Green Living: How to do Good for the Planet

Green living is something that anyone can do. Learn how to do great things for the planet.

Green living is vital for the future, and everyone plays a part. Nonprofits, individuals and businesses can all help the environment. In fact, we all have to do our part. Many scientists, the U.S. government, and thought leaders say that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our generation. And, we’re running out of time. We all want to enjoy this beautiful world and everything it has to offer. But, it’s essential to also leave it in as good a shape as possible so future generations can also enjoy it.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best ideas for your group and you to help your community and Earth. In this guide, you’ll have the chance to learn a bit about the challenges we all face concerning the environment. And, then you’ll see what a couple of nonprofit groups are doing to be sustainable. Finally, you’ll discover some of the best ideas to get your family, friends, and yourself doing better with green living. Feel free to read this guide from start to finish, or jump to the sections that are of greatest interest to you.

  • The Challenge for Green Living
  • Environmental Nonprofits
  • Transportation for Green Living
  • More Green Living Ideas for Families, Nonprofits or Anyone

Let’s get started sharing our eco-friendly ideas about green living.

The challenge for green living is each of us doing something to help.The Challenge for Green Living

As published on NASA’s website, 97 percent of climate scientists state that climate-warming is exceptionally likely to be caused by humans. In other words, the significant weather changes we have seen and the harm to the environment is our responsibility as humans. So, each of us plays a part in trying to be good stewards of our planet with green living. As we all know, there is no Planet B that can sustain human or animal life. Therefore, it’s important for humans to lead the effort with green living to ensure that we try to stop the rapid climate changes happening. There’s no one else that can do it but humans.

Some of the facts about the environment that affect green living include the following:

  • 800 million people, or 11 percent of the global population, is at risk of drought, rising sea levels, and extreme weather.
  • The most significant warming on record has been in the last 35 years. And, 2016 was the warmest year to date.
  • Glaciers around the world are disappearing, including in Alaska, Rockies, Himalayas, and Alps.
  • Humans create 262 million tons of waste every year.
  • Americans toss 81 pounds of clothes in the trash every year, which includes shoes.

In case you weren’t aware, 70 percent of the global population reuses shoes and clothing. But, there’s a need for good shoes and clothes that Americans no longer need. Therefore, you can practice green living by doing a socially responsible fundraiser for your nonprofit, such as with a shoe drive fundraiser.

Environmental Nonprofits Can Be Any Charity

Green living is one of the most critical activities that any one of us can do as individuals. But, did you know that nonprofits are also making sure that they do right by the environment? There are many ways to make that happen. For instance, you can follow some of the suggestions later in this guide for the office or in your home. In other words, you can make sure that you incorporate some of the ideas that follow about going green and green living into your life and work.

In the meantime, there is one way your nonprofit can follow many others in doing right by the environment. We know that charities are always in need of funds for their missions. But, we are also aware that unending financial appeals often pressure donors. For example, supporters have many things they have to do with their money, such as paying for their living expenses, education, and healthcare. When people are always asked for money by nonprofits, it often provides them with a sense of pressure. They want to support your cause, but they might have the extra money to do it. Well, with a creative shoe drive fundraiser, nonprofits can raise money, help support green living and the environment, and increase the awareness of the work you do and your name. So, let’s take a look at two nonprofit groups that did something different for themselves and the environment.

Great Swamp Conservancy
Supporting the planet is what Great Swamp Conservancy does every day. For instance, they work to ensure the environment in the Lake Ontario and Oneida Lake regions. To that end, their programs encompass the environment, culture, and natural history in the areas. As an example of the things they do, when the birds migrate each year, the group holds two migration festivals. During those events, it also provides vendors and artisans with an opportunity to display and promote their works. Although they’re an environmental nonprofit, which cares about green living, it doesn’t mean that nonprofits with other purposes have not also participated in a shoe drive fundraiser. Meaning, there have been thousands of nonprofits doing shoe drive fundraiser with missions from education to healthcare and everything in between.

That said, Great Swamp Conservancy decided to do a shoe drive fundraiser for their organization. They wanted to raise funds for their educational programs concerning the environment. For them, the green living idea of a shoe drive fundraiser was exciting because they understood that people had shoes they no longer wear lying around the house or stuffed in their closets. But, the other reason that they decided to do a shoe drive fundraiser was that they also appreciated the idea of helping provide inventory for microentrepreneurs in developing nations. The small business owners sell the collected shoes in their communities for a living.

Step on Poverty
Green living continues with another nonprofit story. And, this time it’s about Step on Poverty. This group is an example of an organization that does not have a mission concerning the environment or sustainability. However, they helped the planet by collecting shoes during their shoe drive fundraiser. As for their purpose, this organization helps youth through mentorship and peer support. A group of young and dynamic leaders serves both as executives and as examples to the children they support.

The group at Step on Poverty did a fantastic job in their shoe drive fundraiser. Because of their dynamism, creativity, and energy, they collected over 9,400 pairs of shoes. In other words, thousands of shoes, which can take a lifetime to decompose, were kept out of landfills. In case you didn’t know, more than 600 million shoes end up in landfills every year, which is contrary to green living. This activity works to destroy the environment. Period. Yes, there is another path. And, a shoe drive fundraiser is one approach to help our planet.

In a shoe drive fundraiser, both of these groups and so many others have learned this is one of the best fundraising ideas, as listed by Double the Donation. When groups do this type of creative fundraiser, they raise money without selling merchandise or asking anyone for money. There are zero out-of-pocket costs with a provider like Funds2orgs. And, what’s more, there’s a tremendous benefit to micro-entrepreneurs and green living ideas for the planet.

No matter the mission any charity can become one of the environmental nonprofits for the planet.Green Transportation for Green Living

One of the most exciting places that we can all get involved in green living is with green transportation. If you live in a city, the chances are that you’ve seen people scooting around in many ways. For one thing, we live in exciting times because we can experience fun and new ways to get around. However, we also understand that this couldn’t come at a better time as we try to help the environment. So, let’s take a look at a few of the alternate ways you can get to and from work or any place that is more environmentally friendly.

1) E-scooters
As we mentioned, if you live in a city, you’ve probably seen plenty of people getting around on electric scooters. E-scooters are excellent as a mode of transportation because they’re compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Once you’re done using an electric scooter, you can fold it up and take it anywhere with you. Or, you can forget the purchase of a scooter and just download an app from one of the companies offering scooters. Also, you can look into one-wheeled scooters if you’re adventurous. Because scooters are so easy to use, they are used now all over the world. So, if you’re not yet seeing them in your town, give it time. People who like having a good time or appreciate living green, make scooters a top choice for local travel.

2) Skateboards and Hoverboards
There was a time when human leg power propelled a skateboard forward. However, in the modern era, skateboards have evolved. For instance, there are companies such as OneWheel that upgraded the old-school skateboard. Instead of 4 wheels, skateboarders now have one large wheel which is electric. Still, another way to travel is with a hoverboard. Hoverboards are popular, particularly with young kids, and they’re similar to skateboards in that someone rides them standing. If you’d like to try out a hoverboard, there are many cool ones in the market. And no, you don’t have to be a kid to ride one.

3) E-Bikes and Mopeds
Upgrading has also happened to bicycles and mopeds (scooters). First, bikes have gone beyond human peddle power. So, if you’re someone who would like to have a little assistance, you can buy an electric bicycle. With these bikes, you’ll have the chance to use your legs for power, or you can alternate it with a small electric motor built into the bike to push you forward. In addition, if you don’t want to own a bike, you can participate in bike shares. Also, mopeds, which are also called scooters, have gone beyond gas. Therefore, you can also choose to ride an electric motorized scooter. And, of course, it wouldn’t be in the sharing economy if these scooters weren’t available to share. So, you don’t have to go through the expense of buying an electric scooter!

4) Electric and hybrid cars
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICTT) has reported that electric cars are better for the environment in comparison to those with combustion engines. Yes, electric vehicles have batteries created in factories with natural materials. But, the long-term benefit over gas vehicles is still better with electric cars with all variables included. In other words, electric cars do not release hydrocarbons, CO2, and other toxins into the air. If going electric is not for you at this point, then you can start on the road to green living with a hybrid car. Those cars have an electric motor as well as gas or diesel. And, yet again, in the sharing economy, you don’t have to own a car.

5) Walking is the best for green living
Finally, if you’d like to get or stay in shape—and experience green living—then the best form of green transportation is your feet! There’s no better way to get around in a way that is 100 sustainable than walking. Even a moderate amount of walking each day will bring you improved health. A great way to get from one place to another if you don’t like to walk alone is to ask a friend to join you. Of course, when you walk with a friend, you’ll have the chance to talk and enjoy yourself. But, you’ll also be going a long way toward helping the environment.

And don’t forget that once it’s time for a new pair of shoes, you can always give your walking shoes to a shoe drive fundraiser in your town. Those shoes will help micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations to help themselves. And, concerning environmental sustainability, people in developing nations need assistance. People in developing nations will bear 75 percent of climate change. And, this is even though developing countries only contribute 10 percent of CO2 emissions.

Green living ideas exist, and everyone can play a part in helping our planet.More Green Living Ideas for Families, Nonprofits or Anyone

We’re not done yet in giving you green living ideas for a sustainable Earth. Next up are some of our favorite ideas for green living. And, each of these ideas you can practice at home, or at work, in your nonprofit! So, let’s take a look at what other things you can do to make the world a better place for all living things. To help the environment, we all have to get our minds focused and connect emotionally with what’s at stake for all of us!

1) Go Paperless as Much as Possible
It is the digital age, and that means most of our information is in the cloud. There’s little reason today to cut trees needlessly for paper. Instead, many offices and nonprofits have long started operating in a paperless manner. But, when they do have to print, they make sure to recycle. And, that means that they’ll place the used paper in recycling bins when the document is no longer usable or needed. Still, it’s not before they print on both sides of the paper to conserve! Also, when heading into the office, ditch the plastic. Green living means minimizing the use if plastics, as well as preserving paper as much as possible.

2) Cut the Phantom Power in the Office
Consider phantom power as a vampire that’s sucking green living from your office and home. In other words, when you leave electrical appliances, computers and printers plugged in, even if you’re not using them, electricity gets spent. So, one of the simplest things you can do is to get in the habit of unplugging any electrical items that you’re not using. By the way, there’s an additional benefit to you for doing this—you’ll lower your electricity bill. Cut the phantom and go for zero energy use when you’re not using an electrically powered device!

3) Reduce Your Air Conditioning Usage for Green Living
Yes, it’s hot during the summer, but air conditioners are only making it worse for green living. In fact, air conditioning units are terrible for the environment because of the fossil fuel burns and pollution. So, be inventive and do like millions of people around the world. Think about other ways of staying cool. For example, open the windows if you have cross-ventilation. Enjoy refreshing drinks or ice creams. Finally, if you have the chance, take a cold shower or mist your face.

4) Recycle Your Clothing
Clothes and other textiles in landfills hurt the environment and don’t promote green living. Of that, there is no doubt. As we mentioned earlier, Americans throw away 81 pounds of clothes annually. Yet, 70 percent of the population of the world, wears and needs recycled clothing. So, one of the best things that you can do is just to clean out your closets. Don’t throw away your old t-shirts, dresses or jeans in the trash. Instead, find a recycling provider that will help you make an impact in the lives of people around the world.

5) Fundraise for Your Nonprofit and Repurpose Shoes
Repurpose your shoes for green living. Did you know that shoes can take more than 80 years to decompose in a landfill? And, while they break down, they release harmful toxins into the air. Most families have at least 10 pairs of shoes they no longer use. So, shoes can become currency for a creative shoe drive fundraiser. Instead of selling merchandise or asking for money, ask people to give you their gently worn, used and new shoes. Get a check issued to you by a shoe drive fundraising company. And, then feel good in the knowledge that you raised money, helped the planet, and also micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries who sell the shoes.

6) Use Motion Sensors in Your Office and Home
Green living can be effortless, and motion sensors are easy. In the old days, you probably had your parents telling you to turn off the lights when you left a room. There was a reason for that because they wanted to lower their energy bill. There’s no need to think about it anymore. Instead of remembering to switch lights on and off when entering and leaving a room, add motion sensors. These sensors will detect if anyone is in a place and if there’s no movement, they’ll shut lights off themselves. Also, because so many people use them now, the price for motion sensors is low.

7) Drive Around in a Tuned-Up Car
Getting a tune-up for your vehicle is not only ideal for the car, but it’s also good for the planet and green living. According to the U.S. government, tuning up your vehicle can better fuel efficiency by about 4 percent. In addition, making sure that you have a working oxygen sensor can improve the mileage of your car by 40 percent. So, tuning up your car is not only useful for making sure that you don’t have costly repairs down the line, but it helps the environment.

In sum, if you’re seeking to practice green living, there are no shortage of ideas. For instance, you can take environmental vacations. Take time at the beach or in the mountains, appreciate Mother Nature, but always remember to be kind to her. And, if you’re someone who loves grilling, then try out green grilling. Yes, it will change how you grill and the products you purchase, but it’s great for the sustainability of Earth.

Also, don’t forget that textiles, including shoes, should always be repurposed for people who need the items. Green living is something all of us can do. Today’s a great day to start or add other ideas to your green living routine!

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