Small things to go Green

With all the talking we've done about Green branding and trends, I wanted to post something a little more relevant to people's daily lives. I would like to share some little things that I do to reduce my impact on the environment and support green businesses. I am by far not the Greenest person in the world but I think that I do fairly well for my lack of resources, being a super broke college student and all.
1. Ride a bike: I think bikes are awesome.

They are easily accessible and are a great  way to reduce your impact on the environment,  get to know your community better, meet great people and stay in shape. I do about 90% of my errands on my bike and use it as my primary means of transportation. I do own a car and drive it as well, but if I have to get anywhere within 15 miles or so its on the trusty two-wheeled steed.

2. Eat local food: Eating local produce and locally produced food is a great way to support your local economy/community and reduce your carbon footprint.

Its even better if you live in a wonderously eco-conscious place like eugene because most of the locally produced food here is Organic. We also have some great locally produced beer so I can cover that base easily. I feel like the "buy local" movement is a great thing and I believe that we will see it gaining ground in the next few years.

3. Eat more plants: As you can see, I think what you eat (and buy) is a key environmental issue.

I am a vegetarian because producing meat is a wasteful drain of natural resources and terribly inefficient. The more plant based foods you eat the smaller your impact. Now being vegetarian is easier than ever as more and more companies are producing vegetarian alternatives that are cheap and easy.

4. Buy things from companies you agree with: Voting with you dollar is a great way to help change things for the better.

I try and buy things from companies and businesses that i agree with, ones that support community and are conscious of their environmental impact. To go along with this, I also try and buy things used whenever possible or make things I need myself. New products use new resources and are not usually necessary. The more we support good companies the more good companies there will be.

5. Re-use and recycle: I know that these are cliches nowadays but seriously they are still great ways to help conserve resources.

I see current trends that are furthering this mindset like reusable water bottles and people buying more durable goods both things that I try and do also.

This is by far not a complete list but i didn't want to ramble on. I am not big on making huge sacrifices to help the environment as I don't think this is a way to change things. The things Ive chosen don't take away from ones quality of life, they make life more interesting if anything. I also believe that change will come about from people's lifestyle and buying choices and here is where these things become relevent to advertising and "green" branding.