For many people, natural and green means the same thing. While this may be true in some instances, it isn’t always the case. Which is why, you would most often than not see people going to the organic section saying he/she is going clean. There is however, a difference between them.
GREEN
Green is usually associated with the coinage; “going green”. It deals mostly with sustainability or an eco-friendly condition. So going green would mean, saving the planet from global warming or saving the seals or animals. It is basically an environment discussion that aids promote environmental growth.
Green could also mean young, lively, fresh, and growth. When products are labeled “green” have a rested mind because they are not harmful to the environment. Some of the benefits of green products is that, not only do they improve safety and health, it enhances environmental protection. Thus, while noxious fumes and smoke from gas-using cars causes pollution, electric cars are considered green.
Thus, in order to be certified as green, the product will need to prove, through a series of test that it is healthy to both the humans and the society.
Some Ways You Can Go Green (Green Practices)
- Be electronically conscious
Although the world is a digital place, most people still use papers which are gotten from trees that are cut down, thereby causing deforestation. Luckily, with the mobile phones and other electronic appliances, you can stop wasting paper. Studying online and taking notes with your gadgets is much more appreciated
- Practice the reusing of bags
When getting your groceries, opt for reusable bags rather than paper bags that you may end up throwing out. It is not just wasteful, but it is grossly unnecessary.
- Re-using bottle water containers
Rather than throw out the bottles when you’re done drinking it, wouldn’t it be best you refilled it? Or better still you can save it to store up other things like ground sugar and cleaning mixtures. This is a very thoughtful green practice.
- Recycling
Papers, plastics and other non-biodegradable materials need to be recycled, to avoid landfilling. Thus, it is important for citizens to make use of the recycle bins around them.
- Reduce the power usage
Always learn to shut down the appliances that use power when you’re not using that appliance. Turn off the bulbs in the room, the TV and the fans, when you’re not using them. This practice will help reduce the electrical surge in your home, making it eco-friendly.
- Learn to buy less or borrow if it’s very important
Buy what you need and just that. Sometimes, you might fall into some over-buying spree, which is not bad in itself. The problem is, people tend to make it a habit. When you buy just what you need, you’ll be saving some cash and going green at the same time.
You could also borrow and rent stuff rather than buy. So you could rent DVDs or camping tents, saving you a lot of money. Electronic downloads of movies and music is preferable to hard copies.
- Walk more, or use the bike
Walking and cycling is very healthy and does not in any way exude noxious fumes that are harmful. Cultivate the culture of walking or biking. It is a healthy green practice.
- Try using the energy light bulb
Using energy efficient light bulbs like the LED or CFL bulbs is recommended for green practices. They might be more expensive, but not only are green, but also last five times longer than the regular bulbs. They are also brighter and they don’t affect the eyes as the regular bulbs would.
- Eat seafood that are sustainable
For those that are not allergic to seafood, it is a food option for you. Avoid harvested or farm fishes. They have in them all kinds of additives. Thus eat only fish caught from the ocean.
- Reduce your consumption of meat
Livestock farming produces lots of greenhouse gases to the environment. Cattle generates more global warming greenhouse gases than even vehicles (United Nations Reports). The need to improve the diet of the animals to reduce the enteric fermentation is needed. This reduction of enteric fermentation will reduce the methane emission which will be very helpful to the environment.
- Avoid the purchase of aerosol spray
There are over a million beauty products out there with lots of chemicals in them. It is very important therefore that your find products that come with environmental brand seal
12 consider your water usage
Finally, it is important to know the amount of water you use. Don’t use so much water because it actually is harmful to the environment. Don’t leave the water running while brushing or shaving. Reduce the time length you take to shower.
These are just a few practices you can adopt if you want to go green. It is not as hard as it may seem. Just start and help the environment
NATURAL
Natural could also mean, emanating from nature. It relates to the features of plants and animals, developing at their own pace and terms. Natural products can also means that it is gotten from nature or produced naturally. Yes, these products contain chemicals, but they are natural chemicals and are in no way added artificially.
The word natural is usually used mostly when labeling products. Most often than not, these products are not as natural as they are portrayed to be. According to the USDA’s food safety and inspection service define natural in regards to poultry and meat products as products with no artificial ingredients. Natural products do not have added color and its processing level is only minimal. Thus when products say their products are natural, it means it has little or no artificial product.
Some natural products include; baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, borax, essential plant oil, natural soap and even natural essential oils such as jojoba and olive oil.
When these ingredients are added to any substance either as preservatives or coloring, it means they are natural. Also consider that the products themselves are natural.