10 Things You Can Do to Save The Environment Right Now
Climate Change is real. As much as politicians and corporations want to deny it, the truth can’t remain hidden for long. While majority of damage towards the environment is caused by industrial practices and mass-manufacturing, there is some responsibility on citizens as well. We can’t completely mitigate the damage caused by global warming but we can do our part. A responsible citizen can ensure they don’t participate in harming the environment and practice sustainable tendencies.
Saving the environment doesn’t require super hero efforts. It requires patience, determination, and making smarter choices. With just minimal tweaks and adjustments, you can save the environment right now. There are 10 easy things you can do to save the environment right now. With your help, we can make the world a better place for everyone.
Carry a Bag- By the year 2050, greenhouse gas emissions from all plastic products could exceed 56 gigatons. That equals the emissions from 615 coal plants. That’s why carry a bag. The simplest thing you can do is to carry a bag with you everywhere. For unplanned shopping trips or grocery runs, use your bag so you don’t waste plastic or paper. It also saves you the trouble of spending on plastic bags every time you shop. You can keep a folded bag in your purse or backpack or briefcase so you don’t have to worry about it. Or keep a couple in your car for grocery trips and shopping.
Eat Organic Foods- Organic foods may cost more than regular foods and also be difficult to source, however, they are environmentally conscious. You can be assured you are helping the planet in the long-run if you make smarter choices currently. You don’t need to eat all organic foods. You can just swap a few essentials like meat, eggs, and milk. This will reduce the environmental impact of the animal industry to some extent and allow you to benefit due to its healthy nature. Lack of fertilizers and pesticides means your food is fresh and super beneficial for your heart, health, and body.
Shop Sustainable- Fast fashion has made it super easy for people to buy clothes in bulk. Your t-shirt costs less than a coffee which sounds like a bargain but comes at the cost of poor labor, horrible working conditions, and minimum wage. Check for green, sustainable brands that support fair wages and healthy working conditions. Don’t fall for green-washing, a trend where companies pretend to be greener than they are. Purchase from local, independent, and small brands instead of corporations who refuse to pay their laborers.
Go Cruelty-Free- You may think buying cruelty-free makeup or skincare products is hypocritical for non-vegetarians. But make-up that is tested on animals is also packaged with plastic or other harmful ingredients. Cruelty-free brands used sustainable packaging materials and use their profits towards supporting the environment. Cruelty-free makeup is also better for sensitive skin as it is without harsh chemicals and ingredients. You can find transparency and complete honesty when you shop from cruelty-free brands. Brands that are cruelty-free have a certification that you can check before purchasing.
Carry a Bottle- Instead of buying bottled water or mineral water, carry a re-usable, BPA free bottle with you. Your gym, office, and even local restaurant will allow you to refill water or provide you with free water. If you are going on a long road trip, carry 3-4 bottles depending on the number of people traveling. Americans toss out 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. That is a terrifying waste and huge amount of plastic being thrown out daily. Keep a bottle in your gym bag, your office bag, and your car so you don’t forget it.
Say No to Plastic- Instead of plastic toothbrushes, purchase wooden or eco-friendly toothbrushes available online. You can also find sustainable and eco-friendly options to several plastic items online and in stores. They may cost more but they last longer and save the environment.
No Tea Bags- A lot of people ignore this major source of waste. They might not even be aware of wasting plastic as tea bags seem like a small thing. But if you drink a cup or two every day then that’s at least 2 tea bags thrown daily. It can add up if you don’t pay attention. Instead of tea bags, purchase loose tea leaves. They add more flavor and taste better than tea bags. Teabags stored for too long lose their taste and nutrients. Loose tea leaves may be expensive but it is worth saving the environment.
No Wrapping Vegetables- Wrapping Vegetables in plastic can defeat the purpose of carrying your own plastic bag. Buy loose fruits and vegetables or wrap them in a paper bag if the store asks you to. You can also bunch them together and pack in the same bag or use a reusable bag from home. Similarly, store them in an eco-friendly container in the fridge.
Cut Down on Meat- Reducing meat and dairy consumption can help save the damage caused by the animal industry. Replace meat with healthy options like fresh vegetables or organic meat.
Shop Smart- You can ask online sites to send your package in a single box, instead of wasting multiple packages. Or you can carry your own bag when you shop at other stores. Don’t ask for printed receipts unless necessary as that wastes paper.