Making even small changes in the way we do things can have a big impact. Since society has developed habits that are harmful to the environment, changes need to happen in order to provide cleaner air and water, preserve wildlife, etc. Adopting earth-friendly habits doesn’t have to be hard. Listed below are a dozen good ideas. Even people who are hesitant about big changes will find something here they can embrace with little effort:
Eat fewer takeout meals. When you do get food from a restaurant, try to find one that uses compostable or recyclable containers. Some will even fill your own containers if you ask.
Find a source for local meat and eggs. Your food will be fresher and you’ll have the added bonus of supporting a local business.
Use a dish cloth instead of a sponge. Or find a more earth-friendly natural sponge.
Switch to glass storage containers when your plastic ones need to be replaced.
Get rid of Teflon-coated pots and pans, which pose multiple health hazards.
Switch to rechargeable batteries, which can be reused hundreds of times.
Take shorter showers. Less hot water used = less energy used.
Still using disposable razors? Switch to one with a replaceable blade.
Opt to receive monthly statements via email, and pay your bills online when possible to reduce paper waste.
Plant an extra row of veggies in your garden and donate them to a food bank. It’s earth-friendly and community-minded.
Collect some of your rainwater and use it to water the garden during dry spells.
Choose fruits and vegetables that are sold loose. There’s no reason for peas, potatoes, or lemons to be shrink-wrapped in plastic or strapped to Styrofoam.
Chances are, you’re already doing some of the things on that list. Think about adding a few more to your routine. There are so many small things that can collectively make a difference in our footprint on the earth!
Janice
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”
— Jane Goodall