How to Be Greener in 2020?
Being more environmentally aware doesn’t mean we immediately have to go out and lobby for campaigns, or instantly take on an environmental role in the public sector. Protecting this beautiful planet we call home doesn’t require drastic measures – read on for more actions anyone can incorporate into their daily routines to become more green!
Image link to: https://lanaloustyle.com/2014/07/urban-veggie-garden.html
- Grow your own garden or balcony farm
An in-house grocery store? Imagine how convenient it would be to literally walk right out of your humble abode and grab some ingredients right before you want to cook! Urban farming has been on the rise lately as people start to be more mindful about exercising a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Growing your own garden does heaps for the environment – it means that you don’t have to get into your car, drive to the store, and buy vegetables and herbs prepackaged in plastic. Plants that work great in our tropical climate include the likes of kangkung, sweet potato leaves, mint, curry leaves, lemongrass and ginger! The fragrant pandan is great even if you don’t have much sunlight in your surroundings. Aloe vera is amazing for the skin and also an organic substitute for skincare products. Not only are urban farms edible – they also inject a dose of greenery into the concrete jungle.
Photo by Nalau Nobel on Unsplash
Image link to: https://unsplash.com/photos/bBwk5emgPQk
- Take more public transportation and ridesharing services
More often than not, most of us would’ve groaned at the thought of driving. Maneuvering your car around the hectic city traffic, the sheer amount of time spent searching for a parking spot, then getting robbed in broad daylight by the parking prices, and don’t get us started on the cost of maintenance and insurance! Cut all of that hassle out of your life and opt for public transportation! Not only does it reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions significantly, it also minimizes noise, air pollution, and fossil fuel usage as well. The best part of all – you don’t have to pay attention to the routes! You can listen to a podcast, read a book, catch up on emails or even take a nap. If you really have to use a car, there are ridesharing services available which allows you to carpool with another passenger who is heading the same way as you!
Visual by: Seicane
Image link to: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/79/53/88/795388f47dd0a09b951c901dcab081a6.jpg
- Drive a hybrid or electric vehicle
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are all the rage as of late – and for good reason too! An EV is powered on electric power, and hybrids are powered by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They do their part for the environment by reducing carbon emissions as they run partially or totally on electric, cutting down on noise pollution as they’re significantly less noisy, require lesser maintenance as there is no need to send it for servicing as often, or spend money on engine lubricants. Hybrid car models available in the local market include the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq, the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid and the BMW i8 Coupe. Some of the EVs that are available in the Malaysian market are The Renault Zoe, the Nissan Leaf, the BMW i3s and we all know this one – the Tesla Model S!
Image link to: https://unsplash.com/photos/vk6mX6-GvFA
- Shop sustainably
One of the most important elements of going green is to be more mindful of where the items we purchase are coming from. Incorporate sustainable shopping methods such as buying clothes made locally and made out of organic or recycled material. Instead of buying brand new clothing that may or may not have been made in sweatshops, hit up a thrift store for preloved unique, one-of-a-kind finds, or browse online on Carousell. Spend your weekend mornings at a farmer’s market picking out homegrown artisanal products, or visit a wet market instead of a grocery store to purchase locally grown produce. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, you help a member of the community support their family members, instead of fattening a global conglomerate’s pockets.
Related article: Sustainability in Mah Sing Projects
- Simple swaps
Do your part for the environment and make little changes in your routine. Sure, they may be ever-so-slightly more inconvenient, but the effect on the environment as a collective speaks volumes! Actions like swapping out bottled shower gel for bath soaps, makeup cleansing balms instead of wet wipes, reusable bottles and containers and cutting your plastic bottles to get the last of your product out are easy steps that we can take to become more eco-conscious.
Nature plays muse to the luxurious M Arisa, where shrouds of green envelope its futuristic façade. An urban forest stretching into the city skyline, it elevates green living to the next level with features like a plot dedicated to Urban Farming where you can hone your green thumb, a meandering stream to calm your senses, multiple outdoor fixtures and parks such as a Sky Garden, a Hammock Garden and a Sky Yoga deck, EV charging stations and even direct shuttles to MRT and LRT stations. This sanctuary is equal parts modern integrated with the best natural environment. Call the ‘forest’ your home. Visit https://www.mahsing.com.my/properties/m-arisa-sentul-kl-city for all the green-friendly eco-details.
