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Politics and Activism

12 Small Things You Can Do That Will Make A Big Difference For The Planet

The little things add up.

Brooklynn Wilkes

Apr 22, 2019

Jacksonville State University

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In honor of Earth Day, I have been inspired to share some small things we as humans can do for our beautiful home. These small things can add up to really big changes.

So, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, doing your part can make a huge difference in the long run.

1. Skipping out on straws

*insert your eye roll* I know, I know, you have heard this way too much lately, but if we could actually skip out on straws or use ones that are reusable it would be good for the environment and our wildlife.

2. Choosing paper over plastic

When going to a grocery store or any places requiring you to carry items in a bag, opt for a paper option instead of plastic. Paper breaks down much quicker than plastic does.

3. Reuse, reuse, reuse

Anything that you can reuse multiple times, or indefinitely, is a much better option than something that is disposable. Less waste.

4. Cleaning up you local parks, roadways. rivers and oceans

Grab a couple friends and head out to your local pubic places. Less trash on the streets is less trash in the ocean and rivers, and less trash there is less harm to our wildlife.

5. No unnecessary driving

Stop driving if you do not absolutely have to. Look in to other alternatives like biking and walking, carpool with your friends.

6. Swap disposable things for reusable ones

Things like plastic silverware, straws, toothbrushes, ect. are all things that have alternatives that you can reuse over and over and are Eco friendly. Bamboo has been made into eating utensils, toothbrushes, and more. Bamboo is natural and will not harm the environment.

7. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about how they can help

This is an extremely easy thing to do that can have a major impact. Imagine if you got your whole family on board, your family got your neighbors on board, and then you started spreading these habits with your whole neighborhood. That is a whole neighborhood practicing Eco friendly habits and helping preserve this place we call home.

8. Ditch the plastic ware

We all go out to eat and stop by for some fast food. This normally involves a lot of plastic that will take literally forever to breakdown, leading to oceans and animals filled with it. Let the restaurant know you will not need plastic materials for your food and bring your own reusable options.

9. Put down the harsh chemicals

Many chemicals that we use for things such as hair care and pesticides are actually really bad for our environment. These chemicals lead to acid rain, reduction of the ozone layer, and acidification of our water.

10. Stop messing with trees, flowers, and plants in general

I know that your Instagram could really use a boost, but leave our plants out of it if it involves disturbing them. If you are running all over them, chances are they might not grow next time. No flowers, no picture.

11. Do some gardening

The planet gives to us every single day, the least we can do is give back to it. Plant some trees and flowers around where you live or maybe your local park.

12. Fund Eco friendly projects

Instead of funding random things, maybe we should be funding something to improve our way of life and future. If we do not start taking care of things now, then there will not be a future for the Earth.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

12 Small Things You Can Do That Will Make A Big Difference For The Planet

The little things add up.

1. Skipping out on straws

2. Choosing paper over plastic

3. Reuse, reuse, reuse

4. Cleaning up you local parks, roadways. rivers and oceans

5. No unnecessary driving

6. Swap disposable things for reusable ones

7. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about how they can help

8. Ditch the plastic ware

9. Put down the harsh chemicals

10. Stop messing with trees, flowers, and plants in general

11. Do some gardening

12. Fund Eco friendly projects

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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