One of the most common misconceptions is that life in a big city can’t be eco-friendly. Fortunately, that’s far from the truth. Living in a big city comes with great perks, one of them being a chance for a more sustainable life. There are many available green resources, communities, as well as opportunities for an eco-friendly life. The only thing you should do is take advantage of them. So, if you’re looking for easy ways to be green while living in a big city, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll find a carefully curated list of green things you can do wherever you live.
Shop local
When you live in a big city, you may lose that tight sense of community and everything that comes with it. One of the consequences of this fast lifestyle is buying groceries in big supermarket chains. Well, if you want to be green while living in a big city, it’s time to change this habit. We suggest shopping at the local farmers’ market for fresh fruit and veggies every day.
By shopping locally, not only will you help the environment and become healthier and happier, but you’ll also show support to small local businesses. That’s always a good reason to visit places like this.
Furthermore, this shopping situation applies to other aspects as well. For example, try and avoid fast fashion. We all know how large brands produce their clothes, so choosing to shop in a thrift store is both a green and a noble thing to do. And since you live (or are about to live) in a big city, we’re sure you’ll have a bunch of thrift shops and farmers’ markets in your neighborhood.
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Shopping at farmers’ markets is healthy, supportive, and eco-friendly.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
The big part of leading a green life is the three R’s – reducing, reusing, and recycling. This is practically a sustainable life 101. Fortunately, all big cities have recycling garbage disposal bins in every neighborhood. That’s just one of the perks of living in a big city. In addition, you can always install a recycling corner in your home. Just grab 4 plastic biodegradable plastic containers and use them for disposing of different materials – plastic, cans, paper, and glass.
The best thing about this is that you can reuse these eco-friendly bins when you decide to move. Just get the exact measurements of your items and see which ones you can fit in these bins! This kind of pre-move measuring can save you a lot of time and help you see what items you can reuse from your home.
Additionally, make sure to avoid using straws, bring your own coffee mug in coffee shops, bring your recycled bag while grocery shopping, and always have your water bottle with you. These are all the easy ways to be green while living in a big city.
Say goodbye to your car
The initial and most important step in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing your overall carbon footprint is saying goodbye to your car. Cars and other fossil fuel vehicles are not only polluting and harmful to your health, but they also produce significant traffic congestion, raise stress, and lower the well-being of individuals who live in urban areas.
Fortunately, one of the best benefits of living in a big city is public transport. You can easily commute from point A to point B without using your car. On the other hand, you should consider ditching this kind of transportation altogether and embracing walking and cycling wherever you can. This is actually the best way to be green while living in a big city, but it’s not always possible. Businesses like ecoShuttle Charter & Tours offer a sustainable solution to regular route transportation. However, don’t give up – take a stroll down your neighborhood whenever you can rather than catching a bus!
Choosing walking and cycling over driving a car is a huge step forward towards a greener life.
Plant a garden
Gardening is something you should definitely consider if you want to be green while living in a big city. If you think this doesn’t make sense as the majority of people in big cities live in apartments – think again! Yes, it’s great to have a big garden in your backyard, but you can also have a little one on your terrace or even your window! Purchase a few pots and choose the appropriate veggies and herbs you want to plant. Not only will you have fresh produce in your home, but you’ll also freshen up the space and help the environment. And of course, it’s always exciting to eat something you planted!
Sure, if you have a backyard, you’re in a better position. You can practically plant everything you eat on a daily basis. You can also build a chicken coop and have fresh organic eggs every morning! What’s better than fresh organic produce from your very own garden?
Join a local green community
Sharing your values with like-minded people is extremely important, and it can lead to a significant change in your community. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, find a green organization that you can become a part of. Participate in eco-friendly activities in your neighborhood or even organize one. Be vocal about sustainable living and making our planet a great place to live. Additionally, support local businesses that are choosing to operate in a green way. You can organize different events and make a great partnership with them as well. We’re sure there are many green organizations and businesses you could join. That’s the beauty of a big city!
Being a part of a green community is something you should consider.
Are you concerned about your move to the big city?
If you’re about to move to a big city and you’re concerned if you’ll be able to live green there, we hope we have solved your dilemma. However, you’re probably worried about one more thing – the relocation process. Is it possible to have an eco-friendly relocation? The answer is yes! Many moving companies based their relocation business around sustainability. Experts from Best Movers NYC can help you find the right moving crew for you in no time. So, not only will you be able to lead a green life in a big city, but you’ll also be able to have an eco-friendly relocation to it as well!
Go green!Â
As you can see, there are many easy ways to be green while living in a big city. You have many opportunities to lead a more eco-friendly life, support green-based businesses and join organizations that are vocal about saving our planet. The best part is that you’ll learn many things on this green journey and find new ways of improving your life. So, don’t worry – you can be greener than ever in that big city of yours!
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Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/city-skyline-building-architecture-7860688/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/variety-of-vegetables-on-display-1508666/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-women-walking-down-the-street-1116984/
https://unsplash.com/photos/u29d3Qwbz58