We all need to be more mindful of nature and find ways to make the world cleaner and better. There are some really easy steps you can take to start going green and doing your part.
When you live in a city, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature. Seeing only concrete every day might make you forget what it’s like to be surrounded by greenery, and this might halt your sense of harmony with the environment.
You might think getting back to basics means a camping trip or donating to an environmental NGO, but you can reconnect with nature more directly, even in the city. Just because you can’t always see nature doesn’t mean you aren’t impacting it every day. Many things affecting the environment are constantly happening in the background.
Take something as simple as buying a tomato. If you have two options, one from a nearby location and one farther away, picking the local tomato is better for the environment because it reduces “food miles” and the travel impact.
Recognizing the environmental impact of your daily choices helps you make decisions that benefit nature. Walking through city streets, you might rarely look around, missing the complex life happening above. Many species adapt to city life, like bird nests in building corners, providing a richer perspective on the urban landscape.
Exploring the city at night can also reveal nature’s presence. When the city quiets down, you might see urban wildlife like hedgehogs or bats. By being observant, you’ll notice that even cities are full of life, integrating nature into urban living.
The “Keep It Local” movement has gained traction for good reason. By choosing local produce, like that tomato, you’re not only reducing food miles but also supporting local farmers and the economy. These benefits promote a closer relationship with nature.
Nature helps us thrive, just as we help it. We have a symbiotic relationship with our environment, from exchanging carbon dioxide for plants’ oxygen to spreading seeds. Given these benefits, it’s natural to want more nature in our lives. In a city, consider bringing in houseplants or starting a garden, even a small windowsill one, to create a refreshing and calming space.
In times of environmental challenges like droughts, don’t think your efforts are too small to matter. Be proactive in reducing water usage by cutting back on car washes, flushing the toilet less, and wearing clothes longer before washing them.
If you’re interested in further harmonizing with nature by going green, consider reaching out to an environmental organization. They can provide ideas and opportunities for you to contribute positively to your natural surroundings.
