GLOBAL WARMING. CLIMATE CHANGE. It’s all over the news, social media, and especially politics –– it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer force behind the dilemma humans have created on earth.
Before that sinking feeling of helplessness hits, you may wonder –– what can I actually do to help? Many times the lack of action comes from people believing that they are too small to do anything, but that’s not true!
So, what can you do to help?
Here are some simplified tips when it comes to our environment and what is beneficial for it.
Leave your car in the garage!
I know what you are thinking – “Immediately no.” It sounds bad, but in reality, being wise about when you use that very pricey gas can be helpful for your bank account and for the environment. Quick trip to Target? Take a bike. Want to get out of the house? Go for a walk instead! Leaving your car behind when it comes to shorter trips can reduce carbon emissions, which are what are harming our atmosphere. .
Metal Straws>Paper AND Plastic
More and more stores are using paper straws, and if not paper, they are at least biodegradable – which means they are able to decompose back into the earth. To avoid that sad, soggy paper straw, try metal straws! You can find reusable metal straws (or even glass, if you’re careful) to cut out all usage of disposable straws in your life. Voila.
Go plant a tree
Trees release more oxygen into our environment – and planting one could be a fun activity to do with your friends or family!
Shop sustainability
Many don’t understand what shopping sustainably really means – shopping sustainability doesn’t mean you have to buy from super expensive brands that are eco-friendly (but you still can!). Sustainable shopping habits include buying second hand or simply not buying at all, unless it is a need. Thrifting is an amazing option for clothes, furniture, and even sometimes appliances.
RECYCLE
People tend to forget about this one and just toss all of their waste into the trash. It’s important to know the difference between compost, trash, and recycling, and why that difference is significant. Basically, bottles and cans shouldn’t be in your trash, and neither should paper or cardboard. More on recycling HERE.
There is so much more to being environmentally friendly than these tips! I encourage you to check out the sources listed below for more information on how you can work to stop the harmful cycle of reluctance to treat the earth kindly that our world is currently in.
The task at hand seems big, but small choices we make day to day can make an impact. Don’t forget those metal straws at Starbucks!
Sources: greatist.com, oceanservice.noaa.gov, freedomforever.com
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Photo Credit: Tan Zi Xi
