10 Green Changes To Focus On In 2020

If you’re looking to make your lifestyle more green throughout 2020, there are many ways to do it. If this is going to be a new change for you, it’s easiest to focus on small tasks that become daily habits and can lead to a positive change in your life and for the planet. These 10 tips below are easy adjustments to make in different areas of your daily life; try one or try them all throughout 2020 to be more green!

1. Stop using makeup wipes. Instead of using makeup wipes to remove your makeup every day, switch to a small towel or reusable pad. You can save one or two wipes from ending up in the ocean every single day with this one easy replacement in your routine.
2. Buy a reusable razor. Using disposable razors to shave your face or body produces a lot of waste. Retailers now offer stainless steel reusable razors for people looking to make a green switch. This is an item to invest in but will be well worth it in the long run when it comes to reducing your waste.
3. Bring your own cup. When you’re going out to get your daily coffee, bring your own reusable travel mug instead of using one of their plastic or paper cups. Even when you’re in the office, it’s important to have your own mug for coffee or tea and your own water bottle. You can save on using disposable cups or single-use water bottles by having easy access to reusable ones.
4. Shop second-hand. Avoiding fast-fashion brands that are wasteful with energy and water is actually a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. When you’re in need of new clothes, try shopping second-hand at a local thrift store, online thrift store, or on an app.
5. Change your contact lenses. You don’t have to settle for wasteful contact lens packs (or anything for that matter!). Change your contact lenses to a brand that uses less plastic and cares for the environment. These are the kind of simple changes to your everyday life that make the biggest difference to the planet!
6. Make your own cleaning products. Traditional cleaning products are filled with toxic chemicals that can pollute the air in your home. The truth is, vinegar, water, baking soda, and lemon can do the cleaning just as well. Buy glass spray bottles and make your own cleaning supplies at home! Making them may be a little more labor intensive but they can last for a long time and you’ll save loads of money on pricey products.
7. Take shorter showers. This is another super simple lifestyle change to make this year. Spending less time in the shower can reduce your water usage and save you money on your water bill! The easiest way to achieve this is to set a timer on your phone in the bathroom and try to be out of the shower by the time it goes off.
8. Use reusable bags. All over the world, plastic grocery bags are becoming obsolete. Shopping with reusable ones when you’re at the market, grocery store, or the mall can help stop hundreds of bags from ending up in the ocean.
9. Utilize plants. Keeping plants around your house can help purify the air from any toxins floating around. Spider plants, snake plants, and aloe plants can help cleanse the air in your home for free! Whether it’s your cleaning products, air fresheners, or pollution from the outside, you want to try to keep the air in your home as clean and fresh as possible to ensure good health for you and your family.
10. Buy local. Buying your produce, food, and other goods from local vendors is great for the local economy and the environment. By doing this, you can help reduce the energy that it takes to make or grow and then ship these products all over the world. Plus, you are supporting a farmer or business owner and their family directly when you purchase from someone who is local to you.

When it comes to changing your daily life, it takes time to get used to a new habit. To help you keep track of tackling all or some of these changes, consider marking down all the times you’ve practised your new habit. At the end of each month, you can review how you did and adjust or add a new habit throughout the next month! By the end of 2020, you’ll notice the change in your life and you’ll feel better that you’re helping the planet too.

About the Author – Kara Cohen is an introvert through and through. You can often find her reading at home and finding creative ways to achieve her freelance writing goals.