Earth Day is on April 22nd. Quarantine or not, I think we would all agree we could use a new way forward. If implementing a greener lifestyle isn’t in the cards for you, then ignore this! However, I’m passionate about creating a greener life for us and the next generation. What does this have to do with my line of work?
By investing in this way in yourself, you are by default investing in your future.
Want ideas to implement a greener home? Check out my list below. I’m not suggesting you do all of it. Just bite off what you can chew to make the changes a sustainable part of your lifestyle.
Want to do more? Consider aligning your investments with your values by selecting ESG investments.
- Ask your employer to consider adding ESG products to your retirement plan’s investment lineup.
- Consider adding an ESG sleeve to your brokerage account.
As always, I’m happy to chat about this investment philosophy at any time.
Ideas for a Greener Home:
Kitchen
- Cut back on red meat (cattle farming is responsible for almost 20% of the world’s greenhouse gases).
- Buy organic or local when possible.
- Join a local farm share.
- Cut up old rags or t-shirts to use instead of paper towels.
- Ditch plastic wrap and bags and give sustainable brands a try.
- Kick plastic drinkware to the curb and opt for stainless steel, food-grade silicone, or glass with a sleeve (including baby bottles).
- Determined to keep plastic food storage in your repertoire? Consider handwashing.
- Entertaining? Support compostable brands selling disposable plates, napkins, and straws.
- Learn more about composting at home or pick-up services.
Dining Out
- Pass on the one-use cup and straw for your little ones and pack your own.
- Keep cloth napkins, reusable straws, and silverware in your purse/diaper bag.
- Bring containers from home for leftovers.
Bathroom
- Take shorter showers.
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and washing your face.
- Keep a recycling bin in your bathroom.
Home
- Unplug electronics when not in use.
- Turn off your modem at night.
- Decorate your next party with flowers instead of balloons.
- Bring some greenery inside.
- Ditch plastic bags and bring your own.
- Unsubscribe to magazines and catalogs you don’t use.
- Buy high-quality, plant-powered cleaning products.
- Keep a family list of items organized by store to reduce the number of packages on your front step.
- Decline expedited shipping and request items be shipped together.
- Become familiar with How2Recycle labels.
- Find your nearest drop-off location for things like bubble wrap, single-use plastic bags, and plastic film.
- Check out the items that TerraCycle accepts that aren’t curb-friendly.
Clothing
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- Reevaluate supporting fast fashion.
- Consider hand-me-downs and brands that promote sustainability.
- Consider toning down the temp on your washer.
- Use plant-derived laundry detergent.
- Say good-bye to chemical fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
- Don’t rule out modern cloth diapers.
- Seek out organizations that recycle clothing fibers.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading! My husband might cringe if I ask that we try one more thing, but I’d love to hear your tips!