10 Green Habits You Can Start This Month (That Actually Make a Difference)

Are you feeling overwhelmed by climate change, plastic pollution, or rising energy bills? What if I told you that the smallest changes right from your home could add up to something big?

In this post, we’re diving into 10 actionable green habits you can start this month. Each habit is simple, budget-friendly, and impactful, whether you live in a Lagos apartment, a small-town bungalow, or a university dorm.

Let’s #GreenWithMe 🌍

1. Switch to Cold Water Wash

 Why it matters: Nearly 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes to heating water.

 DIY Habit: Wash your clothes in cold water and use natural detergent (you can make your own using soap nuts or baking soda and vinegar).

In warm climates like Nigeria, clothes dry fast in the sun. Use this to your advantage by air-drying instead of tumble-drying.

 2. Always Carry a Reusable Bag

Plastic bags are one of the biggest culprits in urban flooding and drainage blockage, especially during rainy seasons in cities like Port Harcourt, Kano and Lagos.

 DIY Habit: Make your own tote bag from an old Ankara wrapper or a T-shirt. 

Try a #NoPlasticChallenge—can you go a whole week without using single-use plastic?

 Fact: It takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill. Source: UNEP

 3. Adopt a Refill Culture

Instead of buying sachet water or plastic-packaged snacks every day, adopt a refill lifestyle.

 Start With:

• A reusable water bottle

• A food flask for work/school

• Buying dry goods (beans, rice, spices) in bulk into containers

•  Visit your local market with containers and bags. Most shops  now offer refills for household items like detergent and oil.

 4. Compost Your Kitchen Waste

Do you throw away peels, leftovers, and eggshells? They can be turned into black gold compost.

DIY Mini Compost Bin:

1. Use an old paint bucket.

2. Drill holes on the sides.

3. Add dry leaves, food scraps, and stir weekly.

4. After 4–6 weeks, you’ll get rich compost for your plants.

 Even apartment dwellers can use bottle composting.

 Did you know? A Nigerian household throws away about 50kg of food annually. Composting can reduce landfill methane emissions. [FAO, 2023]

 5. Turn Off Vampire Power

Even when turned off, electronics like TVs, fans, and chargers suck power when plugged in.

 Green Habit:

• Unplug unused appliances
• Use a power strip with an on/off switch
• Invest in energy-efficient bulbs (LEDs use 80% less energy)

According to NERC, reducing standby power use can cut home electricity costs by 10–15%.

 6. Install a Tap Aerator or Use a Bucket for Brushing

Water is often wasted while brushing teeth or washing hands.

 Simple Shift:

• Turn off the tap while brushing
• Use a small bucket of water instead
• Install a tap aerator (a  device that reduces water flow without losing pressure)

 Try this: Time how long your tap runs while brushing. You could save 10–20 liters/day just by turning it off!

 7. Walk, Bike, or Share a Ride

Transportation is a major source of CO₂ emissions. If your destination is less than 2km away, do you really need a car?

🚶‍♂️ Try This Week:

• Walk or bike short distances
• Use public transport like BRT or Keke
• Start a carpool group for work, church, or market runs

 Local Bonus: In cities like lagos, walking is often faster due to traffic plus you’ll save fuel.

 8. Switch to Bar Soap and Natural Cleaners

Liquid soap often comes in plastic bottles and contains synthetic chemicals.

 Green Habit:

• Choose local bar soap brands with eco-packaging

 Check out Nigerian brands like Narganics, DIYbyToyin, or Natural Nigerian for eco-cleaning alternatives.

 9. Go Paperless at Home and Work

Trees are life. Cutting down on paper helps reduce deforestation.

 Habit Shift:

• Switch bills and receipts to digital( currently jos electricity distribution company notify household of electricity bills through text message instead of printing bills on paper).
• Use your phone for note-taking
• Reuse the back side of old printouts for rough work.

 Challenge: Organize a “No New Paper” day at school, or work.

 10. Start a Balcony or Yard Garden

Nothing connects you to the Earth like growing your own food—even if it’s just a pot of basil.

 DIY Mini Garden:

• Use buckets, paint cans, or plastic bottles
• Grow tomatoes, ugu (pumpkin leaf), scent leaf, or peppers

Use your compost from Habit #4!

🌱 #GreenWithMe: I started a tomato and cucumber  plant in my father's house using saw dust and a cement bag. I will be sharing a video of the whole process on our YouTube channel. Click the link to Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated GreeenBlogs

 Fact: Urban gardening not only reduces food miles but also improves mental well-being. [WHO, 2022]

 Let’s Talk

Which green habit will you start this month? Comment below 👇

 Want to stay accountable? Take a photo of your progress, tag it with #GreenWithMe, and tag our blog on Twitter.

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Going green doesn’t mean going broke. It means making conscious decisions—one day, one bottle, one ride at a time. The best part? You inspire others along the way.

 Let’s green the world starting with your home.

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