In today's world, the need for sustainable living has become increasingly urgent. Climate change and environmental degradation are global concerns that require immediate action from individuals, communities, corporations, and governments.
One way to contribute to this effort is by reducing your own carbon footprint—the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly as a result of your activities.
And while sweeping government and corporate changes are essential to addressing this pressing issue, making small changes in our own lives can also help to make a difference. To quote Margaret Mead,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is an important step toward creating a more prosperous mindset — after all, it’s about abundance, rather than scarcity. Being a good steward of the planet and your resources reflects a positive mindset and supports efforts toward ensuring abundance remains for generations to come. One of the greatest ways you can change your habits is by becoming a more conscious consumer.
Walk the Walk by Starting With Your Wallet
By being mindful of what and how we consume, we can make a positive difference. Opt for eco-friendly and durable products made from sustainable materials. Reduce waste by buying in bulk, avoiding single-use plastics, and recycling or repurposing items whenever possible.
Additionally, consider supporting companies with strong sustainability practices, as they often provide greener options at competitive prices (and are doing more in their own company-wide practices to address sustainability issues).
Here are six specific examples of how to be an environmentally conscious consumer:
Prosperous Practice #1: Pay Attention to Packaging
Opt for products that use minimal or eco-friendly packaging.
One of our favorite companies worth checking out is Plaine Products. This Cincinnati-based company (Woot! Woot!) offers personal care products in reusable containers. We highly recommend their body lotion, available in rosemary mint vanilla or citrus lavender. They also sell an unscented version.
Prosperous Practice #2: Support Local and Sustainable Food
Prioritizing locally grown, organic food is an effective way to contribute to the wellness of both our planet and our bodies. TPP founder Mackey McNeill and her husband Barry are great examples of people who embrace this value in their everyday lives.
We include a recipe in our monthly newsletter featuring produce grown on their farm, but if you’re eager for more inspiration, check out their Facebook page, Red Sunflower Farm, to see how to put this prosperous practice into action.
Prosperous Practice #3: Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Plastics are notorious for their environmental impact. Mother Earth is one of our favorite online stores selling products designed to reduce your plastic use. From foldable straws to bamboo dental floss, these items are not only practical but also kind to the planet.
And if you're looking for more ways to combat community-wide plastic waste, check out this inspiring story about Tucson's innovative approach to handling plastics.
Prosperous Practice #4: Conserve Energy at Home
One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by conserving energy at home. This practice not only lessens your environmental impact but also lowers your energy bills, aligning perfectly with the concept of prosperous living.
Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights, unplug electronics when not in use, and adjust your thermostat to conserve energy. ComEd offers a free energy-saving kit which can serve as a great starting point for those just dipping their toes into the energy efficiency waters. For a more grandiose move, consider installing solar panels or a geothermal heat pump.
Prosperous Practice #5: Repair and Reuse
Embrace the "repair and reuse" mindset rather than always resorting to buying new. Repair items when possible, instead of replacing them.
Donate or sell items you no longer need to extend their lifespan and reduce waste. For those impossible to repair and tricky to recycle items, head over to Earth911. Not only is the site a bountiful resource of information on environmental stewardship, but they also provide an extensive list of how and where to recycle your more unconventional items.
Prosperous Practice #6: Research Ethical Brands
Support companies that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. Look for brands that follow fair trade principles, use organic materials, and support social and environmental causes.
Seek out clothing brands that promote fair wages for workers and use organic cotton or recycled materials in their manufacturing processes.
Avoid The Greenwashing Trap
Greenwashing is the sneaky practice of misleading consumers into thinking a product or company is more environmentally friendly than it really is. It’s more common than you may think, so don't let the "green" facade fool you.
To avoid falling victim to greenwashing, here are three savvy strategies:
Read Between the Lines: Look beyond fancy "eco" labels and dig deeper. Investigate a company's environmental claims and certifications to ensure they hold up. Don't get duped by vague terms like "natural" or "green" without solid evidence to back them up.
Check for Transparency: Seek companies that are open and honest about their sustainability practices. Look for clear and detailed information about their environmental initiatives, certifications, and efforts to reduce their ecological footprint. Genuine eco-conscious brands are proud to share their sustainability journey.
Do Your Research: Don't settle for surface-level claims. Dive into independent research and consumer reviews. Find trusted sources and organizations that evaluate and verify environmental claims. Look for third-party certifications from reputable organizations like B Corp.
Don't let greenwashing pull the wool over your eyes. Stay informed, be skeptical, and choose brands that walk the green talk.
Prosperity Now and For Future Generations: It’s All About Abundance
By adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, we can make a tangible difference (while also reaping financial benefits in the meantime). From implementing energy-efficient measures at home to making conscious choices as consumers, each action contributes to a greener future. After all, don’t we want future generations to experience abundance, too?