Being eco-friendly, or environmentally friendly, means taking steps to reduce our impact on the environment and protect our planet for future generations. It involves making conscious decisions about the products we use and the way we live our lives to minimize our environmental footprint.

Sustainable living is a journey and we can all work toward minimizing our individual impact each day.

Here are five steps to living a more eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: One of the most effective ways to be eco-friendly is to reduce the amount of waste we produce by consuming less, reusing items, and recycling as much as possible. This includes using reusable bags for shopping, reusable mugs for beverages, choosing products made from sustainable materials, and recycling paper, glass, and plastic. Think of upcycling, shopping vintage, and repairing items instead of throwing them away.
   In our case, we reduce the amount of product needed by eliminating water with small-format refills (instead of purchasing ready-to-use, pre-diluted products). We reuse with our refillable vessels. We recycle with our selection of aluminum for our vials, which is one of the most recyclable + properly recycled materials. Check out our range of small-format refillable cleaners and soaps here. 
2. Choosing/using safe ingredients: Opting for natural, plant-based and/or organic products is another way to be eco-friendly. This means avoiding products with toxic chemicals, which are bad for people and the environment. Checking resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or Prop 65's list of banned chemicals for ingredients to avoid. This includes using natural cleaning products and using natural skincare products.
3. Saving Energy: Another important aspect of being eco-friendly is to conserve energy. This can be done by turning off lights when leaving a room, using energy-efficient appliances, and unplugging electronics when not in use. It also means using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, instead of fossil fuels.
4. Eating less meat: Livestock produces large quantities of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Meanwhile, foods like tofu, beans, nuts and peas have a lower carbon footprint. These days, there are many innovative and delicious meat alternatives, including Beyond Meat products and many others.
5. Supporting sustainable businesses: Supporting sustainable initiatives and companies that prioritize the environment is another way to be eco-friendly. This includes supporting companies that use sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy and reducing waste, and participating in community-wide initiatives that promote environmental conservation. Check out the Carbon Neutral Club or B Corp for companies who are incorporating human and planetary health into their businesses. Note: at Guests on Earth, we aim to become a B Corp and are a member of the Carbon Neutral Club.

In conclusion, being eco-friendly is about making conscious decisions to minimize our impact on the environment. It involves reducing waste, conserving energy, choosing natural and organic products, promoting sustainable transportation, and supporting sustainable initiatives. By implementing these practices, we can help protect our planet for future generations.

Anything to add to this list? Please comment below.