To protect the environment and preserve the planet for our children and future generations, we all need to take proactive steps toward cleaner living habits. The key is not to stop consuming, but to start being mindful of our consumption habits and how each purchase or action affects the ecosystem. The good news is that it’s often not too difficult, expensive, or inconvenient to become more environmentally friendly.
Consume less
Curbing consumption can have a huge impact on the environment
- The three “R’s”-reduce, reuse, recycle- get a lot of attention, but the planet could benefit from some focus on the most important and most underrepresented “R”: refuse.
- When you refuse, you say “no.”
Recycle properly
Make an effort to get your items to the proper disposal sites.
- Educate yourself on what can and cannot be recycled in your bins at home
- You can also easily find out how to recycle special items such as electronics, batteries and appliances.
Buy local
Consider the path your stuff takes just to get to you
Use less water
think of all the times you consume water, both inside and outside your home; then, make adjustments as you can
- For example, turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, fix leaky faucets, and collect and use rainwater for watering plants
- these are just the basics.
Choose Reusable Over Single-Use
Switch to reusable items and make a commitment to use them as often as possible. You’ll have less trash piling up at your curb, and you’ll be helping to protect the environment in a major way.
- All of the above items (and more) have more environmentally responsible counterparts.
Use your purchasing power for good
Spend it wisely on goods, services, and experiences that leave a smaller carbon footprint
- Choose to do business with companies that support sustainability efforts, utilize renewable energy sources, and walk the walk when it comes to protecting the environment
- Money talks-if enough people use their money for the good of the Earth, it will create a demand for sustainable practices, and businesses will have to comply
Upcycle more
Turn trash into treasure by creating something new
Shop secondhand
It takes over 700 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make one plain t-shirt
- Consider looking first in a thrift store or vintage shop, or trading clothes with friends
- Shopping secondhand also applies to many other categories of consumer goods like toys and clothes
Conserve electricity
Anytime you can use less electricity, it’s a win for the planet
- Try some of these quick ways to conserve energy around your home
- Trade incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient CFLs or LEDs
- Use smart power strips, which turn off the power to electronics when they’re not being used
- Maintain your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system
- Choose an Energy Star-certified model when buying appliances
Compost
Let your food and yard waste rot naturally in the soil instead of sending it to the landfill.
- Composting keeps trash out of the waste stream and produces free, rich soil for your garden.
- Some cities now pick up organic waste alongside regular trash and recycling pick up.
Use fewer chemicals.
Opt for chemical-free lawn and garden care, all-natural beauty and hygiene items, natural household cleaners, and organic food. The environment will thank you!
Walk, bike or carpool
For short trips, try walking or biking.
- If travelling on foot or two wheels isn’t feasible, try carpooling with a friend, neighbor or coworker to a mutual destination. And if all else fails, line up errands in the most efficient route to save time and miles driven.
