Ten Things You Can Do Right Now to Help The Environment
Whether or not you believe that the earth is warming at an alarming rate, and in ten years, the world as we know it will no longer exist. Or, you may believe that there is no such thing as global warming. Regardless of your opinion, we are all responsible for the environment. Helping the environment can actually save us money, help us to be more healthy and have a better overall quality of life. I have ten things you can do right now that will help fight against global warming and help you save money.
These suggestions are not in any particular order, pick one or two and make a difference
- Turn the Water Off! Have you noticed the water running when you are brushing your teeth, soaping your hair or body? Newsflash, the water is serving no purpose running while you engage in these activities. So, next time you brush your teeth, washing your hair or taking a shower, save yourself money on your water bill while at the same time help the environment. Even if you do not pay a water bill, someone is and if the water bill continues to rise, who do you think will foot the bill? You will, through raising the rent. Turn the Water Off!
- Eat Sustainable Foods. What this means is as much as you can, purchase your food from local Farmers Markets. It takes less energy to transport the food to the local market. When we buy from large stores, the food can be shipped from across the world. Far away places such as Central America. Eating what grows locally not only helps the environment, it saves us money and we are the path to eating healthy. Eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that grow locally taste better anyway.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse. One way to reduce your carbon footprint is by reducing how much you purchase. Only purchase what you need. Try a no-spend challenge. Save yourself money while saving the planet! Reuse or repurpose old items. For example, I reuse my two once oil bottles with the dropper. I use them in my purse for oil instead of lotion. You get the picture. Be creative. Recycle items after you have completely exhausted them. Your local municipality should have a recycling program. Lastly, refuse items. My father does it all of the time. He says, “No thank you, but I thank you just the same.” You can be creative on how to refuse items just, do so tactfully.
- Walk. Whenever you can, give the car a break and take a walk. It will benefit your health as well as the environment, not to mention save a few dollars on gas. Now, who doesn’t want?
- Volunteer. Volunteer during your next community’s clean up day. This will allow you to clean the environment, get some exercise and to meet like-minded people. Now, who doesn’t want to live in a clean city, lose weight and gain new friends?
- Stop Using Single-Use Plastic. I know this is hard; plastic is convenient and used for everything. A huge problem is when plastic is not properly discarded. They end up in our seas, ocean, and rivers. Single-use plastic wreak havoc on marine life. You don’t have to change everything out at once, just make these small changes that create big results. It’s cheaper in the long run not to use plastic, again saving you money. Exchange plastic straws and eating utensils for a reusable straw and use a knife, fork, and spoon from home. Another idea is to use reusable shopping bags. Use whatever bag you have at home. Lastly, swap bottled water for a reusable water bottle.
- Get Informed. Research ways to help the environment and can save you money at the same time. Knowledge is power.
- Shop Less. What if we shopped only when we needed too? Well, there would be less to reuse and to recycle. Buying less saves you money as well as saves the environment. I bet you don’t wear or use half of the things you own. (Check out my article on Why Minimalism).
- Use Energy Wisely. In the summer, leave your thermostat at 78 degrees and shoot for 68 degrees in the winter. Use energy-efficient curtains to help keep the area cool or warm. Use ceiling fans in summer and put on a sweater in the winter.
- Plant Something. Plant herbs, veggies, fruit or a tree. Whatever it is, you will be helping the environment as well as improving your health. This could be the beginning of growing your own food. If it is a tree that you are planting, you are literally cleaning the air.
These tips are only the beginning of things we could all do and would make a sizable impact on our environment. It is our responsibility to leave a better place for our kids and grandkids to experience. Just pick a suggestion and do it. Together, we can really change the world. Let me know in the comments how you plan to help the environment. Peace and Love!