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In the last five years, words like green-minded and going green have taken on a completely different meaning from the past. Eco-friendly is a term that is used often and is supposed to mean the same thing as the words mentioned earlier. But what does it mean exactly?
Eco-friendly translated means earth-friendly. This means that an eco-friendly product is not harmful to the environment. It also pertains to items that contribute to green living like water and energy. The word is also used for items that are good for the air, water and land. You can find items like these in an eco-friendly online store or in an actual shop. These products are deliberately made to be good for the earth. You can be called eco-friendly if you practice green living and have the right mindset.
But What is Eco-friendly?
When you think of eco-friendly, remember that it means both environmentally-good and safe for humans. It is, therefore non-toxic, and typically sustainably grown. It defined products that do not damage the ecosystem of the planet. These products are part and parcel of what defines an eco-friendly online store or eco-friendly physical store. When it comes to organic products, they are recycled when they are fabricated or grown absent of pesticides and herbicides. Recycled shards of glass or pieces of wood can be defined as waste made into something new and biodegradable. This means they break down without affecting the earth in a bad way.
Eco-friendly Habits
When you use less and make the most of what you own, you are on your way to becoming eco-friendly. Of course, you must use the term most precisely. Having the least amount of waste created and using the least number of products can be a step in becoming eco-friendly.
If you look at an eco-friendly online store that gives tips on eliminating waste from your life, you’ll find that many people who have been practicing how to be eco-friendly for a long time can fit an entire month’s worth of garbage into a single bottle. This is and must be the goal. It means you don’t eat any food which has containers, shop in bring-your-own packaging stores, and don’t use anything which could leave you with excess trash. This might sound extreme, but many people who practice eco-friendly lifestyles aim for this.
If you cannot go that far as of yet, try this:
- Shut off lights in empty rooms.
- Use heating or cooling in your home only when you absolutely need it.
- Recycle all items, and buy only recyclable items.
- Conserve natural resources such as water.
Sustainable vs. Eco-friendly
Some people prefer to use the word sustainable over the term eco-friendly. This is because absolutely everything harms the environment one way or another. Some people say that nothing truly eco-friendly exists. If there is one feature in a product that makes it sustainable, it is enough for some people.
Whichever term you choose, the intent and practice are the important parts. Are you doing your share in keeping trash down? Are you saving water by turning it off and using refillable receptacles instead of running a tap or buying bottled water? Do you segregate your trash? Little habits such as these are enough to get started.
