Top Green Urban Living Tips for City Dwellers

We all know how much urbanization can affect the environment and this has always been a pressing issue. It results in deforestation, loss of habitats for animals, extraction of freshwater from the environment, and the list goes on.

Approximately 70% of the world’s population is expected to move to big cities by 2050 which could eventually lead to explosive urbanization and can badly burden the planet.

Urban areas or cities are energies of growth but they come with a great cost. Committing to greener living has a multitude of benefits for our health and nature. It is imperative to implement sustainable methods to make sure the air that our loved ones are breathing in is clean, our surroundings are clean, and to keep diseases at bay.

Green living is a lifestyle that strives on preserving and protecting our planet’s natural resources. It is a form of giving back and the earth needs it more than ever. 

From mitigating further pollution to saving money, here are the top tips on how you can incorporate an eco-friendly lifestyle in an urban city.

1. Always use an eco-bag.

Let go of the plastic bags that can only end up affecting marine life. A lot of sea creatures die every day due to plastic waste and this is what we want to stop. Using an eco-bag for your groceries and other shopping activities can greatly benefit nature. With this small simple step, you are making a change.

2. Walk or ride a bike.

One of the things we want to mitigate is our carbon footprint and walking or biking is a green way to transport yourself to and from your destination. This is ideal if your destination is not too far away. You get to exercise, keep your body in shape, breathe cleaner air, and save money on gas. 

Among the nicest things about living in the city is your proximity to services and establishments which makes it even more ideal to just walk and ride a bike.

3. Shop second-hand items.

Do you love shopping for clothes, accessories, garments, and anything fashion-related? In case you don’t know yet, the second largest polluter in the world is the fashion industry. Just like plastic, textile production has chemicals in the process and this toxic waste goes to our water forms. 

Buying second-hand items from clothing to housewares will help with reducing the number of natural resources being used and the number of chemicals being released into the environment.

Another great thing about shopping for second-hand items is that you can save money and energy. 

4. Do some gardening.

You don’t always necessarily need a large lot to enjoy plants and trees. Even if you are living in a tiny city flat, you can still fill it with plants that help improve the quality of the air you breathe in your home, give you access to fresh fruits and vegetables, calm your mind and body considering city life is quite stressful at times, and develop a gardening skill.

Most city dwellers crave greens and gardens and truth be told, an urban setting is not a stopping point. You can grow just about any plant in a container to a certain extent. If you love cooking, why not fill your kitchen windowsill with herbal plants? 

5. Support environmental-friendly local shops.

Buy, as much as possible, from local shops that have eco-friendly products and packaging. As a consumer, it is your responsibility to be conscious of the products you buy, use, and dispose of. Supporting ethical shops is another great way to live sustainably. Also, ditch beauty products and brands that test on animals.

6. Don’t forget the 3Rs!

Say no to single-use plastics. Repurpose your glass, and cardboard boxes, and even convert old sheets or towels into wash rags. You can also start composting in the kitchen or the yard for your indoor herbs and outdoor vegetable plants. Pay your bills online for a paperless transaction. 

Some communities have swap programs where households leave unwanted items and belongings in a designated place for others to use. For a crafting idea, use empty glass bottles of olive oil as a holiday ornament for your tables and fill them with warm fairy lights.

There is so much you can do to have a green lifestyle even if you are under the hustling and bustling city lights. Stay healthy, live fully, and continue to make better choices for future generations!