stop hurting the earth
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

11 Ways You're Destroying The Planet, And How You Can Stop

"How is it possible that the most intellectual creature to ever walk the planet Earth is destroying it's only home?" -

125
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHa1ehrgD5OfEVeV7w37IEQVykYVfFJvIq677c0/?taken-by=cr4zybritt
Brittany James

We are all capable of fixing what's already been done to our planet. It's time to start saving it.

1. Not recycling 

Recycling something small may seem tedious or underwhelming, but even one small piece of plastic could end up in the throat or stomach of an animal. To you it's just a straw or a plastic fork...to an animal it's either life or death.

2. Driving dangerously

No, I'm not talking about swerving lanes or going more than 5 miles over the speed limit. Driving dangerously means driving too much or driving when it's not needed. Every single time you start your car, it lets off hydrocarbons that pollute the air and destroy the environment. If you truly want to save our future generations, drive less and bike or walk more. It's good for you and everyone else.

3. Growing population

It's not a secret when you visit large cities that the Earth is overcrowded. At the current moment, our populations sits around 7.6 billion and it will only continue to grow... once we hit 10 billion, we're unable to sustain everyone with food. Earth is not made to hold 10 billion people, and if we continue on this path we'll only hurt ourselves. Make smart choices, use protection, educate teens and preteens.

4. Consuming animal products

Livestock and factory farms not only destroy land, but they pollute and kill the Planet as well. The most Greenhouse gases come from factory farming, and the industry continues to try to hide the cruelty. Within the next few decades, meat and dairy consumption will only continue to rise so we need to focus on this now and not 10 years from now. If you have a choice, try plant based alternatives. One person can make all the difference.

5. Wasting Water

A well-known fact about the human population is that we use water for EVERYTHING. We overuse and use unnecessarily when some countries have no water, to begin with. When you brush your teeth, turn the faucet off. When you show, decrease your time. Maybe even donate to the companies that transport water to the needy.

6. Not shopping locally

These days, we have chains like Wal-Mart and McDonalds taking over. It's no secret that these chains and others as well treat their workers terribly, and also use cheap materials and products. Instead of giving your money to a massive power hungry corporation, shop at your local grocery stores. Put your money into a company that actually cares about your town.

7. Traveling

We all want to visit a country away from our own, but what happens when you go and you only hurt the country in the process? Before visiting, look up their rules on recycling or rent a handy bike to sightsee. Some people also think that if they litter out in a different country, that it won't affect their own... No matter where you are, pick up and keep the place cleaner than when you first got there.

8. Not buying correctly

It's always far better to buy organic and locally. If you buy fruit or vegetables that aren't labeled organic, you get more pesticides. Try bringing your own bags as well so you're not always using plastic bags at the store. Whenever you can, limit any possible waste.

9. Flushing things down the toilet

People think that it's better to flush things down the toilet like floss or other items to stop them from going to the landfill. Well, you're not helping anyone because it either goes into a treatment plant that sends it to the landfill anyway, or it somehow finds a way into a large body of water.

10. Using non-reusable cups 

A lot of people enjoy their Starbucks coffee, but it makes an impact when you buy a cup nearly every day and throw it away. The company started doing a thing where you can buy very cheap reusable cups at the stores. You also get 10 cents off every buy when you go in with the cup.

11. Using plastic bottles

Plastic bottles are incredibly common when it comes to things people could easily recycle but down. Each year, Americans have used around 50 billion bottles which is an insane amount. Why use a bottle when you can easy buy a reusable one and put better water in it? Stop buying plastic. Even if you do buy it, recycle.

I hope reading this article helped you realize how bad our Earth actually is. Anyone of these points, just one, could help more than you could ever possibly know.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

99418
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments