The importance of thinking about how to live a greener life is becoming more and more apparent. Now, we know everyday choices do make a difference in our health, our home, and the environment.  Avalon Fort Greene is proud to support you in your efforts to live a greener lifestyle.  

The foods you choose to consume may have the biggest impact on both your health and the environment.  As much and as often as you can, buy locally.  This supports local growers and helps cut back on the impacts of transportation used to ship foods.  In addition, local food is often fresher and uses less packaging.  Buying organic food can also be very important. Organic foods don’t contain food additives which can cause health problems.  Pesticides are avoided, and genetically modified ingredients are not used in organic groceries and produce.   In addition, standards under which animals are cared for are much more carefully monitored.

What you put on your body is every bit as important as what you put in your body.  Many of us use numerous forms of personal care products ranging from toothpaste to make-up to soap.  Often, these products contain a myriad of chemicals and toxins.  Reading labels to identify these chemicals can be dizzying and, at times, not all ingredients are listed.  One solution to the problem is to make your own beauty products.  When you make your own soap with your own ingredients, there is no question as to the quality of those ingredients.  A less time consuming solution is to buy certified organic personal care products.  Not only is the worry of your skin absorbing chemical residue alleviated, but, these cosmetics are healthier for the environment as well.  Other ways to keep your personal care green is to use aluminum-free deodorant and to brush with natural toothpastes.  

Your apartment is the next place that you can make some simple changes to green-up your lifestyle.  Start by being conscious of your water consumption.  Use a water filter instead of bottled water.   Also, be careful not to let the water run while washing hands or brushing teeth.   Another vital way to be kinder to the environment in your home is to look carefully at your energy use.  Install compact fluorescent bulb and run clothes and dishwashers only when they are full.  Simply programming your thermostat a little lower in the winter and a little higher in the summer can do wonders for both the environment and your pocketbook.   For environmentally friendly cleaning products, use items found in the pantry for all-purpose cleaning. Vinegar, lemons, and baking soda are all excellent, low-impact cleaning product choices.  And, of course, reducing waste is not only positive for the environment, but also reduces the number of trips to the dumpster.    This can include recycling and using a countertop compost container.

Working to move towards a greener community is also an important part of a more eco-friendly lifestyle.   Consider how you get from one place to another.  Anytime it’s possible to walk or ride your bike cuts down on vehicle emissions, as well as burns calories and saves money on gas.   Another opportunity to cut down on the effects of driving is to consider doing all or some of your work in your apartment.  There, you can ensure that you are using eco-friendly products and have more control over your energy use while you work.   To broaden your green influence, talk to others about why you make choices such as buying produce at the local farmers market and take reusable grocery sacks.  Show them how and get them thinking about their impact on the environment.  Start a community garden or find out about environmental groups in your community.  

Working towards these greener ways of living is positive for all areas of your life.  Knowing that you are contributing to a healthier way of life for you, those around you, and the world provides peace of mind.

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