Northern Territory News
It seems everybody is talking about going green these days. Whether you turn on the TV, flip open a magazine or eavesdrop at your local cafe, everyone seems to be in on the green revolution.
There are so many different ways to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your family's daily life. Whether you turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, recycle used bottles and boxes or jump on your bike instead of driving, all of these little steps can make a difference.
Of course, there are the overachievers: people who compost their own garbage, grow all of their own food, heat and light their homes through solar energy and even craft new items from recyclables.
These might be the rock stars of the environmental movement but what about the rest of us?
We can't all be overachievers, so is it still worth it if you can't do everything? The simple answer is yes.
Don't let intimidation keep you from greening your ways. Organising yourself to take some simple steps can really make a big difference, and you'll be surprised by how easy it is to incorporate new eco-conscious ways into your lifestyle without even noticing the difference.
1. Start small. There isn't just one way to be green, so before you start trying to overhaul everything, remember that every little bit counts. Also, remember that no one is keeping tabs, so if you pack your lunch in reusable containers but can't go without a long, hot shower, don't beat yourself up over it.
2. Know your bad habits. Get in touch with yourself and figure out where you are the worst offender when it comes to bad habits. Are you addicted to paper towels, always using five or six when really one or two could still do the job? Do you have a six-pack-a-day water-bottle habit? Start by curbing your worst habit (or habits) first - you'll make the biggest impact that way.
3. Become a Bag Lady. You know the tote from that conference you recently attended? Give it new life or buy reusable bags and use them instead of plastic shopping bags. Store them in the boot of your car so you are always armed in case you make an unplanned pit stop. Stepped inside the store without them? Think of the walk back to your car as a free two minutes of exercise.
4. Shop locally. Hit up your local farmers market. It not only helps local producers in need of business and gives you a chance to enjoy fresh organic goods, but it also reduces traffic, smog and all kinds of other pesky disturbances that come from trucking food from across the country.
5. Get the kids in on it. Start by explaining why it's important to take little steps toward helping the planet and the kids will be more than happy to join in. You can get them involved by doing everything from packing their lunches in reusable containers to signing up to help a local group clean up a park or beach to even planting a vegetable garden.