How can I get my roommates to be more eco-friendly?

Are you an eco-warrior while your roommates are anything but?

If so, you're not alone.

Trying to maintain eco-friendly behaviors while living with others with different beliefs or practices can be challenging.

Here are some ways to meet this challenge!

There are over 8 billion people in the world.

Some impacts of there being so many humans include, but are not limited to:

• Increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Lowering the ocean’s pH

• Increasing the global temperature

This can be overwhelming, but there are things we can do to help.

You already know that you can have a positive impact. But some people, like your roommates, may think that their actions don't matter.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy:

One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.

You and your roommates can make changes in your everyday lives to reduce your environmental footprints without upending norms or breaking the bank.

Best Practices:

Some things you and your roommates can do right away:

1. Eat less meat

2. Use a recycling bin

3. Unplug devices when not in use

4. Shut lights off when you leave the room

5. Shut off the water when not in use

6. Wash clothes using cold water when possible

7. Carpool

That wasn't so bad, was it?

Product Swaps:

Try these eco-friendly alternatives:

Swap This:

• Paper towels

• Incandescent bulbs

• Plastic water bottles and bags

• Plastic straws and cutlery

• Disposable plates

• Dryer sheets

• Plastic wrap

• Plastic tupperware

For This:

• Reusable washcloth or bamboo towels

• LED bulbs

• Reusable bottles and bags

• Metal or bamboo straws and cutlery

• Bamboo plates

• Wood dryer balls

• Linen or beeswax covers

• Glass tupperware

It's possible your roommates might not realize the benefits of these practices or swaps. Here are a few talking points:

1. Changing to LED bulbs and unplugging devices can lower your electricity bill.

2. Carpooling can help you save money on gas.

3. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help you feel better, physically and mentally.

And the biggest benefit of them all:

Helping to save the planet!

You've got the reasoning. You've got best practices and swaps you can make. Now it's time to have the talk.

Some Tips:

1. Plan your conversation in advance.

2. Discuss the pros of what you are all currently doing.

3. Discuss areas of improvement and provide alternatives.

4. Discuss reasons why changes should be made and the benefits.

5. Tailor your approach to each roommate.

6. Compromise.

You can also share this Byte with them to help them learn more.

Your roommate Ted always leaves the lights on when they leave the room. Which response might work the best to encourage them to change their behavior?

1 — "Ted, you're killing the planet by having the lights on all the time. You seriously need to stop."

2 — Roll your eyes and sigh heavily whenever they leave the room.

3 — "Hey Ted, when we leave the lights on our electric bill skyrockets. What might we be able to do instead?"

4 — Follow them around and shut the lights off for them.

Ready to speak to your roommates about reducing your environmental footprint? Try the following: