In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the impact of our actions on the environment.
However, as the global community grapples with the urgent need for sustainability, it’s time for Nigerians to take a closer look at how we live and consume resources. Sustainable living isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a pathway towards a greener, more resilient future for all of us, as individuals and as a Nation.
As a fellow Nigerian, I understand the personal challenges we face in adopting sustainable practices. But I also believe in the power of small actions to drive meaningful change. With a few simple changes to our habits and routines, we can all play a part in reducing waste and energy consumption while nurturing our environment for generations to come.
So roll up your sleeves as we dive into some practical sustainable living tips that can make a real difference in our daily lives!
Table of Contents
15 Sustainable Living Tips for Nigerians: A Highlight
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Conserve water
With each passing day, our planet’s water supply dwindles at an alarming rate. Even accessing this water through our taps requires a considerable amount of energy, making it crucial for each of us to cut down our water usage. Freshwater isn’t infinite, so fix water leaks. Also, ensure to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes, and turn it on only when necessary.Â
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Embrace recycling and reusing
Before discarding anything, think of any decorative or conservative purpose it can serve. Sort your waste into separate bins for paper, plastics, and glass. Embrace the green economy and reuse every one of these wastes till they expire.Â
Plastic bottles can be sold to recycling companies or used to store some liquid items at home, old newspapers can serve as wrapping sheets for leaves, books, and so on. When you give new life to recyclable materials, you minimize the burden on landfills, conserve natural resources, and reduce air pollution.
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Combat littering
Littering is a big problem in Nigeria. Walk down any street, and you’ll likely see water sachets scattered everywhere. It’s like a typical Nigerian thing to toss them aside while on the move, but it’s wreaking havoc on our environment. We need to change this habit. Let’s all make an effort to hold onto our trash until we find a proper bin to dispose of it, keeping our environment clean for everyone.
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Reduce plastic wasteÂ
Try using reusable shopping bags when you go grocery shopping. And for those plastic bags you’ve been piling up? Stop ignoring them. Reuse them as much as you can and dispose of them properly when you’re done.Â
Invest in reusable plastic water bottles too. They’re tough and perfect for carrying water when you’re out and about. If you run out of water, refill your bottle instead of buying more sachets or bottles. Whatever you do, don’t toss them carelessly!
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Go for LED bulbs
Stop using energy-consuming bulbs and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room—it’s a simple way to save energy that Nigeria works hard to generate.Â
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Keep electronics safe
Unplug electronics when you’re not using them to save even more energy and keep your appliances safe. Instead of relying on air conditioning, try opening windows to let in natural air. It’s free and doesn’t require any energy to circulate.Â
Don’t forget to set your computer to hibernate or sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity. Every little bit of energy saved counts!
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Invest in renewable energy
Instead of relying on noisy generators that emit harmful pollutants, like smoke and noise, consider installing solar panels or exploring other renewable energy options. Solar panels harness the power of the sun to generate clean electricity for your home or business. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also helps lower your energy bills in the long run.Â
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Reduce traffic congestionÂ
Walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible to reduce traffic congestion. If you have children attending the same school or colleagues heading to the same area, consider sharing a ride in one vehicle instead of each person driving separately.Â
This simple act can significantly decrease the number of cars on the road and lower emissions. Opting for public transportation, such as BRT or El-Rufai buses, can also further reduce your carbon footprint.
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Choose economical products
Go for products from companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. When you vote for sustainable living with your wallet, you can manage your earnings and drive positive change in the marketplace.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need it and consider the environmental impact of the product. Prioritize quality over quantity and support sustainable consumption habits.
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Do not waste food
Plan your meals and if you can’t finish them, store the leftovers or give them to someone who needs them.
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Be creative with kitchen scraps
Turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. It’s a natural way to reduce waste and enrich the soil without relying on chemical fertilizers.
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Laundry with care
Wait until your laundry load is full before running the washing machine. Air-dry your clothes whenever possible to reduce energy consumption.Â
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Thrift shopping
Embrace thrift shopping and second-hand goods, also known as Okirika to reduce textile waste and support sustainable fashion.
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Community cleanup
Join or initiate “last Saturday of the month” clean-up initiatives within your neighbourhood to keep your immediate environment clean and green.
Avoid burning trash and opt for proper waste disposal methods to prevent air pollution and protect public health.
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Operation reuse
Reuse everything you can; wigs, hair attachments, or preferably, give them to someone they’d be useful to. The most important thing is to ensure you don’t discard any item until you’re almost certain it can’t serve any purpose again.
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ConclusionÂ
If there’s one thing you should keep in mind, it’s the fact that sustainable living is not just a trend. It’s a necessity for the health and well-being of our country, planet, and future generations.Â
When we adopt these simple yet impactful living tips, we can all contribute to a more sustainable Nigeria. We can reduce waste, conserve energy, and protect our environment for the prosperity of all.Â
Have some extra tips? Feel free to add them to this list. Thank you for engaging!
Edited by Priscilla Ajayi.
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