As you get older and more aware of the world around, you realize that there are a lot of things wrong with the world. But you also learn that you can make a major impact on the earth and how it is treated. It is best to start small while you work towards your vision of implementing your carbon footprint. 

There are a lot of ways that you can make a difference, whether that is growing your own plants, buying locally, using all natural products and watching how much water you use. 

Here are several approaches you can use to make the earth a better place: 

Look at What You Use

This is the best place to start because if you don’t know where you are you will have no idea how to get to where you want to be. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint you are going to have to see what you use right now. This is going to be similar to taking a major inventory of your life. 

Look at the different products you use when you are cooking and making dinner. You may notice that you use a lot of different ingredients that may not be locally bought. You can also look at what you use to wash your body and moisturize your skin. 

Be Mindful

Yes this is going to require you to take a step back and see how you live a little differently. See how you live your life. What food you eat, the products you use, and what differences you can make in your life. Notice how you feel about growing your own food or making your own laundry soap. It may be harder than normal but it is definitely meaningful and rewarding. 

Use Ethical Products

You probably do not live in an environment where you have access to all of the ingredients and products that you need to live. This is normal and is why so many people use companies that can make different products for them. 

See What Works

If you are trying to go all natural you may find that certain products or approaches just do not work for you. This is okay and completely normal. You may find that some of the products you use are all natural while others are still bought from a company but one who is ethically sound. You may find that you enjoy growing your own produce more or simply enjoy buying local.

Make Changes When Necessary

You are going to go through different phases of your life which will require some changes. This could be going to school, going back to school, getting married, starting a family and even starting a new job. Whatever you choose, you are going to experience moving and growing pains and maybe even a few all nighters. But with this comes change with your diet and what products are available to you.

If you move to a new place, you may have to up how much trash you use for a couple of weeks before you get everything settled. When you go on vacation you may find that people are not too accepting of your glass jar that you use instead of a plastic cup. Understand that it is okay if you are doing this for a short amount of time. You can figure out other ways to reduce the trash you use and be more concerned about your earth. 

What are some different things that you do to reduce how much you use? Comment below to start the conversation!