These benefits of eco-friendly living are crucial because our planet faces several environmental issues such as global warming, air pollution, ozone layer depletion, water pollution, climate change, and many others.
To live sustainably, we must adopt eco-friendly living principles. By making these lifestyle changes, we become healthier as well. Consequently, we will be limiting the extent of damage caused to the environment and wildlife.
So, what are the key benefits of eco-friendly living and environmental sustainability? We’ve categorized it into three phases:
- Environmental benefits
- Psychological benefits
- Financial benefits
Environmental Benefits of Eco-Friendly Living
A healthy eco-friendly lifestyle prioritizes keeping the environment clean and staying healthy. We are responsible for reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and protecting wildlife. Here are some environmental benefits of living an eco-friendly lifestyle.
1. Less plastic waste
Having an eco-friendly lifestyle contributes to generating less plastic waste. That is why it is advisable for people to use cotton sacks or paper bags instead of plastic shopping bags.
Avoid using plastic bags to preserve frozen food, but reuse containers and bottles, and use matches instead of lighters. Avoid disposable diapers by using cloth ones instead.
Following these simple practices ensure that the planet free of landfills, and harmful toxins (released into the soil, air, and water), and endangered species and wildlife will be protected.
2. Energy efficiency
Eco-friendly living ensures efficient energy use. The use of gas, electricity, and other forms of energy is involved. Using a programmable thermostat and a cooling or heating system will help you save energy.
In addition, purchase energy-efficient appliances to reduce the cost of heating water. The amount of energy your home consumes is also affected by its insulation. To avoid unnecessary consumption, upgrade your home appliances and keep them properly maintained.
3. Efficient use of water
Water is second only to air in terms of its importance in preserving natural life. Eco-friendly lifestyles teach individuals to be aware of how much water they are consuming.
There is a finite amount of water on earth, and if it is not managed correctly, the world will face a drought.
4. Safeguarding future species
Sustainable management of forests, grasslands, coral reefs, and rivers enhances their resilience and enhances their ability to absorb greenhouse gases. Make planting trees a habit and a goal.
5. Improves air quality
Asthma and cardiovascular disease are two serious health problems caused by polluted air. Your quality of life is reduced as a result. You can benefit from good air quality by living an eco-friendly lifestyle.
An eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle is possible if you live in a community with plenty of green spaces. With trees and plants filtering atmospheric pollutants, you can take advantage of good air quality.
Psychological Benefits of Eco-Friendly Living
Many people suffer from eco-anxiety. It has been called “the chronic fear of environmental doom” by the American Psychological Association.
According to Yale’s 2018 study on climate change communication, 29% of American adults are concerned about the rapid changes in climate that result in eco-anxiety.
A green lifestyle, however, can help reduce people’s eco-anxiety due to its psychological benefits. A few easy-to-follow practices are listed below along with some benefits.
6. Makes you feel purposeful
Our planet is the basis for our livelihood, so it is our responsibility to make sure it is livable for future generations. Knowing that you’ve left behind a planet that’s a bit better than when you were a kid is extremely satisfying.
This type of attitude can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence issues among people who believe they lack a purpose in life.
It is believed that mental health problems may result from a combination of environmental and social factors.
People don’t realize that embracing green and eco-friendly living helps them recover from stress and mental fatigue.
7. You’ll be more mindful all the time
People who have gone eco-friendly before you have been forced to re-evaluate more than just their recycling habits, electricity usage, and shower time.
Taking care of the earth requires you to be mindful of what you do, which can extend to the way you reflect on your own life.
Mediation often goes hand-in-hand with mindfulness, which is a self-reflective practice that helps you learn how to deal with obstacles.
Therefore, eco-friendliness and mindfulness are the same, since green, eco-friendly choices require mindfulness of the earth.
8. You’ll feel healthier
A lot of people have completely changed their lifestyles to become more eco-friendly. Instead of driving gas-guzzling cars, they take mass transit, bike, or simply walk.
To reduce shipping costs, they search for local, sustainable farmers so they can get their food from them. The produce they purchase is only harvested and grown in season, so it is more responsibly cultivated.
Many people are becoming healthier along with the planet as they become more aware of – and change – these habits.
9. It’s good to be outside
Even if you enjoy helping Mother Nature, you’ll benefit from spending time outdoors. Spending time in nature has so many benefits. It relieves tension and refreshes your mind; being outside can also increase your creativity.
You may even find that getting outside isn’t that difficult since you love the earth already. Landscape and garden your property with a mind to local flora, for example, can be the best of both worlds if you’re looking for outdoor activity.
10. A sustainable community boosts mental health
Members of a community or group that promotes environmental health literacy learn how to collaborate to achieve sustainable goals.
When you are part of a crowd that focuses on eco-friendly living, you are inspired to work creatively towards change and to develop positive habits like mindfulness and gratitude.
When you know that you’re making a positive impact on the environment, it’s incredibly uplifting.
Most importantly, being part of a team has long-term benefits for your mental health, including lowering stress levels, reducing the likelihood of depression episodes, and building a sense of togetherness and support.
Financial Benefits of Eco-Friendly Living
About 81% of people expect organizations to communicate and advertise in an environmentally responsible manner. An eco-friendly business has a lot of potential. In addition, 87% of consumers prefer to buy products from eco-friendly brands.
Ecological sustainability requires the use of energy-efficient equipment, water-saving devices, and solar panels, which are not only cost-effective but also more efficient. An eco-friendly lifestyle also has the following financial benefits.
11. Reduced food costs
Our diets affect the environment. Globally, food contributes about a quarter of the toxic greenhouse gases polluting the atmosphere.
Plants are a healthier option than animal products. Therefore, switching to growing your food will help safe cost and protect the environment. As a result, your carbon footprint will be reduced.
12. Accessible travel
The idea of sustainable travel doesn’t mean clinging to the backs of animals. Being aware of the damage your fuel-based vehicle causes will help you reduce your carbon footprint.
You’ll be motivated to make simple changes in your traveling habits as a result of that sense of accountability.
Avoid unnecessary energy consumption by walking to nearby places, switching to electric cars, flying less often, and keeping your vehicles properly maintained.
13. Energy efficiency
The price of energy continues to rise every year. It is becoming more and more common for people to try to lower their living expenses. By adopting eco-friendly living habits, you can reduce your energy expenditures and save money.
Solar panels are installed in some eco-friendly communities to use solar energy. Others use windows that let in as much natural light as possible to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Additionally, energy efficiency reduces pollution in a way that helps the environment. An eco-friendly lifestyle involves reducing the consumption of natural resources on the planet.
14. Affordable clothing
Shopping less for clothes and accessories is one of the biggest changes an eco-friendly lifestyle brings. However, your wish for embellished clothing or tempting food doesn’t have to be thwarted.
Organic food, recycled products, and vegan diet plans are all part of the trend. Consumers can find sustainable products from brands. Governments have a key role to play in encouraging people to embrace eco-friendly living.
15. Low maintenance
Eco-friendly living relies heavily on sustainability. The use of green materials that last longer and have fewer negative effects on the environment can also be part of eco-friendly living, apart from water-saving techniques and renewable energy usage.
Using recycled steel, wood, and bamboo when constructing a home is one example of using green building materials. Often, these require less maintenance and are more durable. Your home will look new for a long time as a result.
The little to no maintenance required reduces your negative environmental impact and saves you money from costly repairs.
Key Takeaway
By choosing a lifestyle of eco-friendly living, you can make a big difference in saving the planet since you are conscious of how grim the climate condition is. It doesn’t take much effort to start transforming your life. Make it your goal to go green.
Eco-friendly living offers more benefits than just preserving the environment. An eco-friendly lifestyle can save money on energy and water, reduce maintenance, improve air quality, lead to a healthier lifestyle, increase property value, and help save the planet.
