Small Steps, Big Impact: How You Can Help the Environment Today

Life

May 12

Written By Melinda

Welcome to the world of environmentalism! It's time to get to work and take action to help our Mother Earth. We breathe the fresh air, drink the water, and eat the food that comes from this planet, making it our home. Therefore, it's our responsibility to take care of it and not take it for granted. This is our home. Even if we’re not physically at home — our earth, the nature — is still our home. Nothing is FREE in our life except nature. We live here on this beautiful place called earth, not just our home. Our home was built on this beautiful Mother Earth. The earth is our home and we should value our home rather than take it for granted. Let's learn some simple yet effective ways to help the environment and make our planet a better place to live in.

why is it important to help our environment?

It's essential to take care of the environment not only for the benefit of the planet but also for future generations. Our actions today will have a long-lasting impact on the environment and the world our children and grandchildren will inherit. Imagine a world where there's no greenery, trash flying around everywhere, and polluted air and water. We need to take action now, and even the smallest actions can have a significant impact.

what’s some simple ways to help the environment?

WHEN YOU’RE AT HOME

Recycle ♻️
It's a simple thing, but many people forget to recycle. Make sure to read your state's guidelines to see how to recycle properly. This way, we can avoid glass and other materials going to waste instead of being recycled.
Compost 🪴
Start composting to reduce food waste and produce less methane. Composting helps to enrich the soil, which benefits community gardens and more!
Food Delivery 🚚
When ordering food delivery, ask them not to include utensils, straws, or other unnecessary items. This reduces waste, and you probably have utensils at home anyway, so why not use them?!
Reduce Meat Consumption 🍖 🌱
Consider cutting back on meat to help the environment. Animal agriculture produces methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Going vegetarian or you can try eating plant-based meals at least once a week can make a difference.
Turn Off Lights 💡
Save electricity and reduce your electricity bills by turning off the lights when you leave a room. This will also help reduce the amount of electricity generated by power plants, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Batteries 🪫
Consider using rechargeable batteries to reduce waste. Disposable batteries contribute to landfills, which can harm the environment. Switching to rechargeable batteries can save you money in the long run and reduce waste.
Reuse Plastic Bags ♹
If you went out to the grocery store, a bodega or anywhere that you got a plastic bag, reuse them as trash bags, or anything you can think of!

GOING OUT

Walk to Places 🚶🏻‍♀️🚶🏻🚶🏻‍♂️
Not only when you start walking to places, you admire the nature more, you admire your surroundings and you learn to appreciate the beauty of nature. And not only that but you’re helping the earth by not producing any gas from cars! This is something big! Also you’re getting cardio in so win win for both!
Put an End to Littering 🗑️
Yes, STOP littering. I can’t tell you how much this part IRKS me when I see trash just on the ground. If something falls out of YOUR OWN POCKET, pick up that DAMN TRASH OF YOURS. We don’t need YOUR TRASH on OUR HOME. Stop it.
Say Goodbye to the P’s 👋🏼
What does the P’s stand for? Single-use PLASTICS such as plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic utensils are a big contributor to pollution. These plastics are designed to be used only once and then discarded, which creates a huge amount of waste. Choose reusable alternatives instead, like cloth bags, stainless steel or straws, and bamboo utensils.
Bring Your Own Tote Bag 👜
Bringing a reusable tote bag with you when you go out is an easy way to reduce waste. Even if you don't think you'll be shopping, it's always a good idea to bring one just in case. Don't rely on paper bags from the store, which are made from trees and often end up being used only once before being thrown away.
Avoid Unnecessary Purchases 💸
Buying things you don't need is a big contributor to waste. It's important to stop and think before making a purchase, especially if it's something you won't use frequently. By avoiding unnecessary purchases, you can save money and reduce waste. Consider borrowing or renting instead of buying if you only need something temporarily.
Buy Organic / Local 🫐
Buying local and organic products supports the environment and the local community. Organic produce is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals, which is better for your health and the planet. Supporting local farmers also helps to reduce the carbon footprint by reducing transportation emissions.

HEADING TO WORK

Take Public Transportation 🚂
Instead of driving alone to work, consider taking public transportation like buses or trains. This can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and lower air pollution. You can even use your commute time to catch up on some work, learn a language on Duolingo or read a book you’ve been wanting to read!
Bike or Walk to Work 🚴🏻‍♀️
If you live close to your workplace, consider biking or walking to work. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but it also helps you stay active and fit. You can even invest in an electric bike to make your commute easier and faster.
Bring Your Own Reusable Utensils 🍴
When you go out for lunch or bring your own food to work, bring your own reusable utensils made of metal or bamboo instead of using single-use plastic utensils. This simple habit can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.

TRAVELING

Bring Your Own Reusable Water Bottle 🚰
Sounds pretty simple right? It's a simple step, but it can make a huge difference. Bring your own reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water at the airport. Not only will you save money, but you'll also help reduce plastic waste. Fill up your bottle at one of the many water stations available at the airport. By doing this, you'll also avoid the temptation to buy EXPENSIVE bottled water, which is often just tap water in a “fancy plastic bottle”.

Pack Efficiently 🧳
Packing efficiently is an important step in reducing your carbon footprint. When you pack light, you'll not only avoid excess baggage fees, but you'll also reduce the weight on the airplane, which in turn reduces carbon emissions. Make a packing list of the essentials you'll need for your trip and stick with it. Leave behind unnecessary items that will only weigh you down.
Book Non-Stop Flights ✈️
Booking non-stop flights can also help reduce your carbon footprint. It's not only convenient for you, but it also reduces the number of take-offs and landings, which are the most polluting parts of air travel. Choose a non-stop flight if possible.
Rent Hybrid / Electric Cars 🚙
When renting a car for your trip, consider renting a hybrid or electric car. While they may be a bit more expensive to rent, they are much more fuel-efficient, which means you'll save money on gas in the long run. Not to mention, they emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional gas-powered cars.
Turn Off Your Car When You’re Not Using It 🔑
When you're on the road, make sure to turn off your car when you're not using it. If you're waiting for someone or parked, turn off your engine to save gas and reduce pollution. It's a simple step that can make a big difference.
Use Public Transportations 🚉
Using public transportation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling. It's also an opportunity to learn about the local culture and meet new people. Use buses, trains, or other forms of public transportation whenever possible. This will help reduce traffic congestion and emissions from cars. Plus, it's a more affordable way to travel and explore your destination.

By taking these small steps, we can all help create a healthier and cleaner environment for ourselves and future generations. One final tip to help the environment? Share this blog post with others and let's spread the knowledge! Together, we can make a significant impact and protect our home. Do you have other ways to help the environment? Share them in the comments below so I can add them in, and let's all learn from each other! Remember, every little bit helps, so let's do our part to make the world a better place.

♡ ❀ ˖ ⁺ . ✨ 🍄 🌱 ༶ ⋆ ˙ ⊹ ❀ ♡ 🌸