How I Try to be Eco-Friendly

Being eco-friendly is really important to me, and I’ve been working to make choices that help the environment and reduce my carbon footprint. I started by driving hybrid cars, like the Honda Insight and then the Prius Prime. These small cars were great for getting around town. A few years ago, I upgraded to a fully electric car, and I’m really happy with it!

I bought my current home about two and a half years ago. Although it’s been a financial stretch, my boyfriend and I invested in solar panels, a heat pump system (for heating, cooling, and hot water), and an induction stove. We’re thrilled with these upgrades, even though we couldn’t afford a backup battery for the solar power. Earlier this year, we also got a second electric car.

I also focus on using energy wisely. I’m careful with my electricity, turning off lights and unplugging things when I’m not using them. I’ve switched to energy-efficient LED bulbs and use a programmable thermostat. These steps have helped reduce my energy use and carbon footprint. With all these changes, my electric bill is now under $16 a month!

Reducing plastic waste is another priority, although it’s tough with all the packaging out there. I use reusable bags, bottles, and containers as much as possible, and I look for products with minimal packaging or eco-friendly materials. When I give gifts, I try to choose things that encourage others to be eco-friendly too.

I also think about my diet. Since meat production has a big environmental impact, I try to eat more plant-based meals. However, I have digestive issues that make some foods hard to eat. So, even though I love things like Beyond Burgers and veggie soups, I’ve had to add a bit of chicken and turkey back into my diet. It’s a tough decision for me as someone who cares about animals and the environment, but I try to buy locally grown produce to reduce transportation emissions.

Clothing is a big deal. Don’t throw it away. If it’s in good shape, you can give it away. If it’s in really good shape, you can sell it to your local consignment store. If your clothing is on it’s last legs, you can recycle it! I use For Days. If they can’t resell or recycle your items, its downcycled to materials like shoddy that are used for insulation. 

Conservation is something I’m really passionate about, especially protecting endangered species and habitats. I support organizations focused on reforestation and wildlife conservation. I even spent over 15 years on the board of the Orang Utan Republik Foundation, working on conservation projects until I moved away from LA.

All these eco-friendly choices may seem small, but I believe every little bit helps. Together, these efforts let me live a greener life and make a positive impact on the planet. As I share my tips and choices, I hope you will share yours, too!