Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Make a Positive Impact
As people have become aware of their own negative impact on their surrounding environment, there has been an increased interest in small changes people can make in order to protect the environment. Following are several eco-friendly tips anyone can incorporate into their lives, so they can make a positive impact and help conserve the planet and its resources.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Cows are some of the top contributors of carbon dioxide across the world. Carbon dioxide is one of the leading causes of global warming, which has a detrimental effect on the atmosphere. Adhering to a plant based diet is not only nutritionally sound advice, but will have a positive impact on the environment as well.
Use Reusable Grocery Totes
Plastic waste is also one of the top contributors of pollution worldwide. Plastic trash often drifts out to sea, and there have been cases where a bag has been found thousands of miles away from where it originated. Reusable canvas totes are an excellent alternative to traditional plastic grocery bags. Some grocery stores even offer a discount for shoppers who chose to use totes in lieu of plastic grocery bags. Helen Lee Schifter never leaves home without her reusable totes when she collects her groceries.
Reduce Personal Energy Consumption
Harmful carbon emissions are exacerbated when power grids are under strain. Power grids experience strain during the summer and winter months, when temperatures hit extreme highs and lows. Consider switching to LED lightbulbs, as they are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. Turn up the thermostat a few degrees during the summer, and consider leaving it a little lower during the winter. These simple changes will not only make a positive impact on the environment, but will also help to save money on one’s energy bills.
Consider Borrowing Items Instead of Purchasing Them
Although purchasing a new outfit or a book can be fun, one must also think about the negative impact that “fast fashion” and printing presses can have on the environment. Instead of purchasing items, consider borrowing instead. A library card is completely free, and many libraries have a sizable collection of CDs and DVDs, as well as books to borrow. If borrowing is not an option, consider purchasing items second hand whenever possible. Purchasing items secondhand is a great way to reduce one’s carbon footprint, while also keeping viable items out of the landfill. Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to pick up a variety of items one may need at a fraction of the price.
Purchase a Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles are some of the top offenders when it comes to landfill waste. Although strides have been made to recycle water bottles as much as possible, the truth is, billions of them will still find themselves in the dump. Helen Lee Schifter has advocated for the use of reusable water bottles, and takes hers wherever she goes. Many reusable water bottles feature a filtration system, which is a great way to ensure one’s drinking water is safe, no matter the source.
Reversing climate change and reducing environmental pollution may seem like a daunting task. However, as long as each person does their part and incorporates small changes into their daily lives, the environment has a chance to heal itself from the negative consequences of human behavior.