Conscious efforts and determination at an individual level would help adapt to an 'eco-friendly lifestyle'.

One of the simplest ways to start this initiative is to begin the use of reusable bags for shopping. These bags come in various shapes and colours and you have a variety of choices today to choose your personality. These inexpensive bags are available for purchasing online or even at a local grocery store. They last longer and help in cutting down the use of plastic bags which contribute in a large scale to protect the environment from adding non-biodegradable waste further.

There are other simple tips for going green. Use organic cleaning products to maintain your house. Even better option is to use natural products like white olive oil, vinegar, vegetable soda, baking soda, washing soda, borax, and lemon juice. Use organic washing powders for your washing machine instead of synthetic powders. Operate dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full and use them optimally.

Buy products in bulk so that you consume only the minimum packaging material at an individual level. Reuse storage materials like cartons and cardboard boxes. Do not throw them. Instead, collapse and store them and reuse them instead of buying new materials for packaging.

Reduce the use of plastic wherever possible. Do not use inexpensive non-stick pans for cooking as they can release harmful toxins.

Organic inks and dyes for printing can save a lot of power and money especially if you are using inkjet cartridges. Print on paper only when necessary. Otherwise, cultivate the habit of reading online.

Buy organic food items which use minimum amount of packaging materials. This is tastier and healthier for your family. Try and cultivate an organic garden at your home and grow vegetables which are easy to maintain. Create natural compost at home with the organic waste rather than buying synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Switch to energy saving bulbs. Install solar heaters in your home and avoid geysers unless necessary. This would help you harness solar power and also save a lot of money on your electricity bill.

Shower bath saves a lot of water as compared to normal bath. For flushing toilets, there are options available to minimise the use of water. Try and harness rainwater and use this water for your gardening.

Minimise the use of your car and opt for cycling or biking for shorter distances. This would help save the precious fuel to a large extent. Opt for car pooling with your colleagues if they are living nearby to reduce peak hour rush and also save your cost on fuel and commuting since you would share your expenses.

Opt for safe disposal of items like electrical items, batteries and plastic containers. Try and recycle items as much as possible. Donate items that are reusable rather than throwing to the bin. Buy items whenever possible from sales and second hand rather than new ones to promote reusing. Share materials which you rarely use with your neighbours like garden tools so that you avoid buying a lot of materials for your home.

Jason Ladock

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