If you don’t have a yard of your own, you could always support organizations that aim to plant more trees, like the Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign, or One Tree Planted.
Do multiple errands in a single car trip to reduce pollution. The next time you’re in the market for a car, consider investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Carpooling will also enable you to take a highway’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, usually saving time and money on gasoline. Many bus systems in major cities operate diesel-electric hybrid buses, reducing harmful emissions.
If you prefer to be part of a group, volunteer with friends, your class, a church group, or anyone else.
Check the rules and regulations in your area to ensure you recycle properly. For instance, some places may not accept glass, while others might require you to separate the different materials. It’s important to know what is and is not recyclable in your area because if you dispose of something improperly, the whole load will likely be rejected and end up in a landfill.
You might turn glass jars into windchimes or create lanterns with them. You could turn an old metal dish rack into hanging wall storage or use old newspapers to line a garden path before covering it with pebbles. Upcycling can be as simple as refinishing or repainting a piece of furniture rather than replacing it outright! If you aren’t going to reuse something yourself, donate it. This ensures that nothing is wasted, and someone in need can use your old items.
Food scraps that can go in the compost pile include fruits and veggies, egg shells, coffee grounds, nut shells, and tea bags. You can compost plant matter like yard trimmings, grass clippings, leaves, houseplants, sawdust, and wood chips. Other biodegradable materials include shredded newspapers, cardboard, hair and fur, and even fireplace ashes. If you don’t plan to use your compost, check and see if garbage removal services in your area can pick up organic waste as well as trash and recycling.
Avoid purchasing products with excess packaging. Often, food companies spend just as much energy creating the packaging for food products as they do producing the actual food. When you do buy something, look for durable products that will last you a long time. Borrow or rent items you need only for brief or occasional use.
This philosophy also applies to bigger purchases, like cars. Buying a secondhand car can help the environment and impacts your wallet less. If you have family members or friends looking to give away some clothing, consider doing a swap with them. You can refresh your wardrobe without buying anything at all.
Next time you need batteries, consider investing in rechargeable ones. Most batteries can now be thrown out with the regular trash—thanks to a reduction in chemical use—but they still take up space in landfills.
Try using a washable cloth or sponge for most of your cleanup if possible.
If you’re in the US, look for CSAs using the Department of Agriculture’s directory. Otherwise, do an online search for CSA produce boxes. Local foods are fresher, so they’re higher in nutrient value! Avoid waste by planning your meals ahead of time so you don’t cook more than you’ll eat. Store leftovers and use them for one of your meals over the next few days. Buy from local artisans, clothing makers, and retailers too. Avoid ordering things online to be shipped to you whenever possible. The more locally-sourced products you buy, the better.
You don’t have to go fully vegetarian or vegan, especially if you have dietary restrictions that would make it difficult. The most important thing is to cut back on meat and dairy as much as your dietary needs allow. Meat and dairy are also typically more expensive, so cutting back and eating more vegetarian meals can actually help your wallet! Eat more seafood as well. Seafood (and seafood fishing) is much more sustainable than producing vast amounts of meat and dairy, and it’s a great source of protein in your diet.
Consider investing in a high-efficiency washing machine in the future. Fix leaky faucets as soon as possible to avoid wasting water. Install efficient shower heads and low-flow faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms to reduce water consumption further. Use a pool cover if you have an outdoor swimming pool. This will prevent water from evaporating, so you don’t need to refill the pool as often.
When you have hazardous materials to throw away—like fluorescent light bulbs, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, automotive fluids, and paint—be sure you dispose of it properly. Harmful chemicals and materials should never end up in a landfill, sanitary sewer, or storm drain! Contact your local waste management office for proper disposal options. Avoid blowing up helium balloons, too. Fill them up with regular air instead.
When you buy new appliances, be sure to choose Energy Star-certified products. Air-dry your clothes on a clothesline rather than turning on a dryer. Cut back on your heating and air conditioning use by ensuring your home is properly insulated and sealing air leaks around doors and windows. If nothing else, you can always throw on a sweater when it’s cold or turn on a fan when it’s hot, rather than using energy-consuming air conditioning or heating.
For example, you could host a Facebook fundraiser on your birthday and ask people to donate to an organization you support. Check out organizations working to save the environment like the Rainforest Alliance, Earthjustice, the Ocean Conservancy, or the World Wildlife Fund.
Visit https://www. usa. gov/elected-officials to find local representatives in the United States. If a friend or family member asks for tips, be sure to educate them about what they can do to save the environment and encourage them to get involved, too!
