Let's face it, our environment is in trouble and no one really seems to want to talk about it. I think when faced with something so daunting, it can be really easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Being environmentally conscious doesn't mean you have to go full vegan and start a compost in your backyard (although go for it if you want). Sure, those things are helpful, but there are also little things you can do that add up and make the whole "save the Earth or we're all gonna die" situation less daunting. If everyone did six of these things consistently, we'd make a lot of progress.
So, without further adieu, here's 9 little things you can do to help your environment:
1.Stop using plastic straws.
If you think about how many people go to restaurants on a daily basis, and how many of those people drink out of a straw once and then throw it away, that's a f*ck ton of straws. And a boatload of unnecessary plastic that most of the time goes straight into the ocean. Getting a reusable straw helps alleviate some of the straw-stress on our oceans. Did you know that you can buy EIGHT metal straws on Amazon for $9?
2. Stop using single use cups.
Carry around a reusable water bottle with you. Single use plastic and Styrofoam cups are literally only good for one thing: trashing the ocean. No thanks.
3. Use reusable bags!
Whoever invented plastic bags needs a stern talking to. Are we catching a trend that plastic is the enemy? You can buy a reusable bag on Amazon or at Trader Joe's for like 99 cents. I think it's pretty much a no brainer. And if you totally forget your reusable bag on your trip to the grocery store, opt for paper instead of plastic.
4. Speaking of plastic bags, if you end up with some, don't trash them!
Repurpose them for other things. They can be used as trash can liners, dog poop bags, or a place for a wet swimsuit. Some people are even making them into art. But if that's too hard for you, AT LEAST take it to a place that recycles it. Do not, at all costs, throw it away.
5. Eat vegetarian or vegan once or twice a week.
Like I said, baby steps. As much as everyone doesn't want to admit it, mainstream meat production is really, really bad for the environment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Livestock farming contributes to 18% of human produced greenhouse gasses. That's more than the emissions from ships, planes, trucks, cars, and all other transport combined. So yeah, I don't really think it's that much to ask to eat something vegan, or at least vegetarian, for dinner once a week.
6.Thrift!
Thrifting is a huge trend now, so might as well join in and help the environment at the same time. Every time you thrift a piece of clothing that is one less piece of clothing made new. It's far less wasteful. Plus, its fun and a little bit of an adventure; you never know what you're going to find.
7.I think this one goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway: for the love of God, recycle!!!
It is really not that hard. If you're not recycling, you need to stop reading this (actually you should probably finish you need the help) and go dig through your trash and recycle what needs to be recycled. Seriously. You're embarrassing yourself.
8. Cut down energy use from your house.
Unplug things when you're not using them, hang dry your laundry, take shorter showers. Pretty self-explanatory. Plus, this will help reduce your electricity bills, and therefore inflate your wallet. It's a win-win for everyone.
9. Educate yourself, and others.
The best way to help the environment is to know what's going on with it. So venture out to your local keyboard, and just Google. You'll find things that shock you and you'll find things that make you sad. But it's better to know what's going on well enough to have an idea of where to start fixing than it is to be completely clueless. And tell your friends what you find.
Alright, well, those are my tips. The most important step you can take is towards being aware of your impact, and making a conscious effort to make that impact more positive. Don't feel like you have to do all of this 24/7. I don't; I try, but sometimes things happen. I mean try your best, but it's not the end of the world if you accidentally throw some plastic in the trash (… or is it?).
Have fun reducing, reusing, and recycling!
