Environmental sustainability seems like an uphill battle. With new research coming out so frequently about how likely a doomsday scenario is, it can be difficult to commit yourself to doing your part for the environment. A little goes a long way – here are 5 easy ways to help the Earth, both at home and on the go.
5 Easy Ways to Help the Earth – at Home and on the Go
Reduce usage of single use plastics
Single use plastics are incredibly common; some examples of single use plastics include plastic silverware, plastic straws, and plastic bags. Plastic doesn’t break down so much as it breaks up into tiny particles. According to Environmental Health News, some of the compounds found in broken down plastic have been proven to have negative health effects on the human body. Reducing your usage of single use plastics can help keep landfills clear of plastic and eliminate the negative effects they have.
Use the three Rs
The three Rs are reduce, reuse, and recycle. This concept can be applied to all waste that we produce. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources states that the biggest benefit to using the three Rs is saving landfill space by keeping useful materials out of them. In addition to saving landfill space, using the three Rs can also reduce energy consumption, natural resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Having recycling and trash bins in your home and at work is a great way to implement the three Rs into your daily life.
Use energy-efficient lighting
Energy-efficient lighting consists of two main types of light bulbs – compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Using energy-efficient lighting significantly reduces energy consumption and output, and can also save you money, as energy-efficient lighting lasts about 15 times as long as regular incandescent lighting. A simple way to implement energy efficiency is by switching all of the lightbulbs you have to be energy efficient. This is one of the most overlooked ways to help the Earth, but even a change as small as this will be beneficial for many years to come.
Be water conscious
Water conservation is one of the most important ways to help the Earth. A few ways one can conserve water are turning off your sink when brushing your teeth, showering instead of taking a bath, and using cold water whenever possible. According to The Wildlife Trusts, the biggest benefits to being water conscious are conserving energy and keeping more water in our ecosystems. Instituting water conservation practices ensures that we’ll have plenty of water for ourselves and for wildlife.
Shop local
Shopping locally could be going to a farmer’s market for your produce, or a secondhand store for furniture and clothing. The benefits of shopping locally include reducing the number of miles food travels, easing accessibility to food, and supporting local farms that use and protect local land. Shopping in locally owned businesses also stimulates the economy, making it a great way to do your part for two important pieces of our lives.
These ways to help the Earth may seem small, but their impact is larger than life. Implementing these practices will help significantly to reduce your carbon footprint and will ensure a healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Doing your part to help the Earth, little by little, will lead to a brighter future for all of us.
About EnviroStaff
EnviroStaff is a division of LGC that focuses on making placements in the environmental industry. We build partnerships with clients to fill open positions on their team and have recruiting capabilities within multiple markets throughout the U.S. Working closely together, EnviroStaff will recruit environmental industry professionals based on your job description and requirements. By making direct hire placements, EnviroStaff can help clients save time and money often associated with recruiting.