Reports regularly reveal the way we humans are trashing the planet at an extraordinary rate. Every day we make certain choices that affect the environment and the climate. From what we buy to what we eat, there are many simple things to reduce our environmental footprint and make a big difference.
Here are 10 simple ways to help the environment
Set thermostat a few degrees lower
We love to stay warm in winters and cool in summers but adjusting the thermostat a few degrees lower during summers can make a huge difference in saving energy. Moreover, this also helps you save money on utility bills.
Save water
Water is the elixir of life; without it, we will not be able to sustain it. Yet, we are careless about using it. Saving water helps protect the environment and there are many ways to do so. When brushing teeth, turn the tap on when you want to rinse. Skip the shower head and take a sink wash. Use rain barrels to catch water from the gutters and downspouts. All these small measures help conserve a lot of water and even save on water bills.
Use environmentally favourable products
When you are looking for ways to protect the environment, use products that are free of chemicals, dyes, flavours and fragrances. These products are not tested on animals and will make you feel great. Do a little research before purchasing the products.
Ditch single-use plastic
Single-use plastic is convenient, but it ends up as litter, polluting the environment. There are various simple ways to reduce unnecessary plastic use. Next time when you are out and about, carry a flask or reusable bottle instead of buying packaged water. When you go grocery shopping, use reusable mesh bags, tote bags or cloth bags to carry the products home.
Make 3Rs the mantra of your life
Reduce, reuse, and recycle are the three great ways you can eliminate waste and protect the environment. Try to reduce the amount of waste you generate. Think of ways to reuse the materials at home before trashing them and recycle the materials by making them into new products.
Plant vegetables
Growing your vegetables is not just a good way to save money, it also helps cut down your carbon footprint and be eco-friendly. If you do not have a yard, windowsill boxes are a great way to plant herbs and small vegetables, brighten up your view and filter the incoming air.
Walk, bike or use public transport
Walking or biking help reduce greenhouse gases. Plus, you’ll get some good cardio and burn some calories while doing it. If you live in an area that is not walkable, use public transport or carpool. Even one car off the road makes a huge difference.
Switch off electrical appliances
Energy conservation is another simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. Leaving your electrical appliances on standby use up a lot of energy. So, next time, when you do not need them, hit the off switch, and you could see huge improvements.
Do not waste food
Wasting food adds to the amount of CO2 and destructive greenhouse gas methane created in the landfills. Moreover, if we do not waste food, we could end global hunger.
Compost
If your food has gone past the best consumption date, then you can compost it rather than throw it away. It helps create a natural fertiliser to keep your garden green and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.