Ride, Eat and Play Green

Sunday, October 21, 2012 | By Jonathan Robson (Guest Author)

In times like these, there’s no disputing the importance of an eco-friendly lifestyle. We all have the power to make at least one decision per day that’s more environmentally conscious than the alternative. A little concern goes a long way – even if it’s as seemingly insignificant as recycling a bottle or carpooling to work. Here are three simple ways to go green:

• Ride public. There’re all sorts of alternatives to car ownership. If you live in a city, you might have access to one of the most interesting options: the rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws, also known as bike taxis, cyclos, pedicabs and a number of other names, are one of the easiest ways to get from place to place without burdening the environment. In Asia, cycle rickshaws are one of the preferred modes of transportation, but they seem to be catching on in American markets, too. For example, rickshaws are all over some of the major cities in Texas. Electric rickshaws are even starting to gain some popularity.

• Eat smart. It seems like every aisle in the grocery store these days is packed with “all-natural” this or “grass-fed” that. Admittedly, there are all sorts of names for eco-friendly foods, and it’s tough to make the right choices if you don’t know what you’re searching for. One surefire way to keep track of things is by searching for foods labeled “organic.” Organic foods are produced without the intervention of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or other techniques that are often seen as less energy efficient and more harmful to the environment.

• Play simple. Remember the days when fun didn’t require a 60-inch flat screen and a home entertainment system? Relive them every now and again; take a walk in the park, sled down a hillside or play a game of pick-up. There are tons of ways to enjoy yourself without expanding your carbon footprint.

Keep in mind, this is just a short list of suggestions.  There are plenty more options out there if you’re concerned about your personal impact on the environment. Take matters into your own hands; what else can you do on a daily basis to make a difference?