As we stride into the year 2024, many of us are now awakening to the realization that living sustainably matters. And whether you are living in the United States or Pakistan, adopting lifestyle changes that are eco-friendly can make all the difference for the planet—but not at all as hard as you think! Let's take a look at some simple ways through which you can reduce your footprint on the environment, save money, and improve your health.
Eco-friendly, or more colloquially known as environment-friendly, is the environmentally conscious choices we make in our daily lives. It's more about living simply and making do with what we already have: using them more efficiently and disposing of less or no waste. At such times when climate change affects our daily lives more than ever, we need to take small steps for the protection of the environment.
Environmental degradation has affected both the U.S. and Pakistan. Common problems have plagued both states: increased temperatures, increased pollution, and so on. It may be a joint responsibility of all of us to promote local ecosystems while assisting the international community to take measures towards countering such situations.
| Problem | United States | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Change Impact | Rises in sea levels, wildfires, extreme storms | Flooding, heat waves, water shortages |
| Air Pollution | Industrial emissions, vehicle pollution | Urban air quality, industrial pollution |
| Waste Management | Increasing landfills, plastic waste | Badly handled waste, littering |
Reduce plastic use—one of the best ways to live eco-friendly in 2024. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans every year, causing an array of damage to marine life. Avoid using plastic bags or bottles and instead bring reusable ones for your needs.
Read our Sustainable Living Tips for more eco-friendly product ideas.
Water is such a precious resource, especially when you come from Pakistan, where water scarcity is a big issue. Here are a few simple tips to save water:
Pro Tip: Install water-saving appliances like low-flow faucets and showerheads.
Whether you're in the U.S. or Pakistan, saving energy decreases your carbon footprint. Start with simple adjustments, such as replacing your bulbs with LEDs or using energy-efficient appliances that will use less energy and save money. Here's how to get started:
Find out how to add solar power to your green living routine by reading our Sustainable Living Tips.
Do you know that food choices also contribute to the environment? Examples include eating a plant-based diet, reducing food waste, and choosing locally produced food. You don't have to be a complete vegetarian, but just cut down on meat consumption for a few days a week, and it would save the environment a lot.
Check out World Wildlife Fund's guide to sustainable eating for more tips.
If you are serious about going green, then composting is a great way to manage organic waste. Instead of letting food waste end up in the curb for trash collection, compost it to give nutrient-filled soil for your gardening. This helps prevent landfills from filling up and helps you grow your own plants.
Transportation is the most significant source of emissions, especially in cities. If you change the way you move around, you can easily reduce emissions in many ways. Here are a few options:
If you are a shopper, go for green brands in clothing, food, or appliances. Most organizations provide such commodities as better alternatives for the planet. In this way, you encourage more companies to make the earth a pleasant abode.
Tip: Buy products that are labeled as organic, fair trade, or sustainable.
An eco-friendly way of living does not have to consume you. While making small, consistent changes contributes to a healthier planet for the generations that come after us, it is the little actions that count, as they say.
If you want more tips on sustainable living, be sure to check out our Sustainable Living Tips for further guidance!