It ’s easy being green – Healthy Saint Paul

It's easy being green!

‘Sustainability’

is a familiar term that’s frequently used when talking about the future of our planet, but what exactly does being sustainable mean when it comes to daily life? In general, the term means being able to fulfill needs right now without making it harder to fulfill those needs in the future. For our planet, this means finding ways to use the resources around us in ways that have the smallest impact. From what we eat to how we travel, there are many ways to easily incorporate choices that both fill our needs and support our planet.

Earth-Friendly Eating

Plant a vegetable garden. It’s cheaper and better than mass-produced produce.
Shop local. Support your community and reduce emissions from shipping products.
Reduce meat eating. Meat farms
are a top contributor to increased
greenhouse gases.
Buy misfit produce. Eliminate food waste with the funky veggies that are thrown away.
Avoid single-use plastics. Limit your purchase of water bottles, cheese sticks, frozen meals, etc.
BYORB: Bring your own reusable bag.

Transform Your
Transportation

Walk
Bike (try renting)
Carpool
Use public transportation
Work remotely when possible

Sustainable Shopping

Ask yourself: Can I get along without it? Can I make it myself? Can I buy it
used?
Beware of ‘greenwashing’ as a green label doesn’t always mean good for the
environment
Shop small businesses

Home Sweet Green Home

Insulate your home to ease your energy bill
Put your thermostat on a timer
Compost your scraps
Wash laundry with cold water
Install a low-flow shower head to save water
Swap lawn for native wildflowers, no-mow grass, or even moss