Top 5 Eco-Friendly Habits to Adopt This August

By Warrence Oghenevwegba

Published on: August 10, 2024, 7:01 P.P.M

August marks the tail end of the summer season, a time when many people are looking for fresh starts and new habits. It’s also a great opportunity to rethink our everyday actions and how they impact the environment. Adopting eco-friendly habits doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive; in fact, many changes can save you money while benefiting the planet. Here are five practical and impactful habits you can start this month to live more sustainably.

The first habit to embrace is adopting a plant-based diet. The production of meat and dairy is resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of water, land, and feed, and it’s a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting towards a plant-based diet reduces your carbon footprint, conserves water, and lowers demand for environmentally damaging farming practices. You can start by dedicating one day a week to eating only plant-based meals, known as Meatless Mondays. Additionally, explore the rich agricultural diversity Nigeria offers by incorporating locally grown fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes into your diet. These foods are fresher and have a lower environmental impact than imported ones. Experimenting with recipes, such as making vegetable-based versions of your favorite stews or soups, can make this transition enjoyable. If every Nigerian skipped meat for just one day a week, the cumulative effect would be a significant reduction in carbon emissions and water use.

The second habit involves ditching single-use plastics, which are pervasive in our daily lives, from grocery bags to straws to packaging materials. These plastics often end up in landfills or, worse, in our rivers and oceans, where they harm wildlife and contribute to pollution. Nigeria’s waterways and urban areas are increasingly clogged with plastic waste, making this an urgent issue. You can help by switching to reusable bags when shopping. Some Nigerian markets and stores even offer discounts for customers who bring their own bags. Additionally, investing in a reusable water bottle, preferably stainless steel or BPA-free, will help you avoid buying bottled water while keeping you hydrated and saving money. When dining out, refuse single-use straws and utensils, or carry your own reusable set. Many restaurants are now offering eco-friendly alternatives. By eliminating single-use plastics from your life, you reduce waste, protect marine life, and set a positive example for others to follow.

The third habit focuses on conserving water at home. Water scarcity is a global issue, and conserving water is crucial for ensuring that everyone has access to this vital resource. In many parts of Nigeria, water shortages are a common challenge, particularly during dry seasons. Simple steps like fixing leaks, reducing shower time, and capturing excess water for reuse can make a big difference. For example, shortening your showers by just a few minutes can save tens of thousands of liters of water annually. If you’re considering new household items, opt for water-efficient appliances; for instance, front-loading washing machines use less water than top-loading ones. By conserving water, you not only reduce the strain on local water supplies and ensure more people have access to clean water but also potentially lower your utility bills.

Supporting sustainable brands is the fourth habit you can adopt. Your purchasing decisions have power, and by supporting brands that prioritize sustainability, you encourage more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices. In Nigeria, where the consumer market is rapidly growing, promoting sustainable businesses can lead to widespread positive change. Start by researching brands before you buy, looking for companies that are transparent about their environmental impact and sustainability initiatives. Choose products with eco-friendly packaging, such as biodegradable or recyclable materials, and buy local whenever possible. Supporting local artisans and businesses not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also stimulates the local economy. By choosing sustainable products, you contribute to a market that values environmental stewardship and encourage larger industries to follow suit.

The final habit to practice is responsible waste disposal. Proper waste management is critical for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Improper disposal leads to pollution, health risks, and the degradation of natural habitats. With Nigeria’s increasing urbanization, waste management has become a significant challenge, making individual responsibility more important than ever. Start by sorting your waste, separating recyclables from organic waste, and disposing of them according to local guidelines. Many communities now have recycling programs for plastics, paper, and metals. Additionally, composting kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings, eggshells, and coffee grounds can enrich your garden soil and reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Ensure that hazardous waste, such as batteries, electronics, and chemicals, is taken to designated disposal facilities to prevent environmental contamination. Responsible waste disposal reduces the environmental burden on landfills, prevents pollution, and promotes a healthier community.

By adopting these five eco-friendly habits, you’ll not only contribute to a healthier environment but also set an example for others to follow. Small changes, when multiplied by millions of people, can lead to significant positive impacts. Start today, and let’s work together toward a more sustainable future.