No matter if we live in the city or the suburbs, green living is becoming more important to people across the nation. We often hear about green living in the news and in the media, but many may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of altering one's lifestyle to live a "greener" life. The great news is that making the choice to go greener is as simple as changing up some behaviors that you may not realize are contributing to waste and harming our planet. Going green is easier than ever. Follow some of these simple steps below for adopting a greener life:

1. Decrease Energy Used in Your Home

Did you know that even unplugging an appliance when it's not in use is a step in a greener direction? That's right - even this small change can help spur lasting changes in your habits and help the Earth. Other options include lowering the thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer, making sure to turn lights off when you're not in the room, washing clothes with cold water, air drying clothes on a line or drying rack, and replacing traditional light bulbs with eco-friendly CFL bulbs. Not only are these tips beneficial to our planet, but they also save you money on your monthly energy bills each month! If making all of these changes seems daunting, why not try one or two and see where it leads?

2. Reduce Your Use of Paper

Many of us rely on paper all day long - whether we're using it at work or mopping up a mess one of the kids made with paper towels. Many companies are going green by offering online or digital options in order to save paper, and we can adopt that idea in our own lives too. See if any of your billing companies offer paperless billing to cut down on junk mail making its way to the landfill. Is there anything you can do at work to optimize technology and decrease paper notes or handouts? Even at home, we can chuck the wasteful paper towels for eco-friendly recycled cloths made from old T-shirts or clothing. Consider recyling the paper that you do use in your daily life. Up to forty percent of waste in landfills is paper based, and recycling one short ton of paper can save seventeen trees. If we all pitch in, that can add up!

3. Eat Less Meat

Ok, ok, this doesn't mean that you have to go vegetarian or vegan, but most people could cut back on meat consumption - even if it's just a meal or two per week. Approximately 30 percent of the Earth's surface is being used for livestock raising and meat production, and the meat industry is a leading contributor to harmful emission of global warming potential gases. We live in a time where meat substitutes are readily available in grocery stores and restaurants. Choosing these products or recipes that do not call for meat is a meaningful step that humans can take in reducing their carbon footprints and living a greener life.

4. Choose Sustainable Products

Going greener usually starts in the home. Opting for products that are made sustainably and/or from recycled goods is a remarkable way to live a greener lifestyle. Whether it's choosing a stainless steel straw over plastic, buying sneakers made from recycled plastic water bottles, or choosing bedding products that are made with natural materials like the EcoPEDIC line, taking time to make a green choice and research your options is a meaningful way to help our planet. Sometimes these products are more expensive than their alternatives, and sometimes they are not, but it is difficult to put a price on what it means to live a green life in terms of benefit to our Earth.

No matter where you are on your green journey, adopting any (or all) of the green living tips above can help you feel good about making less of an impact on our planet.

Living a greener life is on trend right now - besides being the "it" thing to do, going green has many health and lifestyle benefits that consumers are reaping. Many people decide to start making aspects of their lives greener in their homes, and the bedroom is a terrific place to start! After all, we spend about one third of our lives sleeping, so why not make some simple changes to make that third of our life greener? One easy way to make your bedroom greener both literally and figuratively is by adding some green plants to your cozy space. What are the benefits of adding plants to your bedroom? Keep reading to find out.

Benefits of Adding Plants to Your Bedroom

Plants have many benefits beyond aesthetic ones. Adding a plant to your bedroom may promote a cooler looking space, but you may not stop to think about how plants contribute to our health and wellness. Plants in our homes help improve air quality by adding more oxygen to our space. When we exhale carbon dioxide, plants produce more oxygen, which we need to breathe. Having more oxygen circulating while we snooze and snore can help us feel more rested and rejuvenated. 

Plants also have been shown to increase our bodies' healing capabilities, helping us be more well and avoid colds, dry skin, sore throats, and coughs. That's and especially important benefit as we approach the wintry months and many of us are plagued by colds, viruses, and sickness. 

Just as important as our physical health is our mental health. Adding just one or two small plants can help decrease stress and anxiety. In fact, many people struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep because of racing thoughts and stress keeping them awake. Introducing a plant to the bedroom could help counteract the stress that leads to tossing, turning, and being wide awake when you wish you were sound asleep.

Top Picks for Bedroom Plants

So maybe you're ready to introduce a plant to your bedroom but you're overwhelmed by the choices available. Indoor plants come in so many different sizes with varying needs. It's important to consider the size plant your space allows for as well as how much time and energy you have to dedicate to your new green buddy. If you have a busy routine, opting for one medium-sized plant that requires low upkeep may help you maximize the green benefits of your leafy friend. On the other hand, if you are experienced in tending to plants, maybe you would be ok with a plant that requires a little more maintenance, or even a collection of a few smaller plants. No matter your experience level, size restraint, or daily routine, there is a plant on the market to fit your bedroom and your lifestyle.

Many of us have heard about the sleep benefits of lavender. In fact, we may use lavender spritzes, sprays, or essential oils to ease us into sleep in the evenings. Why not go straight to the source and invest in a lavender plant for the bedroom? The pop of lilac color adds a unique touch to this house plant.

Snake plants are a great traditional houseplant suitable for the bedroom. Although many of us would like to avoid snakes in our homes, this plant gets its name from its tall leaves of varying green and yellow colors. This plant makes an excellent air purifier and requires low upkeep - perfect for those on the go!

It's time to get on the succulent trend! Not only are succulents having a major moment right now, these little guys, along with orchids and bromeliads, are almost nocturnal in nature, releasing more oxygen and taking in more carbon dioxide at night, making them a great addition to the bedroom. Succulents are known for their ease of care, as many of these plants live naturally in dry, arid climates. If you have a brown thumb or the tendency to just forget about watering your green friends sometimes, succulents might make the best choice for you. 

No matter your lifestyle, working to be a little greener has many benefits. If you want to sleep easier and cozy up your bedroom, adding a plant is a trendy way to maximize your benefits. Don't forget to opt for sustainable bedding products such as the EcoPEDIC line when customizing your green space!