With stay-at-home orders and self-quarantining around the country, there’s no doubt that people are starting to go a little crazy. However, this is a time that we can improve our global awareness and eco-consciousness through our lifestyle habits. By changing little things in your home and life, you can start living green!

Here are five easy tips to get you started:

Raise your global self-awareness by watching environmental documentaries

Here is a list of environmental docos on Netflix that give you plenty of environmental docs to watch! Also, this article lists some of the best documentaries out there, such as Before the Flood and Inconvenient Truth. Watch the trailer for Inconvenient Truth above! Some of these films are not for all ages, so be conscious of your audience.

 

Do a lifestyle evaluation 

In order to understand your consumption choices, lifestyle and waste habits, assess what’s in each room, each cupboard and fridge and taking inventory of what you have and don’t have. This will give you a good idea of how eco-friendly you’re actually living. Keep lists of what you’ll need to buy and then aim to purchase those items as eco-friendly and ethically-made as possible!

 

Undertake an upcycling or DIY project.

Since we’ll be stuck inside for a while, this is the perfect time to make that compost bin (avoid throwing food scraps in the trash), knit that scarf for winter, start an embroidery project or turn that old t-shirt into a reusable tote bag.

 

Start your veggie garden

If you have space in your backyard, the perfect way to learn how to cook with sustainably sourced ingredients is to grow them in your own garden! This article by ethical lifestyle advocate Kate Hall on starting a veggie patch offers helpful tips and practical advice.

 

Switch to a green electricity provider

This is a task that many put off, but with lots of time on your hands, this task may not be so daunting. Finding a green gas and electricity provider is as easy as doing an online search and this should bring up relevant local businesses.

 

Some of the things on this list are easier than others, but every single one is worth a try. Would you be willing to make any of these changes?