As many of us know, living a good life entails several things. We want to be respectful to people; excel professionally. The list goes on-and-on. However, in order to do any of those things successfully, we also need to have a good quality of life. In order to achieve this, sometimes incorporating green living options helps us reach a higher quality of life.
Green living options to help improve your quality of life
Many of us are realizing it isn’t enough to work well with others – in any setting. It’s also essential to be good to ourselves, and the environment. Whether that entails saving water or a whole host of other issues, we must act on those things in order to improve our own quality of life, and that of the environment. We all need to focus on green living options to improve our lives.
Quality of Life: what Is It?
You may be wondering what “quality of life” actually means. Investopedia considers several factors for its definition. While it previously included things like freedom from slavery, and discrimination, it also includes the right to a restful, and leisurely life. It’s understandable why so many people think our quality of life needs improvement.
Living sustainably by “Going Green”
How can we do this, and still live productive lives? According to Conserve Energy Future, there are many things we can do to help ourselves, as well as help our planet. For example, becoming part of a community garden helps create green space, which helps the atmosphere, and the soil. But, it also helps improve your mood, and well-being.
Be minimalistic
Minimalistic doesn’t mean “doing without.” It means everything you have is used to its maximum potential (even waste). By becoming minimalistic, you will:
- start recycling
- composting
- being more mindful of our planet
All of which will naturally help us become more sustainable.
Green traveling
You can also start walking or bicycling more often. If your destination requires long-distance travel, consider carpooling. Using your car less often helps improve your carbon footprint by reducing air pollution. It also helps your personal health (mentally and physically).
Unplug your devices
Unless you’re charging your phone or laptop, keeping them plugged in is a waste of energy. Unplugging these devices not only saves energy, but also reduces your utility bill. It also saves you the hassle of “living by the cord.” You can take your device anywhere. If the weather’s nice, why not go to your favorite park? You can still do your work, and enjoy everything nature has to offer.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
You may not realize how much your diet can affect your quality of life. However, as Treehugger explains, eating more fruits and vegetables can do wonders. Not only does it help you improve your health. But, growing your own food helps the environment, as well. By growing your own fruits and vegetables, you also reduce the need for water, and energy.
Get smart with your appliances
Thanks to today’s modern appliances, you can now use home energy management systems to help save energy within your home. These systems, and associated apps, allow you to monitor the energy usage of any connected appliance. By understanding how much energy each device uses, you can adjust each one based on your budget or any other preferences you have in mind.
Plant a tree
The simple act of planting a tree is beneficial for several reasons:
- you’re helping the environment by cleaning up toxic air
- improving your own health
It’s well known trees provide oxygen. The oxygen trees provide naturally help you breathe better, which is especially important for those with asthma or other breathing problems.
As you can see, living a greener life not only helps the planet, it also helps you improve your own quality of life. By living green, you increase your chances of having a restful, and peaceful life. Indeed, going green, and becoming more sustainable will allow us to stop relying on energy sources for our entertainment. But it will also give us the opportunity to:
- get out there
- move our bodies
- improve our health
- be more mindful of everything we consume
About the Writer: Gwen Lewis is a writer, and makeup artist, based in Southern California. Because of her passion for beauty and health, she hopes to help others not just look great, but feel great, whether through makeup, or her writing. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, and pick-up soccer games with her friends. Check her out on Twitter at @GwenEveLewis.
