We all know that Mother Earth is dying. This is a known fact whether you've seen the news, social media or just took a look outside. I'm here to tell you 5 different ways that you can help our Earth. All these tasks won't take up any extra time throughout your day.
1. This is probably the most important one, recycle. Each year Americans produce roughly 2,072 pounds of trash per year. Do you know how much people recycle? About 710 pounds. That is only 34%. According to Bonnie Gringer, 91% of plastics aren't recycled. Those are the ones that need to be recycled because it takes between 10-100 years to degrade in sunlight. Most aren't left in the sunlight and are placed underground in landfills and some end up in the ocean.
2. Invest in plants or environmentalist. I know some people reading this won't think they're making a difference by purchasing one plant but one plant that's taken care of and in the environment instead of in the trash. Also, if you don't want a plant in your house at least invest in either 4Oceans, Greenpeace, or the World Wildfire Fund. There are hundreds more that have equal impact to helping the environment.
3. Get a composter. Yes, they're more expensive but in the long run they decompose fruits and vegetables until it will turn it into fertilizer and use it either if your garden, yard or anywhere else around the house that can make it more self sufficient.
4. Avoid using cleaning products as much as possible. Using vinegar and soap is a lot less harmful to the ozone layer. Individually, it doesn't sound like it can hurt the environment but collectively the solvents and substances are damaging our ozone layer.
5. Finally, when you go to the grocery store bring your own bags. According to the Environmental Protection Agency the US goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. This is a small request that has a big impact on society. Even if you do use the plastic bags from Walmart, Target or Aldi go back to the first item and recycle them. The more we recycle or reuse the healthier our Earth will become.
