It is never easy to live and maintain a sustainable lifestyle. The good news is, it is never too late to make the smart switch. If done the right way, you can easily enjoy its perks. But if you are one of those who are guilty of the following practices, then know that you need to rethink your habits.
Commuting and Ride-sharing
One of the most in-demand apps these days are ride-sharing apps. Many think they are doing a great job by ride-sharing and commuting. But what many people don’t know is that ride-sharing worsened air pollution. How is this even possible?
One would think that by leaving their cars at home and choosing to commute via ride-sharing, they are helping the environment. If one can save money from gas and still get to places they need to be by sharing rides, then it is a good deal. But what many fail to realize is that such practice only leads to increased daily emissions.
For a ride-sharing to be eco-friendly, your vehicle needs to be the green variant. Ever since ride-sharing apps surged in popularity, studies show that traffic congestion and air pollution increased. This goes to show that unless all ride-sharing vehicles are electrified, then these will continue to aggravate climate pollution.
If you’ve been ditching your car for ride-hailing apps, then now is the best time to rethink your options. Instead of ride-sharing, consider less polluting options. Why not get your daily dose of exercise by walking? You can also opt to ride a bike if your destination is far enough. When walking and biking are not an option, public transportation can be your best choice.
Mindless Shopping Sprees
For some people, retail therapy is their go-to solution whenever they need something to momentarily ease their stress. You may have the cash to spend, but we often forget that mindless shopping sprees stop you from living a sustainable life. When you buy things you don’t really need and won’t even use often, you are only creating unnecessary waste.
One may argue that they chose sustainable brands while shopping. But remember that many companies use greenwashing marketing techniques just to entice consumers to buy from them. Companies try to brainwash consumers to think they are buying from a company that is committed to sustainability. If you are not careful, you can end up supporting deceptive brands that have no intention but to boost their sales.
Instead of acting on impulse, try to find other ways to ease your stress. Start a hobby where you can release your stress like gardening, baking, or even a new sport you’ve been wanting to try. You can choose to hit the gym, ride your bike, or go on a hike. There are many sustainable ways you can try to de-stress.
Save your money for better investments instead. You can consider investing in real estate, a startup business, or even a custom home you can finally call your own. You will find that long-term investments are better in easing your stress.
Aspirational Recycling
Virtually everyone who started living sustainably is somehow guilty of aspirational recycling. It may seem like a good idea to try to put as many materials in your recycling bin. But in reality, you are only doing more harm than good.
Most people throw every single thing they think are recyclable in the recycling bin. But remember that just because you think recycling companies can use them, you should already adopt this practice. You may have good intentions. But what you don’t know is that such a habit can do more harm than good.
Before you throw anything in the recycling bin, check the packaging first. This will give you an idea of what items you can recycle or not. The recyclability status is marked with universal arrows. If you are still not sure what this means, a little research will go a long way.
Government websites offer tons of information on how to recycle items the right way. If you find that you have a couple of non-recyclable items, you can try to find other uses for them. For instance, you can collect these and give them to private recycling companies. You can even enjoy some profit if you can find a company that will buy your non-recyclables.
You may have the best intentions, but if you choose to recycle the wrong way, then it can be worst than not recycling at all. To live sustainably is to recycle responsibly. Find yourself an easy to follow recycling guideline if you want to start living a more sustainable life.
These are but three common mistakes people make while trying to start a sustainable lifestyle. The earlier you start correcting these bad habits, the more fulfilled you will feel. Learn how to recycle right and reconsider your shopping habit. Choose more eco-friendly transportation options instead of ride-hailing.
