Spring has sprung and so has the need for society to better our environment. With the steady decay of our planet, there are several ways to lend a hand in the removal of environmental waste. It’s important to keep the environment clean in order to ensure Earth’s future – without clean air, water, or even recycling – life on Earth will be nonexistent. Even if it takes of years for Earth to become a wasteland, we can reverse the process just by doing a few, miniscule acts of kindness towards Mother Earth.
1. WATER. The simplest act of keeping our Earth clean starts with something you drink every day – water. With the temperature rising, it’s only natural to need more water; we grab a water bottle as we head out the door to class, on our way back from the gym, or just to read a book outside. That’s three times in a day that we use a plastic water bottle instead of a reusable one; how many times do we actually use plastic water bottles in a week? It can vary from ten bottles to a hundred. Just imagine the week increasing to two weeks, and then a month, and then a year – it becomes a little overwhelming to know how much excess plastic we use when it comes to water. Water is essential for almost any being to live but that doesn’t matter when we are using plastic water bottles because plastic water bottles aren’t biodegradable; if anything they soil clean air and ground if they’re not properly recycled. So instead of grabbing a plastic water bottle, think of investing in a reusable one instead. I know the thought of drinking tap water may irk some people because it bothers me too but investing in a water filter in the pitcher form or the one that attaches to your sink will not only save you money but also slow down some of the plastic pollution our Earth endures. Reusable water bottles are inexpensive and can be bought relatively everywhere. It’s worth using a single reusable water bottle every three months instead of using plastic water bottles three times a day. The more people who contribute to the elimination of plastic pollution, the better chances of Earth having a sustainable future.
2. RECYCLE. Another way to enable the depletion of our environment is to recycle. The simple act of recycling is stressed so much because it really does prevent pollution – it’s a selfless act that takes five seconds to complete yet people can’t find the time to do it. When plastic or glass isn’t recycled, do you know where it ends up? In a landfill where it can take up to a thousand years to decompose and while it’s doing that, it leaks toxins into Earth’s soil and water supply. In addition, when you recycle, that product will be produced into something else that can be recycled. It’s such a simple concept that gets overlooked far too easily. The next time you are about to throw out your Snapple bottle in the garbage, move your hand a few inches into the bin specifically designated for recyclable items. It’s that easy.
3. HELP LOCAL FARMERS. This way to help the environment is actually enjoyable and healthy for us too. Try substituting store bought vegetables and fruit with locally grown ones. The difference is astounding because you can actually taste the freshness – vegetables and fruits that are store bought can contain toxins that are harmful to the air and our bodies. Not only are you keeping yourself and the air toxin free, but you’re also promoting farming. Farming used to be one of the prosperous jobs in America until companies started genetically engineering fruits and vegetables. Help your local farmer and buy their crops this spring and summer. Not only will you be getting fresh, toxin free food, but you’re also exposing their hard work, which is now overshadowed by corporate companies.
There’s plenty of ways to help the environment that don’t involve much of your time. Without the air, soil, or water, human life would not be existent. You don’t need to donate money to any organizations or make a huge life change to help protect our environment. The future of our planet starts and ends with you, make it count and help keep our environment pollution free.