On April 22, millions of people across the world mark the celebration of the annual “Earth Day” holiday. It is a time for individuals to reflect on the current state of our environment and serves as reminder to all of us about the fragility of the planet and the importance in preserving its wellbeing. Within recent years, the notion of “environmental conservationism” has grown larger in prominence as many global leaders begin to shift their focus on enacting laws that will better serve the planet by reducing pollution, using eco-friendly energy resources and enforcing stricter recycling programs to reduce waste.
However, the general public has a responsibility in taking simple, but effective measures in aiding in the survival and prosperity of the planet for years to come. Having an eco-friendly mindset may come off as a nuisance to those who are constantly on the go and don’t have time to worry about details like whether or not a product is recyclable. Nevertheless, it is essential that we as a society are aware of the actions we can take to further benefit the longevity of our planet and provide a better living environment for future generations. That said, here are just a few short and simple ways to take care of the environment that you can easily implement into your everyday routine.
1. Unplug your electronics.
Finished charging your phone? Leaving your room for the day? Make sure to unplug any cords, cables or electronics before you go. It’s a very easy way to help reduce your electricity input and can even save you money in the long run when that utility bill comes in. Speaking of bills…
2. Pay your bills electronically.
We now live in the digital age, which means that everything and anything can be found online, including your bills. So, choose to opt out and go paperless when receiving your bills for the month and pay for them online. You’ll probably end up getting a more extensive breakdown of what your bill is like for the month, and you’ll eliminate the need to send in a check back through the mail.
3. Bring your own shopping bags.
Do you have a pile of unused plastic bags the size of a mountain underneath your kitchen sink? Recycle those and switch over to reusable tote bags that you can bring with you when you go shopping. Most supermarkets sell their own tote bags for as low as $1 each, so make sure to pick yours up the next time you go out to buy groceries. You’ll be saving yourself the hassle of collecting way too many plastic bags while also reducing your own waste at the same time. Win-win!
4. Use a refillable water bottle.
Approximately 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills every day. Alleviate the problem by using a refillable water bottle. That, way you can drink as much water as you want without producing the amount of waste that comes with it. As a bonus, you’ll also save yourself a couple of bucks a week from not spending.
5. Donate old clothing.
Contrary to popular belief, most articles of clothing are not recyclable, which leads to a surplus of used textiles ending up in landfills. Help solve this problem by donating any old or used clothes to homeless shelters, thrift stores or clothing drop-off centers. You’ll be reducing your clutter and helping someone in need.
Taking care of the environment doesn’t have to be a chore. These are just a few easy ways you can do your part to help make our world a cleaner and healthier place. It’s time that we come together as a community and take a firm stance on protecting the planet we live on.
