Urbane Wildlife

Learning to think ‘Green’

Many people think going green means living off solar power and eating organic. While obviously those are great choices, you can still make a difference without drastically altering your lifestyle. The essence behind this recent environmental movement isn’t to force everyone to live off the earth, but simply take a step back and take a look at how you can make changes in your day-to-day life. Here’s a few easy options to ‘green’ your world:

1) Stop littering

• If I had a dollar for every piece of trash I saw on the street I would no longer have to work for I would be the richest person in the world. Warren Buffet, watch out! It’s pretty easy, just hold onto your garbage until you can properly throw it out. We’re not animals people, I think we are capable of keeping things clean. 

Need more motivation? This is a photo of one of the many giant garbage patches floating in the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of animals die every year and oceans continue to become more polluted thanks to the pure laziness of people who can’t be bothered to find a garbage can.

2) Recycle

• Pretty much every city out there now has a recycling program. It is ridiculously easy to recycle. Most programs give you your own recycling bin and literally come to your house just to pick it up. There’s no reason not to do it. And with more and more items created out of post-consumer materials, we’re actually seeing the fruits of our labour come full circle.

3) Buy plants or trees

• Plants not only improve our overall air quality, but they provide food and homes for animals. They are also beautiful to keep around. If you live in an house with a yard, buy some trees! Alternatively, if you live in a condo or apartment, buy some indoor plants that are easy to maintain.

Some great options are fresh herbs, like this basil plant. Not only will you have the beauty of a plant, but you have yummy herbs to cook with!