Why go Green?

The term, “going green,” is a common expression these days. Chances are you have heard of it numerous times.

But what does “going green” mean? Basically, it refers to making choices to help protect the environment and save our world.

Going green is a lifestyle choice. Decisions and actions are based on their likely effects on the world. From the smallest details to the big picture aspects of life, protecting the environment by implementing a green lifestyle involves choices that many people are deciding to make.

Here are some compelling reasons to make more eco-friendly choices:

* Reverse climate change

There is no denying the massive impact human activity is having on the earth’s atmosphere – more super storms, rising sea levels and shrinking glaciers. Every day, emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other pollutants are pumped into the atmosphere. These emissions change the balance of gases causing climate change, global warming and degrading the ozone layer. The only way to reverse these effects is by reducing our emissions.

* Ensure our children have future resources

Going green is about ensuring the next generation, and those that follow, have at least equal opportunities to survive and thrive. Most people want to invest into the future of the world rather than just using it for their own short term pleasure.

In many ways, the human race has shown continued growth and development. However, if the next generations have a poorer quality of life than we do, then we have failed at the most fundamental level. If we do not give them clean soil, water and air, then we are the generation that failed the human race.

* Reduce pollution

Soil, water and air pollution all have negative effects on human health, as well as on the health of the environment. Pollution is caused when waste products accumulate and cannot be effectively reused by natural processes. Although we may not notice small amounts of pollution, as waste builds up, the environment struggles to manage it.

Reducing pollution is not only about reusing, reducing and recycling. It is understanding how the items we use are produced. It is much easier to reduce pollution at the manufacturing level by preventing unwanted chemicals from getting into the air, water and soil.

Going green is not only holding ourselves accountable, but also holding manufacturers accountable by choosing to not buy their products if they do not meet industry standards.

* For our health

Do you want to be healthier? Green is not just good for the environment; it is also good for US. By following the green eaters’ mantra — eat seasonal, local, organic foods — we can enjoy fresher, tastier foods and improve our personal health. According to one study, organic milk has 68 percent more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids than conventional milk.

The average woman absorbs more than 1½ kilograms of cosmetics during her lifetime. The body’s largest organ, the skin, absorbs up to 60 percent of the products put on it every day, from soaps to shampoos and sunscreens. Considering that most of us use about ten different products daily, that adds up. Choosing green personal care products often means using plant-based ingredients in place of petrochemicals, preventing the harmful petrochemicals from being absorbed into our skin.

 * Save money

Many people think that living an eco-friendly lifestyle is more expensive. However, we save money in the long term. Frugal living should be a natural by-product of simple and sustainable living. Although we may make a higher initial investment on some products, as they are more concentrated, they will more than pay for themselves over time.

For example, the initial cost of cloth diapers is more than disposable ones. However, over a 2½ year period, anywhere from one to several thousand dollars is saved, depending on the type of diapers chosen. That is a significant savings both for us and the environment.

* It’s the right thing to do

Being aware of your consumption and waste is undeniably the right thing to do. We all know that being selfish, wasteful and uncaring is wrong. Having good character means using only the resources we absolutely need, producing as little waste as possible and ensuring we leave a healthy planet for future generations.

The human race can no longer bury its head in the sand and pretend that it can continue to consume natural resources at an alarming rate without dire consequences.

Living a green lifestyle is all about choices. Begin by making small decisions, such as turning off the water while brushing your teeth, unplugging appliances when they are not in use, and taking reusable bags to the grocery store. Once these things are habits, add bigger impact changes, such as growing a garden. The realisation that our choices affect us, other people and the health of our planet, requires us to make more responsible decisions.