There are many ways to do your part in taking care of our Earth. These 10 simple tips are a great place to start. By adopting even a few of these suggested changes you can have a big effect on reducing your environmental footprint. And don’t forget that the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) are always there to guide you in your quest for sustainable living!
- Use Reusable bags
Since California has banned plastic bags, it’s been tough to remember to bring my own to the store. The newly famous cashier line, “Do you want to pay 10¢ for a bag?” always guilt trips me into saying no. Then I end up struggling out of the store with a handful of items. If this sounds like you, then go put a stack of reusable bags in your car and reduce the number of single use plastic bags you generate!
- Say NO to Straws
Straws are one of many single-use plastics that contribute to our waste. In the U.S. alone, roughly 500 million straws are used a day and most don’t get recycled. If a server sets a straw on your table, simply say “no thanks.” I promise your drink will still taste the same!
- Switch to Glass Containers
When storing food in your kitchen or packing lunches to-go, use glass containers rather than plastic Ziploc bags. Investing in high quality food storage containers will help your food last longer, taste better, and save you money!
- Buy in Bulk
Whether you shop at your local market or Costco, there are plenty of opportunities to buy in bulk. This saves you money and decreases the amount of food packaging waste you generate. Don’t forget to bring your own reusable containers when filling up at the bulk bins!
- Use Reusable Water Bottles
Recently, there has been much hype over the use of reusable water bottles. It’s pretty obvious why (at least I think so). A reusable bottle means cold, refreshing water anywhere: beach, gym, airplane, work, couch…the list goes on. They’re free to fill up and fun to personalize with crazy stickers!
- Avoid Microbead Products
The tiny little plastic microbeads in face and body washes don’t filter through filtration systems. Those plastic beads end up in our oceans and are mistaken for food. If you use these products, you should look for new alternatives. Congress banned microbeads and the deadline for stopping production was July 1, 2017, so you’re going to need to find new products anyways!
- Cancel Mail Subscriptions
If you end up throwing away half of your mail without even opening it first, go ahead and cancel that subscription. If you don’t want to cancel it, then make it an online subscription through email.
- Reusable Coffee Filter
Regular coffee makers and Keurigs both have reusable coffee filters. They are easy to use and easy to wash, so give it a shot! Don’t forget to use a reusable coffee cup when taking your own coffee on the go.
- Avoid Traditional Wrapping Paper
Whether it’s Christmas or a birthday, there are many alternatives to traditional gift wrap. You can reuse materials such as newspaper, cloth, or old gift bags. The options are limitless if you use a little bit of creativity and imagination!
- Share this with a Friend!
It is up to every one of us to pass on the knowledge we learn. By sharing this article with a friend, a domino effect will continue to create positive change.
