As much as most people would like the planet to just “stay gold, Ponyboy,” change is inevitable and the effects humans have on the Earth have consequences. Blame it on physics, but every action has a reaction — which means the decisions you make directly affect your surroundings and the world around you.
Most would agree that you shouldn’t litter, but have you ever thought about the kind of impact littering has? What would the road look like if everyone decided to throw the trash from their car outside? Would you even be able to see the road at all? What if everyone left the lights on before they left for work, or if no one decided to recycle?
There’s a lot of reasons to be environmentally conscious, and just as many ways to go about it. The best part is that it doesn’t even necessarily take much to do so. Here are some quick tips on how to be more environmentally conscious.
1. What Goes Around Comes Around: Recycling
Recycling things such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes are a great way to reuse materials and keep landfills from filling up. It’s one of the easiest ways to preserve energy, since raw materials aren’t being used to manufacture new goods. All it takes is choosing a different receptacle to put your trash in. When possible, try to buy recycled products as well. This can be paper, cups, you name it — there’s probably a version of it made from recycled materials.
If cost is an issue and you don’t have free recycling, most cities also have a recycling dumpster available. However, most apartments and rental communities will also have one on-site for residents.
2. Park It: Walk or Bike
In cities, car emissions cause between fifty and ninety percent of all air pollution. However, reducing your driving habits or walking more often can reduce your carbon footprint.
It may help to walk or bike to your destination when possible. If you’re meeting up with friends at the bar a couple of blocks away, it may be a better choice to walk anyway. If your office is close to home, biking is a great way to get to work without as much traffic and get some physical activity in as well.
Not only are you preventing further air pollution, but you’re also burning calories. Walking or biking is a win-win for both the planet and your body.
3. It’s in the Bag: Use Reusable Bags
In some states, it costs money to use plastic bags. This is an attempt to deter people from using so many of them. Some people may even have a “bag of bags” hanging up in the closet. If you’re one of those people, the good news is you can go to stores like Target and recycle those bags.
Reusable bags are not only the green choice, but they also come with lots of fun designs too. Whether you want to represent your favorite bookstore or just love cats wearing glasses, there’s a reusable tote or grocery bag out there with a design you’ll love. Some are even made from recycled materials, too. Style and a positive impact — what do you have to lose?
4. Fill ‘Er Up: Use Reusable Cups
Similar to reusable bags, reusable cups make a difference as well. Because of the plastic liner on the interior, coffee cups are not recyclable. Giving up coffee would probably spark the next world war, so instead, a green choice would be to bring in a reusable mug. Many coffee shops sell their own branded cups and offer small discounts when you use them.
If you love your coffee a “latte,” using a reusable cup can go a long way for both the environment and your wallet.
5. Support Local: Buy Local
Support your local farmers and merchants by buying local produce and goods. Buying local products can help reduce air pollution from factories, and local produce can lower greenhouse gas emissions. When you buy local, you’re also supporting small businesses and farms financially so they can continue to provide quality goods and services for years to come.
Florida native? Buy some fresh oranges from the farm down the road. Loving life in Iowa? Choose the farmers market before a chain grocery store. Small changes can make a huge difference for your local and global communities.
Be Mindful and Spread the Word
It may go without saying, but creating awareness and staying mindful of everyday choices are two of the most significant ways to stay environmentally conscious.
Try not to lose sight of greener decisions, and educate others on what those choices are. Some of the smallest changes can make the biggest impact.
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