We’re always hearing about the negative impact we’re having on our environment, but not as many easy things that we can do to help reduce it. Even though we’re college students, we’re not too busy to help save our planet, at least a little bit. Here are five ways that we can be more environmentally conscious:
1. Reusable Water Bottles
While single-use plastic water bottles may seen convenient, they are doing much more harm then good. Over 500 billion plastic water bottles are disposed into our rivers, lakes, and oceans every year. Along with negatively affecting the environment, plastic water bottles contain a chemical called BPA that can have harmful effects on your health. Also, if you use a travel mug at ABP, you can get a discount! These are some great alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles: S’well, Hydro Flask, Camelbak, Nalgene, Lifefactory, and Contigo.
2. Reusable Straws
With over 500 million plastic straws being used every day in the US, it has become one of the main pollutants of our oceans, harming many species such as the sea turtle. The material that is used to make disposable plastic straws is made from the same fossil fuels that power our cars! Switching to reusable straws is a small step you can take to help keep our oceans clean and limit the emission of greenhouse gasses. There are many different types of reusable straws, such as metal, glass, and bamboo straws. Another great way to reduce your use of single-use plastic straws is to ask your server not to bring plastic straws to the table when you are out to eat!
3. Reusable Shopping Bags
While this one may seem like a no-brainer, there are lots of people who still don’t use reusable shopping bags. Reusable shopping bags are a great way to start being more environmentally conscious. While plastic bags can be recycled, they oftentimes have to be taken to certain drop-boxes at your local supermarket. Many towns, cities, and states have started banning all plastic bags, forcing customers to bring their own bags when going shopping. You can find some non-plastic bags at Wegmans, or for fun patterns, you can look at BlueQue. You could even find a cute canvas tote to use instead!
4. Eat Less Meat
Meat production, especially beef, has been proven to produce enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, which is one of the leading threats to our environment. Not only does raising cattle produce a lot of the greenhouse gas emission, it also requires a huge amount of water and carbon dioxide. While eating less meat, specifically beef, is better for the environment, it can also be better for your overall health. Start by changing out your choice of meat for tofu or veggies one day a week. Or, if you don’t want to take the vegetarian leap, spend some time to find locally-sourced, grass-fed meat instead of buying from major companies like Tyson. The documentary “Food, Inc.” is a great way to find out more about the meat and food industries and the effect that meat production has on our environment.
5. Find Alternatives to Plastic Items
There are many plastic items we use in our daily lives that can be replaced with more sustainable options. Some items include your toothbrush, plastic silverware and plates, and your phone case. Changing out at least one of these things can be a great and simple way to be more sustainable in your daily life. Here are some alternatives: bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable phone case, and reusable silverware sets.