10 Things You Can Do to Help the Environment

If you keep up with the news, you have probably heard about the dangers of climate change and the damage we are doing to the environment. The good news is that you can take action today to ensure that you are doing your part to protect the world that we call home.

Here are ten steps that you can take to help the environment in your everyday life:

1. Control Water Use

It is easy to assume that you do not overuse water in your home. But little things can add up, like for instance, leaving the tap on while brushing your teeth or shaving can waste a lot of water. Make changes to how everyone in your home uses water!

Simple ways you can help out include gathering rainwater in containers, reducing your shower time, choosing low-flow plumbing fixtures and appliances, and only doing full loads of laundry and dishes when necessary. If possible, install cisterns or other water storage tanks that can be used during periods of drought.

Yosoo Automatic Infrared Sensor Faucet

Most of the water is wasted because we forget to close the tap while brushing and cleaning. Using a tap faucet that works with an automatic infrared sensor allows the tap to close automatically when your hand in not under the faucet. Also, it lasts equally long since it is made of high-quality non-rusting brass, zinc and alloy.

2. Forget the Car

Ditch your car on certain occasions. While you may need your car on some days, try to bike, walk or use public transit when possible. And on the days when you need to take your car, consider carpooling with others. Save fuel by planning your whole day, completing your daily tasks in between you drive to and fro from work to home rather than going out all the way for bread or milk.

Not only does this reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it also helps improve air quality in your local area. Try walking or biking to work or running errands when possible, investing in public transit passes or ridesharing apps, buying a greener car with better fuel efficiency, or accomplish errands and tasks via telecommute if that’s an option.

3. Recycle

Every modern product that you buy will have a label indicating whether it can be recycled. If you see a recycling label, put it in your recycling pile. And then take that pile out each week so that your local recycling centre can do its work.

Anything that can be recycled, from paper and cardboard to aluminum cans and plastic jugs, should go into the appropriate recycling bin instead of a trash can. Making sure all materials are properly disposed off prevents waste products from getting into oceans and other bodies of water and keeps them out of landfills, which helps keep our air clean and free of harmful toxins.

ECOFWORLD Silicone Food Storage Bag –reusable and recyclable

This pack of 4 silicone storage bags is not only reusable but also recyclable. You can use it to freeze, store and also cook food as they are microwave safe. ECOFWORLD food containers are free from petroleum, BPA, Lead, and Chloride, hence the food you store in them remains healthy and fresh.

4. Reuse

There are so many ways that we can cut down on our consumption. Ditching plastic bags and zip-top bags for the freezer is one step. By purchasing reusable grocery bags and Freezer Bags, you can start to cut down on how much plastic you waste each month.

Reusing includes habits like taking reusable and refillable water bottles, jars, bags, and packaging materials when shopping and avoiding disposable options. Other ways to reuse include repurposing items around our homes by fixing them up, organizing items in different ways, or even creating art out of things that would otherwise be thrown away.

USWAY Reusable Produce Bags 

This 7-pcs set of reusable mesh and muslin bags are a great buy if you wish to make your contribution to saving the environment. You can use these bags for grocery items, fruits, vegetables, books and/or any other heavy duty thing. All the bags are easy to open and close through a drawstring and olive tree wood toggle. Additionally, they are easy to wash at home so you can use it in your daily routine and not worry if they get stained.

5. Compost

Take some time to imagine how much trash you produce in a year. Composting can help you recycle a lot of your solid waste each year. And it is so easy, while it even helps fertilize your garden!

It’s relatively simple to start composting: find an area within your yard or garden where the compost bin can sit, collect organic materials such as fruit peels, vegetable scraps and coffee grounds in your compost bin, periodically turn over the material so it mixes together and breaks down faster, finally use the material as a soil amendment for plants. The end result is a lesser strain on landfill resources and an increase in soil quality.

6. Change Light Bulbs

You can purchase CFL bulbs that are 10 times longer lasting compared to regular bulbs. And they are more energy efficient as well!

Installing dimmer switches can help even further by allowing you to easily adjust the bulbs’ brightness and reduce electricity use. CFL bulbs produce more light with less energy, have a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs, and many new models come with smart-home compatibility for added convenience.

Philips Energy Saver Compact Fluorescent T2 Twister Household Light Bulb

Philips Compact Fluorescent Soft White Light Bulbs are bright in light and high in energy efficiency. This 40 watt light bulb is mercury free and has a much greater life than an ordinary bulb, making itself great for living rooms, hallways, kitchen, offices and bedrooms.

7. Insulate Your Home

Through energy efficient windows and other steps, you can insulate your home so that less air goes in and out. It will ensure you can run your heating and cooling system less during the summer and winter months to achieve the same temperature.

Proper insulation can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, making it one of the most cost-effective investments you can make. The added bonus is that you’ll be reducing carbon emissions in the process. Insulation also helps to regulate temperature during both winter and summer months, so you’ll be ensuring year-round comfort without causing further harm to the environment.

8. Turn off Lights

If you are not in a room, turn off the lights. And consider removing some light bulbs from your light fixtures, if you do not need rooms to be incredibly bright all the time!

Leaving lights powered on when they’re not in use not only wastes energy, it also puts strain on power grids that could increase pollution. When you leave a room, always turn off the lights – including lamps, overhead lighting, and any electronics that don’t need to be in use anymore. 

Also, make sure outdoor lighting is only used during appropriate times; unmonitored outdoor lights become “light trespass” and can cause confusion among wildlife and disrupt their natural cycles.

9. Buy Second Hand

Consider purchasing second-hand goods when possible. Items such as clothes are great second hand, especially if you visit vintage or thrift shops. And it reduces your overall consumption.

Shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets for clothing, home appliances, furniture, and other household items can save a great deal of money as well as resources. You can also find rare or vintage products from times gone by when shopping secondhand.

10. Keep Electronics Longer

Resist the urge to buy a new cell phone, tablet or laptop every year. And if you do buy electronics often, buy used ones instead!

Before upgrading your phone or other electronic device, consider whether there are any simple repairs you can make in order to extend its life. You may also want to research different types of extended warranties or protection plans when initially making a purchase.

For more ideas…

365 Ways to Save the Earth

The journey to save the environment just begins with these 10 steps and there is a lot more than you can do. This book is a daily dose; with all the possible factors such as health, leisure, food, automobiles, energy, consumerism etc. that are affecting the environment. To sensitize people, it illustrates each problem with a picture followed by an action that the reader can take to make their contribution.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by bad news regarding the environment. You may feel as if there is nothing a single person can do. However, all of these action steps are nowhere impossible, in fact, the world is coming together to take small steps that lead to bigger rewards. You just have to make the right changes and encourage others to do the same, it will make a difference!

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