We have all heard of ways to help the environment. We know the three R’s and that carbon is bad for our environment. But what are ways you can start making a change today? Well, here is a short list of everyday changes you can make to help the environment.
Use reusable cups and straws! I get coffee every morning, so I am definitely a culprit for not remembering my reusable cup. This little change helps you and the planet! Around the UMass campus, and at Dunkin’ and Starbucks, you get a bit of a discount when you bring in a reusable cup! This helps reduce your plastic usage and can keep plastic straws out of animals’ habitats.
Turning off the water when you are not directly using it is another simple change you can make. This means turning off the water in between brushing your teeth, doing the dishes, or not running the shower before you hop in. These tiny changes can help reduce your water consumption.
Finding a way to cut back on your carbon footprint is a bit more tricky. This could be through carpooling to work or class, taking the bus, or in the nicer weather switching to biking or walking! While this is not available for everyone to do even making this change a few times a week can help.
Bring reusable bags!! This works for when you are shopping for any occasion. We have all seen plastic bags rolling down the street, in the ocean, or really just anywhere. Bringing reusable bags with you helps stop this litter in such an easy way. Plus, reusable bags don’t rip as easily!
Finally, focus on where your waste goes. Splitting your trash into recycling, garbage, and compost makes a huge impact. Many people do not wash out plastics before recycling or take the time to make sure everything that goes in the trash is actually trash. Looking for that little Mobius loop on the bottom of plastics or contains can tell you what is able to be recycled. Composting is a bit more difficult, but it is a great way to reduce methane gasses that builds up in landfills. You can even use the compost to help the soil in your own backyard!
Meatless Mondays! Not everyone can give up meat every day, and I understand. Picking just one day a week where you do not eat meat can help reduce your carbon footprint, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emission. You would be surprised by all that goes into the meat you eat.
While this is just the beginner list of the changes you can make to help the planet, every little switch helps. The Earth is constantly giving so much to us, so the least we can do is make these tiny changes to help make Earth better.
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