By: Zoe Crimmel
Cars are such a convenience in today’s world that we tend to forget about the other modes of transportation. Depending on our days, lives, and activities, sometimes you can opt to ride a bike or take a walk instead of driving your car around. Being outside does lots of good for our health and the environment.
Research local recycling programs that are in or around your area. Terra Cycle is a site that you can use to look up brands that may be used in your house that are offering free recycling programs. Once you find a program, be sure to print out a graphic and hang it somewhere so you know what can/should be recycled and what can’t. Recyclables can be difficult to recycle by these companies when they are mixed with other trash.
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Research local composting programs. Good Start Packaging is a good site to see if there is a composting service near you, and don’t worry if there isn’t. Composting is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and slowly but surely, you might find one near you! There are also at-home composters on the market that you can find and use to compost at home.
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The Thrift Store Finder uses this site to find a thrift store near you and check out some of the reviews. Thrift stores have countless items for prices that may be within your budget.
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Instead of using hot water to wash, which needs to be heated by electricity, opt for a colder wash. Also, opt for some good old-fashioned hang drying instead of throwing them in the dryer to help your clothes last longer. It will also help lower your electrical bill and carbon footprint!
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Lights are great for when we need to see, but what about when we leave? Instead of leaving the big lights in the house on when we are away, why not unplug those fans and switch off those lights? Not only will it help your carbon footprint, but it will also help your paycheck and the energy grid.
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Most of our daily items contain plastics that are harmful to the environment and our bodies. Plastic-free and more natural substitutes are becoming more and more available to people. Be sure to watch for these as you go to the store to buy some cleaning materials or deodorant!
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When shopping, bring a bag that you can put your groceries in. Not only will you look more stylish when you carry around a fun reusable bag rather than a plastic or paper bag, but you will also be lowering your carbon footprint and helping the planet.
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Supermarkets may have easy access to foods that are in seemingly endless supply, but why not take a little adventure to a farmer's market somewhere nearby? Farmers markets have locally grown food and support local farmers which supports smaller businesses and natural produce, especially when you shop from organic growers.
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The meat industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. Simple choices that you can make in your diet can impact your carbon footprint along with your health. Sometimes, a meal without meat isn’t bad and might be fun to experiment with. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen and try new recipes with no meat.
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