Do You Need to Change Your Social Circle to Live More Sustainably?

People are more concerned about green living than ever before. A recent poll from Gallup shows that 62% of people want the government to do more to help the environment. Unfortunately, many people struggle to live up to their concerns. You probably have people like that in your circle of friends. Does this mean that you need to find a new group to hang out with?

Do Your Friends Really Care About the Environment as Much as You? Should You Ditch them?

Try asking people how they feel about the environment. The vast majority of people will tell you that we should do more to protect it. Most people will say that Americans should do more to recycle.

Unfortunately, many people don’t live up to their own standards. House Logic author Courtney Craig wrote a great post titled “You Recycle, They Don’t. How Will You Stay Friends?” She states that she has run into plenty of issues where friends didn’t share her passionate concern for sustainability. She wisely said that she strives to be tolerant of their choices, while still trying to lead by example.

Are You Dating Again? Try Looking for Other Singles that Share Your Zest for Green Living

There are lots of things that you need to think about when you are dating. You need to find a partner that is compatible with you on most metrics. Finding someone that shares your concern for the environment is important. The good news is that there are a number of sites that can help. Green Singles is one of the most popular.  If you are looking to date someone abroad, then using the right Germany dating sites is important too.

Don’t Get Rid of Friends that Prioritize Environmental Living, But Add Ones that Do to Your Circle

You won’t do the world any good by getting rid of friends that don’t care about the environment. However, you might be able to make a difference by finding other friends that do care about sustainability. Adding them to your social circle can help you make a more compelling argument in favor of green living.

Your friends might initially write your views off as a militant advocate for sustainable living. However, they will be more willing to adapt your views if you have other friends that are advocating the same things. They will start to realize that living green is socially expected, not something that a few people on the fringes of society do.

Don’t Be Obnoxious

Living a green lifestyle is important. However, you need to realize that you can only influence people in your circle of friends so much. You may be able to get them to reduce their use of the AC a little when they are away. You might show them that driving to a store that is closer to their house can reduce gas consumption.

Try to encourage friends to make small changes, but don’t pester them about it. Otherwise, you risk alienating them altogether and losing their support.

Show the Benefits of Green Living

Like it or not, people are concerned about their own self-interests. The good thing about this is that you can show how green living is going to help them. Show how living green can save money. Practice green living while out with friends.

Don’t Change Your Friends. Try to Change their Habits

Getting rid of friends that don’t care about green living isn’t the way to go. You will literally accomplish nothing. Instead, try to get them to share your habits. This may make a small difference to help the environment.

So, the answer is that you don’t want to outright ditch your friends, just because they don’t care about living green. You can actually convince them to make some changes, provided you do so in a sensible way. However, you need to be sure that you are setting the right example. At the same time, it is a good idea to look for new friends that align with your quest for sustainable living. Here are some things to think about.