Looking for small ways to help the environment? We have some ideas. Read on.
You dont have to change your entire lifestyle to become more environmentally conscious. Take baby steps, such as slowly changing your everyday eating habits, or making the switch from plastic bags to reusable ones. You will be healthier and you will reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Here are some ways you can become more environmentally conscious.
Eat locally
Buy more produce from local farms or farmers markets. This produce is fresh, and less energy is consumed to transport it. Additionally, these foods require less packaging and represent a healthier choice for you and your family. Its true that you probably wont find exotic fruits at a market, but milk, eggs, and seasonal vegetables and fruits are usually available.
Eat less meat
Help conserve water, air and land by eating less meat. You probably didnt think that eating less meat could help the environment, but the truth is that the production, processing and distribution of meat requires huge quantities of pesticides, fertilizer, fuel and water; these processes all release greenhouse gases. By eating less meat, you take a small step toward conserving our resources.
Start using sustainable bags
Reusable bags are environmentally friendly. By investing in reusable bags, you reduce your carbon footprint. Plastic bags end up in landfills and can take up to 1,000 years to break down. During that time, they separate into toxic particles that contaminate soil and water. Reusable bags dont harm the environment during production, and dont need to be discarded after each use. Keep them in your car so you always have them at your disposal. Wash them periodically, as they can be contaminated by germs.
Produce less waste
Dont overbuy produce and allow it to go bad. If your fridge is always full of leftovers, consider composting at home. It can help your garden and the environment at the same time. Make a compost pile and invest in some quality compost bags for food that has gone bad. Compost bags are made of vegetable matter. When exposed to enough moisture, the bags compost, right along with whatever was placed inside them.
Invest in a new fridge
If you have an old refrigerator, consider replacing it. It can cost you money in ways you didnt even imagine. An old fridge is one of the biggest energy hogs in your household, since its always on. If its more than 10 years old, your fridge is likely using two times the amount of energy it did when you first plugged it in.
Load up the dish washer
Washing by hand wastes more water. Use the dishwasher when you have enough dishes and invest in environmentally friendly detergents.
Reducing your carbon footprint isnt as difficult as it sounds. By becoming environmentally responsible and taking small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle you will help the planet. Make a difference for our Earth and start today.
