Here’s a list of little ways you can do your part to save the Earth.
1. Get yourself a reusable water bottle.
This is such an easy way to reduce waste. Get one and take it with you everywhere! You can fill it for free with water at Starbucks and most restaurants. Plus save money by not having to buy plastic bottles.
2. Get yourself a tumbler.
No, not social media. A tumbler cup. You can use it at Starbucks and cafes and save a few paper cups. Plus, if you bring in a reusable cup from home to Starbucks, you’ll get a $0.10 discount on your drink.
3. Don’t use a straw.
The big fad this summer was reusable straws and although they can be nice when you need them, like with to-go cups, sometimes you just don’t really even need a straw. Especially at restaurants. Request that they do not put a straw in your drink.
4. Shop with reusable shopping bags.
This is such an easy one. Just keep a collection of reusable shopping bags in your car trunk, so you’ve always got them for when you go grocery shopping. Or try finding a collapsible reusable bag to keep in your purse/backpack for when you might need it.
5. Reuse plastic bags.
I know my family wasn’t the only one to keep a giant collection of plastic bags to be reused. And although I always try to remember my reusable ones, sometimes I just forget, so reuse the plastic bags you do get.
6. Buy un-packaged when possible.
If you’re buying fruits and vegetables, buy them from the loose un-packaged section. Instead of using the plastic produce bags provided, try out some reusable produce bags like these. If there’s a bulk section at your grocery store, try heading there with these bags as well. They can hold nuts/rice/pasta/large grains/lentils/coffee, etc.
7. Eat meatless some days.
You’ve probably seen the table outside the caf encouraging people to go meatless on Mondays. Try it some time! Now, don’t get me wrong, I love me some meat, but did you know a 1/3-pound burger requires 660 gallons of water. Going meatless for one day can be a big benefit environmentally.
8. Save and recycle paper.
Use both sides of a piece of paper! If you don’t, save it for scrap paper (any paper that still has at least half a page without anything on it). Use it for notes, lists, brainstorming, etc. And remember to always recycle your paper! If you can, buy recycled paper and notebooks.
9. Recycle cans/bottles.
This is an obvious one that most people do, but I’m still always shocked when I see someone throw these items away instead of recycling them.
Remember, every effort can have a big impact!