Despite the Costs, Going Green Is the Way Forward 

Taiwo Blessing Ogunseyi 

A 38-year-old Nigerian lecturer in Yibin, Sichuan Province 

Living sustainably sounds like a simple idea: use less plastic, waste less food, take public transport and make choices that are kinder to the environment. Yet, in reality, going green may not always be as easy as it sounds. Eco-friendly products can be expensive, and sometimes the environmentally friendly option is simply less convenient. Despite these challenges, I believe going green is the way forward. We cannot continue consuming resources as though the planet has an endless supply. If we want a cleaner, healthier world for future generations, we must begin making better choices today, even when those choices require extra effort. 

In my opinion, living sustainably does not mean completely changing our lifestyles overnight or spending a fortune on environmentally friendly products. Sometimes, the simplest habits make the most sense. For instance, reusing my shopping bags, carrying a refillable water bottle, switching off unused lights, conserving water and avoiding unnecessary purchases are practical places to start. Food waste is another area worth considering. Planning meals, buying only what is needed and making use of leftovers can save money while reducing waste. These are realistic ways in which ordinary people can contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Sometimes doing the right thing for the environment feels difficult, like choosing public transport when driving is faster, or paying more for sustainable products when cheaper alternatives are available. Businesses also need to do their part by making greener alternatives more affordable, accessible and convenient. The encouraging thing is that, as sustainable technologies improve and public awareness grows, environmentally friendly choices are becoming easier to make. What feels inconvenient or expensive today may become an ordinary part of daily life tomorrow. 

I believe our individual efforts matter, not because one person can solve the climate crisis alone, but because collective action can create meaningful change. Every reusable bag and every meal saved from being wasted represents a small step in the right direction. Individual choices can also influence families, friends, businesses and communities, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the household. Going green may not always be convenient today, but that should encourage us to improve rather than give up. The goal is not to live perfectly, but to live more consciously. 

Green Living Is Good for Wallet and Body 

Yao Qiuxin 

A 33-year-old Chinese translator in Beijing 

How green can our daily lives really be? For me, the answer lies in finding that sweet spot where eco-friendly choices naturally overlap with personal health and practical savings. Living sustainably doesn’t always require grand sacrifices; often, it just takes small, intentional habits that fit seamlessly into our daily routines. 

Take my workday lunches, for example. I always bring my own chopsticks and spoon to the office cafeteria. While my primary motivation is hygiene - specifically, reducing the risk of infections like H. pylori - it naturally eliminates my reliance on single-use utensils every single day. Similarly, when dining out, I order mindfully to avoid overeating. This simple habit supports my digestion while preventing food waste and reducing the need for disposable takeout containers. 

I am learning street dance these days, and my dance studio routines reflect a similar mindset. The vending machines there sell overpriced, chilled sugary drinks. While an ice-cold beverage feels refreshing after an intense street dance session, it isn’t great for recovery. Instead, I bring a reusable bottle for warm water. On high-intensity days, I simply add a packet of electrolyte powder. This small swap is gentler on my stomach, drastically reduces plastic bottle waste and saves me money compared with the marked-up prices at the studio. 

At home, I regularly declutter my wardrobe and send used clothes and shoes to donation platforms. It is rewarding to know these items are sorted and donated to underprivileged areas, extending their life cycle. Beyond the environmental benefit, this practice serves as a helpful inventory check. It reminds me of what I already own, preventing impulse buys and redundant purchases of similar styles and helping me make better use of the clothes I already have. 

Ultimately, sustainable living doesn’t have to be expensive or inconvenient, nor do we have to choose between being eco-friendly and living well. By pairing environmental mindfulness with health goals and smart budget habits, green choices become second nature rather than a burden. When a habit benefits our bodies, protects our wallets and reduces our footprint all at once, why not embrace it?