I would like to take this moment to thank Daybreak 27 for having me as a guest on their show this morning. It was a huge honor! Thank you!
This new year take the pledge to go green or go greener! Going green is a lifestyle choice. It is making a commitment to live environmentally responsible- and it’s easy to do. Even small changes towards living a green lifestyle will make a positive impact on the environment. I think we have a moral obligation to live as environmentally responsibly as we possibly can. If you look at it this way the environment acts as our life-support system and it’s key to our survival. So every time we inflict harm on the planet we are essentially hurting ourselves- and that is not a good thing.
Make a Green Pledge
Pledge to commit to 1 or more of these easy to do eco-friendly lifestyle choices.
Top 5 Easy Ways to Go Green in 2015!
1. Recycle
Recycling is probably not only the easiest green pledge to make, but one that will create a lot of impact. It takes a little effort to get into the routine of of separating your cans, plastics and glass, but it is so worth it. You can recycle any of these items at Camana Bay or at Kirks Supermarket where there are designated recycling bins. Newspapers can be recycled at the Cayman Islands Humane Society. We live on an island, we cannot afford to not recycle.
2. Support Local
Supporting local farmers helps the local economy and promotes sustainable farming. We are fortunate to live in a climate that is practically sunshine all year long- which is great for farmers. Fruits and vegetable are at their peak when bought at a local farmers market. Local produce is far better than any that is imported. You can check out the local farmers market on Wednesday’s at Camana Bay.
There is an expression “from farm to table” and whenever I think of that it reminds me of the gratitude I have for farmers, as they as are the ones who provide us with food to put on the table.
Some of my favorites:
* These items were featured on my interview with Daybreak 27 this morning.
3. Get Unplugged
An easy way to incorporate green living into your home is by unplugging electronic devices that are not in use. By reducing your energy consumption it lowers your electricity bill. When electronic devices are turned off and still plugged in they are still consuming energy. Consider unplugging laptops, printers, electronic device chargers, tv and dvd player when not in use. When I first tried this, it was a bit of a nuisance but it paid off, my bill actually went lower.
4. Use The Solar Power In Your Backyard
Your dryer is one of the top consumers of energy. Consider installing a clothesline if you don’t already have one, and let your clothes dry naturally. It sounds so old school but it saves on your electricity bill. I love how my clothes smell after drying in the sun. By using a clothesline instead of a dryer you stop adding to the landfill, by not having to toss out dryer sheets. Tip for washing– use cold water not hot. More energy is used when you wash your clothes in hot water.
5. Explore Nature
This is a fun one! Taking some time out of day or weekend and spending time in nature is a great way to be reminded of why it is so important that we all work together in protecting the environment and wildlife. One of my favorite ways to experience nature is to go on an ocean adventure, I am not a diver, but an avid snorkeler and I am most happy when in the ocean.
Go Greener: 7 Green Bonus Challenges
1. Carry Green Bags
It’s so easy to forget your green bags when you go shopping at the supermarket. Here are 2 tips to not forget them: 1. Put them back in your car after you have unpacked and put away your groceries. 2. Alternatively, keep them by your front door so you see them on your way out to the supermarket.
2. Shop Green
Whenever possible choose to purchase eco-friendly products, especially cleaning products. When you think about it what ever you put down your sink drain etc. trickles back to your water supply, so choose eco-friendly products.
3. Green Lightbulb
When your regular lightbulbs burnout, choose to replace them with an eco-friendly brand.
4. Beach Cleanup
One of the worst things is to see trash on the beach. I would encourage people to take a moment to help keep the beaches clean, by not walking away from the trash scattered on beach, but to pick it up and put it in a trash bin. It’s not fun cleaning up the trash someone’s left behind, but our beaches are worth it.
5. Get Educated
Have fun with this! Find an area of interest and learn more about it. I love watching documentaries, there are so many incredible ones available on Netflix or iTunes. Not into documentaries, then consider reading more articles or news coverage about current environmental issues. Another great way to have fun while getting an education about nature, volunteer with local environmental organizations, such as The Blue Iguana Recovery Program and The Cayman Islands National Trust.
6. Remember the 3 Green Rules
Whenever and wherever possible, recycle, reuse and reduce. Some materials you can recycle can also be reused and ultimately repurposed as something new. For instance, glass jars. I love turning them into storage containers for baking supplies such as sugar, flour, and pancake mix. Another fun way to reuse a glass jar is put a salad in a jar and bring it to work. Wine bottles, I have repurposed quite a few as “fancy” water bottles. They are great when hosting a dinner party.
7. Save the seeds and plant trees
Before you toss out that avocado or mango seed consider planting it in your backyard. Who know you may be thankful that you did.
All the best keeping your New Years Resolutions!
with love from one tree hugger to another, xo