The statistics are overwhelming. Scientists continue to study the effects of climate change, and the media reports daily on pollution, extinction and the numerous ways that humans are destroying the planet. With the dismal reality, it can be tempting to give up and assume that we can't do anything to improve the situation. But that's where society gets it wrong. Whether it is with your next trip to the supermarket or your commute to work, saving the planet can start right now. While it may not seem like simple lifestyle changes can make much of a difference, over time, these adaptations can add up to a positive impact on the environment. No effort is too trivial, so make every day Earth Day and pick one of these habits to take action today!
1. Learn to love leftovers
No one wants to eat the same thing for dinner four nights in a row, but throwing away last night's meal for the sake of your own boredom and taste buds isn't the most eco-friendly option; food wastage accounts for 25% of methane produced from landfills and 300 million gallons of oil per year. Instead, try freezing leftovers to eat later or experimenting with new dishes that can be made with whatever is leftover. Get creative!
2. Forget the forks
If you're ordering takeout at home, there is no need to use plastic silverware. 40 billion plastic utensils are used every day in the United States; they are non- biodegradable and can leech toxic chemicals when handled improperly. One of the simplest ways to be more environmentally-friendly is to ask the restaurant not to include utensils, napkins or condiments with your order.
3. Bring your own bag
Although it may appear convenient to grab a few plastic bags at the cash register for your groceries, this habit is extremely wasteful. According to one source, Americans dispose of 100 billion shopping bags per year. As a result, scientists estimate that every square mile of ocean contains about 46,000 pieces of floating plastic. Bringing your own bag to go grocery shopping is not only much more economic friendly, it can look very fashionable too!
4. Shop virtually
Online shopping is the perfect way to buy the collector's editions of your favorite teenage romance novels or the latest clothing from the cover of Vogue without leaving the comfort of your own bed. According to a study from 2015, 205 million U.S citizens are regular online shoppers. Kudos to them, since buying online uses much less energy and significantly reduces carbon emissions from transportation.
5. Savor the season
Eating locally is one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to help the environment. By eating the produce that is currently in season where you live, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint by limiting the distance your food has to travel to get to your plate.
6. Check the lights
Electrical pollution is one of the leading causes of global warming. By simply turning off the lights when you leave a room, you are already one step closer to saving the planet.
7. Say goodbye to plastic water bottles
Proper hydration is always a priority, but drinking your fair share of water does not have to hurt the environment; enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the environment four times. You can be a part of the solution by investing in a water bottle. Don't forget to carry it with you!
8. Turn off the tap
It is a common habit these days for people to leave the tap water running during routines such as brushing their teeth, but society's need for relaxing background noise does not need to be at the expense of the environment. By simply turning off the water when you brush your teeth, you save over 200 million gallons of water per month. You can even use an app like Fake Shower to emulate the sound of running water and measure how much water you are saving.
9. Combine errands
Even if using public transportation and cycling to work isn't for you, you can still easily cut down on carbon emissions by combining errands when driving is necessary. Taking one big trip to pick up groceries, dry cleaning and drugstore items instead of making each one a separate adventure is one simple, effective way to conserve fuel.
10. Carpool is car-cool
Why sing Top 40 Radio's catchy tunes at the top of your lungs in your car by yourself when you could be belting them with a friend? Carpooling is another great way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. A recent study found that by carpooling just twice a week, 1,600 pounds of greenhouse gases can be kept out of the air each year. Enlist a coworker or use an app to find a commute buddy and save the environment together.
11. Treasure the trees
Although it is becoming less common for people to use pen and paper in the 21st century, the paper industry is the fourth largest emitter of greenhouses gases. You can save paper in simple ways around the house by saving your receipts online instead of printing them out or changing your bills to paperless. When buying paper, buy recycled when you can; purchase the highest "post consumer content" percentage available. As always, remember to recycle your papers when you are done with them!
13. Buy in bulk
It is a great goal at the gym, and it is a great way to help the environment. One big bag of rice uses less plastic to package than five smaller ones, so try to purchase bulk quantities of food that last a long time (such as pasta, cereal, chips etc.). Make sure to store them properly so that it does not expire and go to waste!
14. Take shorter showers
The average American uses 25,300 gallons of water a year; an average shower uses about five gallons a minute. By simply shortening your showers by two minutes, you can cut your water use by ten gallons. Using a shower timer or hopping in the shower instead of waiting for it to warm up is a great way to help the environment every day (and significantly lower your water bill!)
