Real World Ways to Go Green

We hear a lot about “going green,” and most agree that it’s generally a good thing to do.

But changing habits can be hard, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We of the Madeworthy editorial staff have put together our heads to come up with some easy ideas to make your life a little greener! This list of easy changes to make originally appeared in the July/August issue of Madeworthy.

Don’t use traditional glitter which is micro-plastic and use eco-glitter instead

Use biodegradable trash bags for your kitchen and poop bags for your dog

Switch to shampoo and conditioner bars instead of plastic bottles

Switch to a bento box for your lunch instead of plastic baggies

Take your reusable bamboo or metal straws when you eat out

Bring your own take-out boxes to a restaurant

Get your meat from a butcher who wraps in paper instead of buying it on Styrofoam trays

Fill an empty refrigerator with jugs of water to reduce temperature slightly to save energy – the fuller the fridge, the easier it is to cool

Buy fabric shower curtains instead of plastic ones – they don’t last as long and can’t be recycled

Stop using cotton swabs with plastic sticks

Shop second-hand or in buy/sell/trade groups

Use newspaper to wash your windows instead of new paper towels

Bring your own bags to the grocery store or really, any store

Make reusable bags from old t-shirts

Bring your own reusable cups to convenience stores – or buy one of theirs and stop using single-use cups

Host a park clean-up in your neighborhood

Wear weather-appropriate clothing inside to reduce your heating/cooling bills and energy consumption

Add mulch to your flower beds to reduce water evaporation

Stop buying plastic water bottles – use a stainless steel or glass one instead

Use a French press instead of K-cups to brew your coffee

Make your own toothpowder instead of buying toothpaste in non-recyclable packaging

Try beeswax wraps instead of plastic baggies

Buy natural bristle brushes instead of plastic sponges for cleaning dishes

Use cast iron or stainless-steel pots and pans instead of ones coated in Teflon

Buy a Berkey water filter system instead of a plastic water cooler

Charge your smartphone on airplane mode so it charges more quickly

Buy products made locally

Invest in a Water Pik or Sonic Care to replace your toothbrush to reduce plastic waste

Switch to energy efficient light bulbs

Plant a tree every year

Sign up for Fort Worth’s composting pilot program

Don’t give low quality plastic toys as party favors – give seeds or plants instead

Shop at your local farmer’s market

Turn off your smart phone or tablet and read a book instead

Plan your errands before leaving the house to reduce your daily mileage

Plant an herb garden

Ride your bike to school or work

Stop buying products with plastic microbeads such as soaps, toothpaste, and make-up

Donate used clothing to thrift stores

Support products like Rothy’s shoes which are made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles

Use rechargeable batteries

Get zero energy power switches from Belkin

Organize a clothing and jewelry swap with friends

Choose eco-friendly landscaping with indigenous/native and acclimated plants

Keep your reusable shopping bags in your car so you don’t forget them

Learn about ethical fashion brands like Tribe Alive

Watch the Planet Earth series for inspiration

This list of easy changes to make originally appeared in the July/August issue of Madeworthy.