating foods
Try as much as possible to avoid preservatives, E-shek, palm oil, margarine, sugar, various Snickers ice cream, as well as fermented products - wine, any alcohol, blue cheese, mushrooms. I know from myself how difficult it is to give up your favorite chocolate in the morning, when you already limit yourself in almost everything. Therefore, do everything consciously, according to your feelings.
Any important decision must be made with both the mind and the heart, otherwise it is just a game, which means a constant internal struggle. Approach the process thoughtfully: to give up a bad habit, you need to find a worthy flavor replacement, get rid of harmful products in the house, find support among friends or family, start preparing healthy and tasty desserts at home, or order proven ones from 4fresh, iherb or any other store healthy foods. Develop a plan, get inspired, find like-minded people. You do this for yourself and your well-being, no one forces or coerces you - realizing this very thought, it is quite easy to abandon the harmful and destructive in your life.
Follow the rhythms of nature
The main recommendations are to get up according to the rhythm of the sun and go to bed according to the rhythms of the moon. The Sun nourishes us if we get up before 6 a.m. solar time, and the Moon nourishes us if we go to bed before 10 p.m. The sun gives faith in oneself, confidence in the future, faith in the Creator and the Universe, strength of spirit, new opportunities for growth and development. The moon gives calm, peace, beauty, youth, freshness, creativity and the ability to believe in a man. As soon as I began to live according to the lunar and solar rhythms, almost all anxieties and worries disappeared from my life, as if some higher powers began to support me. I stopped worrying about the future, began to look much better, and my productivity increased several times.
"Live without hurting anyone"
Don't harm the planet
Minimize your consumption of plastic cups, bags, even cocktail straws. If you can, bring your own cup or thermos when you take your coffee with you. Don't buy water - refill your own water bottle instead. Instead of buying a plastic bag at the store, bring your own string bag or purse. When you buy groceries, try not to take plastic bags - it’s better to bring your own bags and jars and they will put everything there for you.
If possible, do not use bags for garbage, but use your own bin. When you throw it away, just shake it out in the trash and when you bring it home, rinse it. This way you save on garbage bags and do not pollute the environment with excess plastic. Also try to choose clothes, dishes and bags marked recycle or organic, that is, recyclable and degradable.
For inspiration, check out these blogs on ZERO WASTE:
Avoid products of violence and murder
These are meat, fish and eggs. There is a lot of controversy about the fact that humans are animals and we have fangs and a certain size of intestines... But no one rushes at chickens and pigs with their bare teeth, like a predator! We instruct others, strangers to us, to kill them, then we boil or stew them, season them, and only then, when it looks more like a shapeless piece of food, do we eat them. But a person can easily “pounce” on raw fruits, vegetables, herbs and roots. It's quite simple. No lion will tame a Chihuahua to raise, feed and love. But a person - yes. We even have cartoons starring animals. I don’t think you would risk playing a series of “Smeshariki” to your child, and then taking him to the slaughterhouse and showing how they cut a pig, saying: “Look, this is Nyusha, we will eat her today.”
The same applies to industrial milk, where poor animals, stuffed with antibiotics and hormones, live their lives only to have the milk sucked out of them. Do not wear leather or suede clothing. Avoid animal flesh and only buy dairy products from trusted, clean farmers where the cows receive proper care, care and living conditions. This will be an important contribution to both your body and the environment: more than 80% of greenhouse gases are produced by livestock farms, and 1 kg of meat uses the same amount of resources (water, electricity, land, food, space) as 100 kg vegetables and fruits. There is something to think about.
“Make your home as eco-friendly as possible,
pure and natural"
Add some greenery
Let there be at least a few plants in your home - they produce pure oxygen, refresh, and cleanse the atmosphere in the house. Some plants even take away bad energy. For example, orchids. Grow vegetables and herbs at home, on your balcony, windowsill or in your home greenhouse.
Don't waste unnecessary electricity
Unplug anything you don't use. For example, a laptop for the night, a heater and underfloor heating if you don’t really need them. It is better not to use an electric kettle, or at least heat it only as much water as you need at the moment. Electricity is mainly burnt coal, the vapors of which affect the environment and destroy the ozone layer.
Separate your trash
If possible, separate your trash. In large cities there are bins for separate waste and collection points for cardboard/plastic/glass for recycling. You can even get some money for this - the only question is how to store the glass and paper so that you can take them to the collection point once a week.
Give preference to natural home care products
Replace chemical home care products as much as possible with natural or even homemade ones. Almost all air fresheners, for example, contain alcohol - and this is harmful to the skin, provokes allergies, feeds mold and has a very negative effect on the energy background of the house. Later, I will talk about homemade home care products.
“Put your priorities right”
Help organic businesses, eco-initiatives, farmers
If you have a choice - go to the farmer's market for fresh food or go to Auchan near your home, it is better to go to the market. The food there is of higher quality and fresher, and besides, you will support this private farming initiative, which means you will contribute to the development and popularization of purchasing natural products from hand. Farmers treat their plants much less with chemicals, do not bring fruit in a semi-ripe state from South Africa, and generally do not wax their apples.
If you have a choice - buy clothes in a small store specializing in natural fabrics and an eco-friendly approach, or go shopping in a huge shopping center full of synthetics, then choose the first. It’s also great to sew to order from good fabric or learn how to do it yourself.
Remember that the new is the well forgotten old
It also saves a lot of money and resources by buying dishes and clothes at second-hand stores, as well as at flea markets. It's a lot of fun, like going on a treasure hunt, and it also makes you look more unique. Almost all the wooden and aluminum utensils my husband and I have at home come from these flea markets, as well as all our outerwear, pants and some shoes. Of course, it is better to wash it several times and clear it of the subtle energy of the previous owner before you wear it. On Avito and similar resources you can find beautiful antique chairs, corduroy sofas and many interesting books. Why buy new and pollute the world with unnecessary things, objects, equipment, if you can use what has already been made, while saving ten times more money?
Practice charity
You can sell clothes, things and equipment that you don’t need. Or you can give it away - to an orphanage or a charitable second-hand store.
I remember when I worked in an orphanage, on Saturdays they brought gifts from philanthropists - the children pounced on the boxes and sorted out toys, chocolates, and clothes for themselves. Having seen this at least once, you would definitely start donating things and toys to the orphanage every month.
The same goes for financial donations. There are many foundations, temples and organizations that exist on donations - by helping them, you not only make the world a little better, but also improve your karma and piety. If this is important to you. Of course, you need to be careful - you shouldn’t give money to a drunk man lying, as usually happens, at the entrance to the temple. By donating to alcohol, meat, or any violence, you make the world worse - and accordingly worsen your karma. Better feed the homeless person vegetarian food, buy him nuts and fruits.
You can set aside two hours a week and volunteer at an orphanage, a nursing home, or help non-profit organizations in some way. Help them with what you know - administration, teaching children, design, photography. Some programs allow you to go abroad and teach children English, art, and engage in art therapy with them. For example, a resource like WWOOF helps to start cooperation with organizations in other countries.
By making the lives of other people a little better, we benefit the world and nature, which means we not only consume the resources around us, but also give something in return. Of course, if you have problematic relationships with loved ones, with self-acceptance, with your own sense of harmony and happiness, if you cannot solve basic problems and are trying to justify yourself or escape from reality by volunteering, as more than half of volunteers do (in my experience ), you'd better focus on what's at hand. First, become happy and create a trusting, sincere atmosphere in communication and life with your family and with yourself. And only then can you help other, “strangers” people. Only by being absolutely realized, self-sufficient and filled with personality can you sincerely begin to give your love, care and help. Just not the other way around.
More and more people are thinking not only about their personal interests and problems, but also about the world in which they live. The craze for a healthy lifestyle (and this makes me happy!), the frequent presence online and the not yet frequent, but increasingly tangible desire to look at the real world, the fashion for travel and a busy lifestyle, all of this in one way or another provokes thinking about the quality of what we do. And also look around and ask yourself the question: “What is happening around?”
Everything around here is not so rosy. I'm not talking about wars, total bitterness and indifference. No, about the most elementary, basic things. About the state of nature, about the cleanliness of our home, about planet Earth.
As usual, I don't want to focus on the negativity and horror stories about melting glaciers, ozone holes, disappearing forests and rare species of animals. Everyone knows about all these and other Real environmental problems. I think it’s much more important not only to talk about it, but also to take active steps to work through the reasons.
It all starts with everyone. From small steps, habits, and then a lifestyle that can really change the environmental situation for the better. I propose to talk (and put into practice) about extremely simple actions that can help everyone become eco-friendly(literally: environmentally friendly).
What is eco-friendly living?
In short, this is a manifestation of a caring attitude towards nature and the environment through one’s everyday habits and beliefs.
Of course, I am not suggesting that everyone unanimously abandon technological progress, become downshifters, adhere to the paleo diet and kick everyone who comes with a plastic bag. No. I suggest looking at your life more consciously, thinking about what can be done to preserve nature, and working a little on your everyday habits. Take literally a few important steps that can really influence the situation. How many of these steps you take is a personal choice. Even one is already an event and an eco-victory!
Where to begin?
For convenience, I divided eco-habits into several areas. Choose what you can and want to do.
House:
- Replace light bulbs with energy-saving ones(this investment will save you money in the future).
- Unplug appliances you are not using(plus, don't leave your computer in "standby mode", just turn it off).
- Wash clothes at a temperature of 30-40 degrees.
- Use environmentally friendly products to clean your home. You can make them according to folk recipes or buy ready-made ones, but watch the composition.
- Dispose of hazardous items correctly. Do not throw batteries or accumulators into the trash. They can be handed over to special places (often collection points are in stores), their addresses can be found on the Internet.
- Buy wood filler for cat litter.
- Save water. Fill a glass with water to brush your teeth, watch for leaks from the taps (it’s better to fix the plumbing in a timely manner), press the small flush button in a public toilet, take a shower instead of a bath.
High level (advanced habits):
- Sort your trash.
- Recycle it, give it a second life. Do some general cleaning at home, hand over waste paper, resell or donate to charity the things you don’t wear or use.
- Make your home smart. This is an option for those who are buying an apartment, building a house or renovating. Use environmentally friendly materials in construction, make every square meter functional, take care of energy and heat conservation. Install meters and smart sensors. In general, this is a separate, very voluminous, interesting topic.
Purchases:
- Get your own eco-friendly shopping bag. Minimize the use of plastic bags. Again, this is not only your contribution to conservation, but saving money.
- Make a shopping list and don't add too much. This will help you spend less, avoid spoilage and subsequent throwing away purchased products.
- Read the ingredients carefully. Try to eat natural foods.
- Buy less clothes. How much of what's in your closet do you actually wear? Review your shopping habits. Organize your wardrobe wisely: let it contain high-quality items that fit you perfectly and that you will definitely be happy to wear. Sell or give away any excess.
- Minimize the use of disposable tableware, napkins, and pay attention to packaging. Buy as little food in plastic packaging as possible. Give preference to glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum (they can be recycled).
Health, lifestyle:
- Use a reusable water bottle.
- Walk more. Use the steps, not the elevator (at the same time you will pump up your legs and butt). If you need to travel, give preference to electric transport.
- Take food with you to work and travel in your lunch-box. Cook for yourself with good ingredients.
- Buy takeaway coffee in your own cup. Many coffee shops even give you a discount if you bring your own coffee cup. This not only helps reduce the consumption of disposable cups, but also makes coffee drinking special and cozy.
- Use natural cosmetics. Read the ingredients, know the eco-friendly brands.
- Be a volunteer in environmental events. Support interesting projects.
- Buy the e-book. Buy less printed materials, read electronic versions.
- Be in nature more often. Travel, see what a beautiful, amazing world we live in. But, don’t leave trash behind at picnics, don’t throw away pieces of paper (elementary, right?).
- Grow plants. At home on the windowsill, in the country, in the yard. This is both a hobby and a benefit.
Levi's
Everyone is more or less accustomed to farm products, we choose natural cosmetics that are not tested on animals, but what do we wear? Here, as a rule, everything is more complicated. Choosing natural fabrics means taking care of your comfort. Do clothing manufacturers care about the environment? Some yes. These are the brands we want to introduce to you, although you have probably heard some names.
What is the essence of eco-friendly clothing? In its production, environmentally friendly technologies and methods of processing materials, and natural dyes are used. And often these are clothes made from recycled materials, that is, actually made from old things, from previously used fabrics. No you won't go to second-hand, the recycling process consists of many stages during which textiles are disassembled into fibers, shredded, cleaned and spun again into threads, from which a new fabric will then be made. What’s nice is that brands are developing and producing from recycled materials not just string bags and simple T-shirts, but more and more interesting clothes.
H&M
Paris Jackson wearing a H&M Conscious Collection skirt
Perhaps the most famous member of the list. Of course, the Swedish giant cannot completely switch to recyclable materials (production volumes are too large), but it is trying very hard to accustom its customers to responsible consumption. Many stores have special containers, and anyone can bring bags of unwanted clothes here and exchange them for a discount coupon. A great incentive, we think. In addition, the brand's stores are located in many large shopping centers, which means that the main problem of responsible consumers - finding a collection point - has been solved. Items made from recycled materials are released under a special label ConsciousCollection.
Reformation
Reformation
A beautiful brand with light retro notes, which is loved by many Western top models. Manufacturers take their mission very seriously: they not only use recycled raw materials, but also annually invest part of the proceeds in the development of green infrastructure, minimize waste and water and electricity consumption. brand as a guide for aspiring eco-friends: it describes in detail why it is time for each of us to think about the level of damage that humans cause to the planet, and also tells how we can reduce this harm, for example, using proper washing methods. In general, it is both beautiful and educational.
Veja
Veja spring-summer 2018
David and Victoria Beckham, as well as Angelina Jolie, choose sneakers from this brand for their children. Well, for children - only the best, but you can easily afford a pair of cute sneakers made from recycled plastic, natural rubber and cotton purchased from special farms. Prices on average range from 80 to 130 euros per pair, which is quite comparable to the price of popular, but not so environmentally friendly sports brands.
Levi's
Levi's
Another mastodon that embodied its legendary 506th and 570th models, as well as a number of others in an eco-version. And now you can distinguish eco-Levices by the green label on the pocket. At one time, organic denim was even accompanied by buttons made of coconut shells and zippers made of non-galvanized metal - all so as not to harm the environment. The brand also launched a program WaterLess, according to which it minimizes the consumption of water resources in the production of clothing. They also don’t forget to tell you how we can reduce water consumption.
Luva Huva
@luvahuva
British ethical lingerie brand - that's exactly how they position themselves. From natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, hemp and soy, they manage to create incredible beauty. As they say, I never would have thought of it. A special position of the brand is production almost to order. Yes, the turnover will be less and the delivery process will be slower, but this way there will be no overproduction when unclaimed items are simply thrown away. Check them out page even just for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.
Following eco-tips can be very useful, even if you are skeptical about the increasingly popular movement. What is interesting about an eco-friendly lifestyle (besides “improving” the environment)? It's very simple - it can lead to awareness. After all, fighters for cleanliness in nature are also adherents of the slow down philosophy, which many should think about, especially residents of noisy megacities.
Say no to takeaway coffee
Yes, this is due to the problem of environmental friendliness of plastic cups, which are recycled with great difficulty in Russia. But have you ever thought that a lifestyle based on take away takes away all the fun from the process? On the go, you are unlikely to fully appreciate the flavor nuances of coffee. Stop - take a drink in a cup and devote 10-15 minutes to yourself. No rush, you, coffee and your thoughts.
If you still find it difficult to give up takeaway coffee, consider a reusable coffee cup. Firstly, it looks stylish, and secondly, many coffee shops give a discount for it.
Buy a cloth bag
You may notice that many residents of big cities have acquired minimalist canvas bags. This is truly a very convenient thing that can accommodate not only a laptop and notebooks, but also simple groceries. Taking a reusable bag with you to the store will help you avoid thousands of unnecessary plastic bags and add another stylish detail to your look.
Don't act automatically
We do a lot of things automatically. So before you make a purchase, stop and think. How many unnecessary impulsive purchases could be avoided if we asked ourselves more often: do I really need this antiseptic (after all, it dries out the skin) or why do I need another pair of trousers from the mass market? Conscious consumption is not only a step towards an eco-friendly lifestyle, but also towards the aesthetics of minimalism. And the best way to avoid spontaneous purchases is lists.
Get a water bottle
Not only for sports, but also for study or work. This will naturally reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic in your life and be more conscious of your hydration. After all, the bottle will always be at hand, and you will know exactly what quality it is.
Get out old things
Each of us has once told ourselves that “I have nothing to wear again.” And the first thing that comes to mind is that you urgently need to go to the store. But wait, review your own wardrobe and take out old things. Perhaps that blouse you wore 5 years ago has become fashionable again. Rifle through your mom's or grandma's closet and you might find some stylish vintage pieces that are just right for you. This approach corresponds to the environmentally friendly method of reuse - reusing any thing. To make an old skirt sparkle with new colors, sometimes it is enough to darn it slightly and add some detail.
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