| FFA Nation

Check out these tips for a healthier, greener lifestyle

Jessica Mozo | 04/29/2011 |

These days, the “go green” trend is everywhere you look – from stores encouraging reusable shopping bags to water bottles changing shape to use less plastic. Summer is a great time to commit to a greener, more environmentally conscious lifestyle, partly because it’s the perfect time to get outdoors. Best of all, green living is healthy living, so you’ll get in shape while reducing your carbon footprint.

Read on for ways to improve your health while embracing Mother Earth. Small changes in your daily life that don’t seem to matter much add up to major improvements for your health and our environment.

1. USE A reusable water bottle.

Only about 25 percent of Americans recycle their plastic water bottles, which means millions of them end up in landfills and rivers every year. Consider using a filtering water pitcher instead of buying bottled water.

2. Take the stairs.

If you can, skip the elevator and opt for the stairs. You’ll burn calories and save the energy elevators require to transport people up and down in buildings.

3. Get a reusable lunchbox.

If you bring your lunch to school, don’t brown bag it – save paper by packing it in a lunchbox or lunch bag. Go even further by reusing plastic containers from foods such as yogurt and cream cheese.

4. Start a backyard garden.

Gardening is a super form of exercise, and you’ll get homegrown, chemical-free fruits and vegetables for your hard work. If it sounds intimidating, start with something easy to grow, such as tomatoes or squash.

5. Walk, bike or carpool.

If you (or your parents) can leave the car at home, you’ll save gas, eliminate emissions from
your car and get some exercise outdoors.

6. Plant trees.

Gather your family or FFA chapter for a day of tree planting. Trees fight global warming by drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also create shade and add beauty to parks and neighborhoods.

7. Shop your local farmers market.

Choosing local foods supports farmers near you and saves resources spent on long-distance shipping. Plus, you’ll find lots of healthy fruits and vegetables picked that same day.