We have put together some suggestions for green deeds and divided them into different categories. Of course, a lot of green deeds actually belong into several categories. These are only suggestions for green deeds. There are plenty of other options to serve our planet. If you have more ideas for green deeds, please post them in our facebook group or comment on our blog. All suggestions are welcome!
And remember
Do as many green deeds as possible, but try to do at least one green deed a day!
Of course, it is totally eligible to repeat one green deed as many times as you want to.
And if one green deed becomes a habit – great, then add another green deed every day.
REDUCE (PLASTIC) WASTE
Drink tap water (if it is safe)
In many countries, drinking tap water is safe. If you live in one of these countries, it is easy to avoid production, transportation and recycling of water bottles altogether by drinking tap water.
Buy fruit and vegetables that are not packed in plastic
If your supermarket does not offer a large variety of non-packed fruit and veggies, you might want to go to a farmer’s market or organic food stores.
Use your own reusable cup if you get a coffee to go
That is an easy green deed that can be done every day. And you might even inspire other customers to do the same.
Eat in and do not take out food in non-reusable plastic boxes
If you go to a restaurant, rather eat inside the restaurant. If you want to take food out of the restaurant, bring your own boxes.
Buy recyclable glass bottles instead of plastic bottles
Most drinks come in different bottles. Always choose recyclable bottles over one-time bottles and make sure you do recycle them.
Use rechargeable batteries
That is an easy green deed with a one-time investment into a charger and the according batteries. But then, you are good to go for a long time!
Go shopping in a packaging-free supermarket
They exist in a lot of cities now. Grab your reusable containers and check it out. It feels good, not to produce any waste.
Compost your waste
If you have a garden or larger balcony, compost bio-degradable waste yourself. It is easy and generates a good fertilizer for your plants.
REDUCE YOUR CO2 FOOTPRINT
Try not to use your car
Use public transportation, walk or ride your bike instead. Plan regular or at least occasional rides to be replaced by other means of transportation.
Eat less or no meat
Try to reduce the amount of meat per day and try days without any meat at all. It might be easier than you think!
Plan your next vacation without using the plane
Flights are terrible for your CO2 footprint. If you are a traveller, check out closer locations that can be reached by train or plan a bike tour as a vacation.
Buy fruit and veggies from your region
Eat (mostly) seasonal fruit and vegetables that do not need to be transported to your city from a different country or continent.
If you have to use your car – share the ride
If several people are going the same way: get into one car instead of two or three. You might even enjoy the company as well.
Switch to suppliers that use renewable energy
Find out if your energy supplier is using renewable energy. If they don’t, switch to a more environmentally friendly supplier.
Don’t buy fast fashion
Clothes that are cheap, produced far away and get thrown away after a year or less produce a lot of CO2. Shop responsibly.
Save energy whenever you can
Turn off the lights when you are not in the room (also in your office), airdry your clothes, turn your water heater down, etc.
HELP ANIMALS AND PLANTS GROW
Only eat sustainable seafood
If you want to eat fish, first check online which fish are not endangered and buy only seafood products with labels for sustainability (e.g. MSC label).
Clean a beach or a riverside near you
Join an organized clean-up or just pick up trash by yourself that you find close to or within a river, lake or ocean.
Use recycled paper
Try to avoid using paper whenever possible. Toilet paper, tissues and even printing paper should all be made of recycled paper.
Avoid harmful chemicals
Try to replace chemical cleaning products with household remedies. Check for harmful ingredients and avoid products like fabric softener or pesticides.
Avoid palm oil products
The production of palm oil destroys land and forest that is the habitat for many animals. Check the ingredients list and avoid palm oil products (fuel, food and cleaning products).
Join a local organisation
Check out the NGOs or International Organisations that are active near your home and join them in their efforts to protect our animals and plants.
Plant flowers that feed wild bees
Wild bees are endangered. If you want to help, plant flowers to feed these bees and create a bee-friendly garden.
Volunteer to help animals
Check your region to join an animal rescue or welfare program. Ideally, you can help animals that are endangered.
BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR OUR PLANET
Sign an online petition for better politics
Search online or in social media for petitions that you can sign to protect the environment. Or send an email or letter to a politician to ask for concrete solutions.
Invite a friend to one green deed a day
The idea and purpose of our group is to motivate each other as well as other people to do at least one green deed a day to save our planet.
Protest for better politics on climate change
If there is a protest march of climate activists, show your support and join them. We all have the same goal: to save our planet.
Teach a child (or adult) about climate change
Children are often very enthusiastic about protecting our environment. Tell them about the problems we are facing and what they can do to help.