How To Help The Earth Before It's Too Late
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Earth is On Fire, Here's What We Can Do To Help Before Our Actions Are Irreversible

"The earth is on f*cking fire," tweeted Bill Nye the Science Guy.

97
The Earth is On Fire, Here's What We Can Do To Help Before Our Actions Are Irreversible

We have all seen the past few months and few years just how bad climate change has gotten. The increase in temperatures, flooding, hurricanes, snowstorms, etc. we have been experiencing are not normal. And they are going to get worse, so worse to the point that how we live is not going to be sustainable to continuously get through the damage these weather events bring.

We have 12 years to turn the trajectory around on how we treat our home. 12 years. Change starts little, but when billions of people partake in change, it can be big and revolutionary. Action needs to be taken by each and every one of us.

1. Recycle

One of the easiest ways to help the planet — recycle. Recycle plastic, paper, whatever can be recycled. It might seem small and not helpful but think of if you are to do this all the time, it makes a HUGE difference. Especially if millions of people continue to do it.

Garbage just sits there and never really degrades. It just sits and takes thousands of years to degrade. So recycle and help save the earth one small step at a time.

2. Reuse

Buy usable water bottles, use Tupperware, use an actual lunchbox instead of a paper sack or plastic bag. I'm at fault for this too — I always buy a case of plastic water bottles for college. I'll reuse them a few times and then recycle them. But, just think of how much plastic I can save if I were to just use my reusable water bottles.

And, it's not even plastic water bottles — it's plastic baggies, straws, etc. We use so much plastic day in and day out that is not reusable. Whip out the reusable plastic, Tupperware that is washable. Also, Starbucks you get so much off if you use a reusable cup for your drink.

It's the small things you change in your life every day that can help the earth.

3. Drive less

Okay, this one can be difficult to do — especially if you live in a small town where you have no choice but to drive to get places. BUT, if you can, carpool with people, ride a bike, walk, scooter, or whatever you need to do. If you live in a college town or a big city, take the train or bus, ride your bike to school, scooter, roller skate, walk, skateboard or hover-board to places.

In college towns, it's normal to see people using scooters, roller skates or hoverboards, like, why don't we all just join in on the fun?

4. Wash clothes in cold water

Washing clothes in cold water saves more water, and it is just as efficient as washing your clothes in warm water too. And if you want to take the extra step, hang dry clothes. Even though this one is a far step, even for me, it could save some money for you and help the environment a small bit.

5. Upcycle

Basically, upcycling is taking something old, such as clothes, and making it into something new. You can even do this with old furniture or anything sitting around the house that could possibly be reused. You save money from buying brand new things and you can whip out your DIY skills and brush them up at the same time.

6. Unplug when not in use

When you are using your phone charger, computer charger, etc., unplug. Unplugging will help save energy since it isn't drawing any power. Especially if you're leaving home from a while, or going on vacation, unplug things that do not need to be in use while you are gone.

7. Pick up trash

Most trash we throw out is not biodegradable and takes years to even start to decompose on earth. So pick that trash up and put it in a trash or recycle bin. It is unhealthy for our mother earth, she deserves to be clean and healthy and treated with love.

8. Plant, plant, plant

Plant trees. They take years to grow BUT they are the lungs of our earth. The help produces oxygen by breathing in carbon dioxide and releasing it as oxygen.

Plant flowers. During photosynthesis, the leaves of the flowers absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Additionally, planting flowers can help hold soil in its proper place and reduce erosion and flooding.

Flowers are gorgeous to look at and smell lovely and helps the bee population.

There is so much more we can all do to help our planet. This is our only home — we don't get another planet to fly off to when things get bad. We can't continue to treat our one and only home like crap — our earth deserves the love, kindness, cleanliness and healthiest environment to continue to thrive and support our way of life.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57959
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37329
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959006
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192357
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments