7 Small Ways To Make Big Environmental Changes
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

7 Small Ways To Make Big Environmental Changes

You don't have to be an environmentalist to make a difference - small, daily changes have a big impact too.

53
7 Small Ways To Make Big Environmental Changes

It can be hard to believe you can make a difference sometimes. When it comes to the environment, it's even harder. We assume we can't do much - we don't have the money, the education, the accessibility. This isn't true. There are things we do daily that negatively affect the environment more than we think, and limiting this alone can help tremendously, especially if you spread the word to your friends.

Here are some things you can add to your life that are a bit more eco-friendly.

1. Switch over to a bamboo toothbrush.

www.maxpixel.net

Sometimes we don't realize something like a toothbrush, but they are something made out of plastic usually when they don't have to be. Not only do they compose faster, but often times they are made out of charcoal bristles which naturally whitens your teeth!

2. Drop plastic bags and use reusable bags.

upload.wikimedia.org

Plastic bags are often something we use too much of. Next time you go food shopping, try bringing reusable bags instead. Some stores may even offer you a discount. You can get fun with it and buy a matching set!

3. Use metal straws instead of plastic.

live.staticflickr.com

This is one of the most well known environmentally friendly changes, but it does make a difference. One metal straw is equivalent to 540 plastic straws. You can put them in a container or pouch and take them with you anywhere! Obviously, sometimes you'll be putting them in a plastic cup. This doesn't mean you're not making a difference, or that it's cancelling out. Any time you would normally use a plastic straw - like a restaurant for example -and you use a metal straw instead, you've contributed. Some packs of metal straws come with a cleaner too!

4. Invest in a reusable cup instead of water bottles.

David Svihovec

We waste so much plastic when we go to our daily coffee shop and get their plastic cups, or when we drink out of water bottles every day. Sometimes, you have no choice. But you can help limit that usage by switching to reusable cups. Get into the habit of bringing it with you! Some stores may even offer you a little discount when you use your own cup instead!

5. Use a drinking filter.

images.pexels.com

When you need water for your reusable cups, try from the sink! Getting a water filter limits the amount of tubes or bottles of water you buy.

6. Sell or donate clothes.

cdn.pixabay.com

Sometimes we forget that it isn't just trash that is polluting our lands or beaches, but also clothes! If you have clothes that are still good, sell or donate them! If they are a little bit up, try cutting them and recycling them as rags!

7. Stop buying batteries - get rechargeable ones.

Battery Energy Charging Supply Means Source

www.maxpixel.net

Batteries are obviously made up of chemicals, and using them and throwing them out is never good for landfills. If you switch to rechargeable batteries, you help the environment and your bank account all in one!


They are so many small changes you can make daily. You can't do everything, but if everyone invest a bit more in the present, we can help lead us to a healthier future. Look how easy it is to make a difference.

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

85183
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?

51250
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.

987092
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments