Living an eco-conscious lifestyle is becoming a pressing matter for a lot of us.
There are plenty of things that we can do every day to make a small impact, like recycling, composting, and using a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one. But what about the bigger decisions?
Sometimes, our long-term choices and financial investments can have a much greater impact on the world around us. So, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is and make some big life decisions. These important factors can really revolutionise your environmental impact.
Here are four life decisions to help you go green and guilt-free while making a huge difference.
Buy an electric vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become exceptionally popular in recent years. Just a few years ago, many people did not consider EVs as a viable option due to their limited range. However, technology has come a long way since then, and many EVs can travel more than 550 km on a single charge.
There are plenty of options, too. From small, agile cars like the Volvo EX30 to large, heavy-duty SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, there are electric cars to suit every lifestyle.
Furthermore, the uptake of EVs means that most cities have an abundance of charging points available.
Despite the wide range of options available, electric cars remain slightly more expensive than their fossil fuel counterparts. This is especially true in Australia, where a recent shortage of EVs has been blamed on a struggling power grid and global competition with other markets.
If you have the budget, consider switching to an electric car. Even if you can’t, you should consider a hybrid or plug-in hybrid that allows you to use electricity while driving around the city.
Alternatively, commit to a lifestyle change by using more carpools, public transport, and other methods like cycling or walking.
Install solar panels
Another big change you can make is altering your home.
Doing so is a big decision; after all, you might need to save up to make the necessary renovations. However, when it comes to solar panels, it’s worth it more often than not.
Solar panels work great in Australia, where we are blessed with plenty of sunny days in many parts of the country. They carry a high initial investment, including the cost of prepping your roof, getting a quote from an installer, buying the solar panels themselves, and setting them up. And of course, there is regular maintenance required if you want them to continue working properly.
That said, solar panels can often help you save on your electricity bills over time. As a result, you recoup your initial investment after a few years, making them worth it in the long run.
Plus, they’re much better for the environment, ensuring your home makes use of renewable energy instead of harmful sources. They’re an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, and worth looking into if you’re considering making alterations to your home. They even increase the resale value!
If you rent a house or apartment or simply can’t afford solar panels, look into switching to a green energy plan instead.
Switch to an ethical superannuation fund
Many people don’t realise that their superannuation is actually a type of investment.
The money you pay into it is invested into various sources. Sometimes, this includes potentially harmful industries, including fossil fuels.
With more and more people becoming conscious of their impact, ethical super funds are on the rise. These funds ensure your money is invested in ethical businesses, including clean energy.
Many ethical super funds are seeing positive growth as more people commit to conscious financial investments, which means switching could even de-risk your portfolio.
Consider switching to an ethical investment fund like Australian Ethical, and you can sleep better at night knowing that your money isn’t contributing to climate change!
Go meat-free
Changing your diet is a big lifestyle choice. It’s not for everyone, either, with certain dietary plans unsuitable for certain people for all sorts of reasons.
If you can, consider going meat-free by switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
The meat industry has come under significant fire in recent years for its greenhouse gas emissions, leading many people to cut down on their intake. The meat-free movement is so popular that most restaurants in urban areas will offer at least one vegetarian or vegan option.
How far you go is up to you. You could cut out animal products completely and go vegan. Or, if you really hate things like oat milk, stick to a vegetarian diet by not eating meat.
Some people make smaller commitments by participating in Veganuary (going vegan all of January) or doing Meat-Free Mondays once a week.
Even cutting down on your meat intake can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. However, it can require a bit of a lifestyle shift as you get used to checking restaurant menus before you go out and double-checking food labels. If you want to help the environment, though, it’s worth it.
There are many ways you can start leading a more eco-conscious lifestyle. These four options are larger life decisions that could have a phenomenal impact, so they’re worth considering if you want to commit to saving the planet.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you have any tips for living a more eco-conscious lifestyle? Share your tips in the comments below.