How to Incorporate Eco-Friendly Habits into Your Day

We’re crazy for living green at The Pines at Montclair! In honor of Arbor Day, here are nine easy eco-friendly habits you can practice at home.

1. Limit red meat.

Red meat has been linked to various diseases, and its impact on the environment is troublingly similar. “For every kilogram of beef produced, the equivalent of 36 kilograms of CO2 is released into the atmosphere,” writes Charlotte Pointing, senior editor UK at livekindly.co .

2. Shop locally.

Buying locally—be it at a farmers market or roadside fruit stand—is a great way to support your local economy and local farmers. These farmers stave off land developers who would otherwise transform the local land to meet their needs.

3. Travel smart.

Public transportation has been proven to use less energy and produce fewer emissions per passenger than your typical car. Better yet, a bicycle produces no emissions and strengthens your health through continued use. It’s also the preferable during times of social distancing.

4. Compost food waste.

Did you know 30–40 percent of the yearly food supply goes to waste every year? Mulch your table scraps and use it for your own garden or donate it to others.

5. Recycle responsibly.

Not all plastics are made equal. Know which materials should go in your recycling bin (plastic bottles, glass bottles, etc.) and which should not (pizza boxes, egg cartons, etc.).

6. Buy in bulk.

Buying in bulk is great—so long as you aren’t buying hundreds of individually wrapped items .

7. Shop secondhand.

Take a trip to your local thrift store or buy directly from a member of your community. You’ll find the prices are more agreeable, and you’ll help prevent waste and overproduction .

8. Conserve water.

Opt for a shower instead of a bath, only use the washer for full laundry loads, and use your dishwasher instead of washing by hand.

9. Reuse.

When spring cleaning, assess which items still have some life in them before throwing them away . Consider donating those appliances—they could be spruced up and put back to use!

Living green doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. As we’ve discussed, it can be easier on your wallet just as well as your conscience and the planet. Consider these nine easy eco-friendly habits at home, and have a happy Arbor Day!