13 Ways to Improve Your Life in 2013

With rising global awareness about reducing carbon footprints and adopting a ‘greener’ lifestyle, many of you could help your community as well as the world at large in many ways. Those of you who seek to help weed out social ills can take on any one of the many issues that concern the world today and set an example for your children to emulate.

1. Plant more trees

If you have the space around your house or apartment, plant trees, create more garden beds for vegetables and flowers and make your environment greener. Flowers and trees captivate the senses, while the vegetables and fruits you grow will be fresh and healthy for you and your family.

2. Use paper, jute or cloth bags

As plastic is harmful to the environment, discard the plastic bags and use paper bags. Jute and cloth bags are equally good to use and are reusable.

3. Save fuel, reduce pollution

Another important contribution from you would be to use less fuel, save on pollution by walking or cycling down to perform your errands.

4. Use LED bulbs, low-flow showerheads

LED bulbs use much less energy; an astounding 75% less. It lasts much longer and saves you money, while low-flow shower heads can reduce your water usage drastically and allow your savings on water heating costs.

5. Buy from locally-owned businesses

Not only will this save you time and money, but some of these charge you with sales tax, part of which will go to your local community.

6. Encourage employers to assist volunteer programs

Some businesses reward their employees for performing volunteer services. Encourage your employers to sponsor a local event that aims to promote community living.

7. Join voluntary service

The under 18s can join a global network for helping the less fortunate by joining an Interact club, while the above-18’s can perform local or international service by teaming up with a Rotaract club.