Whatever your age, sustainability matters in all areas of your life. Your impact on the environment begins when you are just born. As you get older, that doesn’t mean your current contribution to saving the Earth doesn’t really matter anymore.
In general, seniors are able to educate future generations and better the environment just by making some eco-friendly lifestyle changes that promote sustainability. Especially, developed countries such as the United States, Great Britain, France … are all countries with aging populations.
According to the US Census Bureau, it is expected that the United States will have 95 million Americans aged 65 and over by 2060. Therefore, small changes in the lifestyles of older people can create quite a big difference from now on.
Whether it’s planting a community garden or using a reusable straw can have positive effects on you and the environment. With a relaxed and positive mind in a green space, it can make you healthier or possibly live longer. In addition, making environmentally responsible, healthy, and local food choices enhances personal health, reduces ecological footprints, and supports local communities.
Read more: Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables – Good Choice for the Environment
If the proportion of the elderly volunteering to participate in environmental organizations and activities, the higher it will bring about a great positive effect on the environment. To raise those numbers, there are a number of ways in which seniors can become more involved and spread the eco-friendly wave of the elderly community. First, start with a positive attitude toward making a change in eco-friendly living.
Here are some sustainability tips that you and your seniors can implement to help make a positive difference in your living environment.
Build a Green lifestyles senior community
An ideal way to keep your seniors in a green attitude is to create an eco-friendly senior community. There, the community regularly holds monthly meetings on the topic.
During meetings or events, you can encourage them to use reusable items, foster recycling, and more. Work together to educate your elderly neighbors about the benefits of using reusable bags when going to the grocery store or any other reusable item.
Encourage your community to eliminate the use of plastic lunch bags. This will spread the earth-friendly lifestyle to residents both inside and outside the home. Don’t forget to engage family members, this is the perfect time to bond and share stories with each other.
The elderly are likely to be at the forefront of initiatives to bring about sustainable practices. And from there, they will be the bridge to spread to the next generations.
Plant their own garden
Elderly people with a lot of free time why not start with building a private garden or building a community garden where everyone can join. If your community lacks a garden, ask about building one.
Remember to use natural, organic materials that are chemical-free. Most importantly, make sure a solid position allows easy access to water and plenty of sunlight. This garden will be a place to connect family members together during care. Not only that, it will be a place to use compost we made from organic waste.
Create a recycling program
Creating a recycling program is easier when a green community already exists in your area. Starting a recycling program in your senior community means everyone is accountable.
This can be met in person during community meetings or through the neighborhood monthly newsletter. Share updates on the latest recycling ways, recyclable items, and give tips that all residents can remember.
And, did you know that you can sometimes make a few dollars if you donate your recycling cans. This will be valuable information to share with your community to encourage green campaigns.
Set up recycling trash
Work with employees in your neighborhood to set up recycling bins in common areas. Then, encourage your neighbors to add them to their apartment.
Save energy
If your lights or lights in your neighborhood are damaged or deteriorated, check with the maintenance team to be able to replace them with new, energy-efficient bulbs.
Light accounts for about 10% of the electricity bill so saving electricity can help protect the environment. Don’t forget to turn off and unplug all home appliances if you are not using them.
Save water
When it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, highly efficient aerated showers can help eliminate wasteful behaviors. Once again, contact your community staff for assistance.
Buy sustainable products
Living in a sustainable apartment, an aging community will help reduce your carbon footprint. So choose to buy eco-friendly products because disposable items are wasted.
Some products you can use include reusable water bottles, steel straws, bamboo toothbrushes and hairbrushes, glass containers, reusable dish towels, bowl lids Laminated instead of plastic wrap, and silicone food storage bags. These items are the right investment in a better and greener future for not only you but your loved ones as well.
In Summary
When it comes to a sustainable lifestyle, it is the responsibility of each individual. Whether you’re promoting it in your senior community or making small changes in your own home, every little effort makes a difference to the environment.