# 8 Easy Ways to Become Environmentally Friendly and Live Happily - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/8-easy-ways-to-become-environmentally-friendly-and-live-happily/ - Published: 2021-12-21T16:57:38-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy In this day and age when the effects of climate change are so evident in our lives, becoming environmentally conscious is something that we should all strive for. The good thing is that you don’t have to make major life changes. Just being more conscious about [conserving natural resources](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/historic-agreement-signed-to-restore-northern-arizona-forests/), reducing pollution, and protecting [wildlife](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/01/features-of-a-good-birdhouse-give-a-bird-a-home/) through easy changes in your life can make a huge [difference](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/10/how-spending-for-quality-over-quantity-help-save-our-planet/). Moreover, being more environmentally [friendly](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/01/5-environmentally-friendly-choices-to-make-in-2021/) can have a huge impact on your life. You can enjoy a more [healthy life](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/azenco-outdoor-leading-sustainable-design-trends/), be happy and productive as well as find your life’s meaning and a sense of purpose. Here are 8 simple ways that can help you be kinder to the environment today. ![In this day and age when the effects of climate change are so evident in our lives, becoming environmentally conscious is something that we should all strive for.]( https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-shvets-production- 7512889.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1) ## 1. **Reduce your plastic usage** Plastics take a long time to decompose when they find their way to the [landfills](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/08/if-we-wrap-the-world-190-times-a-year-with-plastic-bottles-why-not-re-use-it-for-apparel/). They also pose a threat to marine life when they end up in water bodies. Making a choice to use less plastic can significantly reduce plastic waste. The next time you go grocery shopping, carry your own bag and turn down that plastic bag. Buy a reusable water bottle that you can carry wherever you go to avoid buying bottled water. Avoid using disposable items such as plastic utensils and straws. Reuse plastic containers after using the products and much more. ## 2. **Find ways to save electricity** Reducing the amount of electricity used in your home reduces the number of fossil fuels burned in manufacturing electricity, which also reduces the amount of [carbon dioxide](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/ocean-acidification-the-other-carbon-dioxide-problem/) released to the environment. Saving electricity in your home or office can be as simple as switching off electricity when you are done. Turn off electronics when not in use and unplug when traveling. You can also switch to more energy-efficient bulbs and electronics. Another simple way is to use clotheslines to dry laundry rather than a drier. ## 3. **Spend more time in nature** Spending time outdoors impacts personal health and wellbeing positively. Besides this, it can promote pro-environmental behaviors. You find that you become more environmentally conscious after finding out the [benefits of nature to your health](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/02/clean-sewage-treatment-and-public-health-benefits/). Start engaging in [activities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/10-green-activities-to-try-with-your-family/) that make you enjoy nature such as biking, picnicking, or hiking in the nearest nature trail. Another great way is to go on retreats that help you get the most out of nature. A good example is [Iboga retreat that uses natural medicine](https://roothealing.com/iboga-retreat/) and helps connect with nature in profound ways. ## ** 4.**** ** **Grow your own food or buy locally grown foods** [Growing your own food](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/cut-your-energy-power-bill-with-these-sustainable-ideas/) not only allows you to have healthy foods on your plate, but it also ensures that you are kinder to the environment. Growing organically reduces the number of harmful gasses that go to the environment. If you are not in a position to grow, then ensure that you [buy foods that are grown locally](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/i-get-apples-yesterday-and-realize-it-is-about-buying-locally/). Buying locally grown foods saves energy as there is little transportation needed to get food to the market. ## ** 5. Reduce your car usage** When you leave your car at home, you are reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that is released to the air. Cars can be convenient, but there are other alternatives for you if you want to be [friendly to the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/water-damage-from-hurricanes-5-eco-friendly-preparedness-tips/). You can opt to walk or bike to your destination. If you must bring your car to work, carpool with colleagues or people who go the same route. ## 6. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products Most cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to the [environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/05/xeros-basf-cleaning-revolutionizing-commercial-laundry/) and marine life when they drain into water bodies. Switching to products that are kinder to the environment ensures that these harmful chemicals are reduced. Ensure that the cleaning products that you choose do not contain synthetic ingredients. ## 7. Recycle and upcycle Rather than throwing things that you don’t use into the trash can, take time to sort the items that can be repurposed or recycled. You can find manufacturers who take used glass, metal, or plastic for recycling. If there are items that can be reused, you can consider donating if you have no use for them. You can also find creative [ways to turn](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/06/family-walk-4-ways-to-turn-it-into-an-adventure/) waste materials into something useful. There are tutorials for DIY projects online that you can follow. ## ** 8. Compost waste** Food and yard waste don’t have to go to landfills. Help reduce pollution and methane gas emitted to the [environment by composting such waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/u-s-epa-fines-tucson-facility-30000-for-hazardous-waste-violations/). This also benefits your garden, as you don’t have to buy manufactured fertilizer to enrich the soil. ##  **Conclusion** Living an environmentally friendly [life](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/self-storage-as-an-option-to-make-your-businesses-environmentally-friendly/) is becoming more important by the day. You can make a difference by making sustainable changes in your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. With the easy and simple ways discussed above, you are making a big step towards [saving the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/07/save-on-electricity-and-help-environment-too/) for future generations. In addition, developing these habits can influence others to follow suit. _**Author:** Bella Clarks_ ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)