During the past 6 months, so many of us around the world have been homebound while maintaining and practicing social distancing from others. In an effort to reduce contact and chances of contracting the virus as much as possible, people are demanding single-use products across the board. Companies like Starbucks and Pete Coffee are refusing personal cup refills and most restaurants are only open for takeout which means an increase in consumption of plastic spoons, straws and styrofoam containers. Per health and safety guidelines, grocery stores offer plastic throwaway gloves and single use masks for those who require them. However, according to Corona Virus and Surfaces, the COVID-19 strain of virus can live on plastics for 2-3 days, while fabrics have been tested to be a hospitable surface for only about 18 hours. 

During this situation, we have all been forced to rethink our way of life in terms of safety and health. Many environmentally-conscious families have paused their zero-waste or earth-friendly lifestyles to prevent germs from entering their homes. But there are still ways to stay green even during the lockdown. Here are a few ideas to start – or continue – an eco-friendly and zero-waste lifestyle at home and in your backyard. 

#1 Plant a garden or a vegetable patch

As you probably have noticed, many people are getting outside in their backyards, or the apartment window in a plant box, and are planting gardens and flowers as a way to relax and reconnect with nature.If you are able to, consider investing in a garden. Not only is it a sight for sore eyes, but you can also grow your own vegetables and fruits – reducing contact with potential virus causing germs at the grocery store or supermarket.

#2 Practice online activism and engage with the larger community

In the light of COVID, most people who were normally activists have leaned toward virtual gatherings or online protests. For those trying to understand how much of an impact they have on the environment, join one of those meetings. Gain a different perspective, one that shouts ‘Just because I’m at home doesn’t mean I’m not staying green!’ Your voice can really make an impact on social media, and as more and more people turn to devices out of boredom, rest assured you will be privy to a much larger audience.

#3 Connect and socialize in the kitchen

After about a couple weeks of lockdown, families have pretty much exhausted all ways to keep themselves and their loved ones entertained. Many turn to food. Cooking at home with other family members is a lot of fun because you get to interact with one another as well as make delicious meals that will definitely taste much better because you made it together.

If you have had enough family time, try doing a video call with other people and start a cooking challenge. Instead of buying more and more ingredients from the store, leaving less and less for the people who need it more, try and dig around in the cupboard and use up stored food such as grains or beans. Use leftovers from previous meals and incorporate them into fresh meals.  Try eating more seasonal ingredients to limit the stress on export and import during these tough times. That reduces the carbon footprint on your diet. In terms of food waste, try and limit the waste you produce. Use as much of the ingredient as you can, and if you have to throw it away, try composting it.

Composting is a great way to lower the food wastage coming out of homes during these times.

#4 Spring clean your home all year around

All this time spent at home makes you really appreciate your space and atmosphere. It’s a great time to sit down and get your hands dirty cleaning out your house. Many people have moved to socially-distanced garage sales in their neighborhoods or even opting for online community organized sales. So instead of throwing out old junk that will just make its way to a landfill, try selling it. It’s like they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

If that’s garage sales are not an option, recycle your old stuff or reuse it. Old mason jars are perfect for storing grains, beans or dried foods. They can also be perfect pencil holders. Be creative and aim to waste less.

Cleaning products are also a big environment harmer. Try using natural cleaning products, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Buy sustainably sourced cleaning products to use. Support small businesses or mom-and-pop shops that often make eco friendly and environmentally safe products. Use old plastic waste to entertain your kids by encouraging them to recycle and reuse while being creative in the house.

#5 Clean out your closet

Shopping is a big part of summer and fall as we push one wardrobe to the back and pull another one in the forefront. However, CDC guidelines and current situations have pushed shopping to the very back of most people’s minds. This quarantine, try recycling or donating old and unwanted clothes. Lots of people are struggling due to COVID and they can’t afford new clothes, so try giving clothes to charity organizations such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. If you don’t want to donate your clothes, try reusing them. Many people have taken to sewing or crafting their own creative masks. Maybe an old dress can be used as a savvy mask.Not only does being environmentally friendly help out the environment a lot, but it also reaps benefits onto you. More money stays in your pocket as you buy sustainable goods and resources, leaving you with more money to save for other things. Additionally, being more eco-friendly, means that we do our part in keeping more waste out of landfills and recycling centers. It means that we leave our children and their children with the same message that hopefully leaves them in a better frame of mind about how their choices impact the planet we all share. Being part of an environmentally friendly mindset means that we are celebrating the one thing that we all share in common: the earth, and it means respecting what we have been gifted upon entering this world. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve and we can start by raising awareness in the people we share this big blue sphere with.  By starting or continuing living an eco-friendly lifestyle or zero-waste lifestyle, especially during times like this, means that we can pass on our good values about the world and the environment onto people who will have a much better appreciation for the world due to our efforts. 

How are you trying to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle all year round?

{Words by Nainika Gupta; Website: The Litter Challenge ; Instagram: @thelitterchallege }

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