Many people make New Years resolutions about things like exercising, reading books, and making money, but too few people think about making resolutions about what they can do to help the environment. These fun facts can help towards a more sustainable and healthier future!
[1]
1. Reusable bags:
Using reusable bags is a fun and easy way to lower your consumption of plastic. Most grocery stores sell reusable bags which are interestingly patterned, made of recycled plastic, and have environmental facts on them. They are even cost effective because grocery stores sometimes charge for plastic bags. Buy some next time you shop, you’ll definitely use them!
2. Reusable water bottles:
Reusable water bottles are one of the best ways to save time, be healthy, lower environmental footprints, and save money! Using a reusable water bottle that looks good, is more fun to drink from, and is healthier will improve your quality of life. Plastic bottles have a huge environmental impact because of the high amounts of water and energy used in their production and shipping. They also leach chemicals such as BPA which are bad for your health especially when the plastic is heated.
[2]
3. Begin to recycle
Recycling is the easiest and most time effective way to help the environment. Many states now have single stream recycling programs. That means that you don’t have to sort your recycling before putting it into the bin. Paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and any plastic with a symbol can be recycled. This makes it easy to identify recyclable items and convenient to participate in recycling.
4. Buy local and organic produce
The distance food has to travel is the main contributor for it’s environmental impact. Locally grown food bought at farmers markets is higher quality, supportive of local businesses, and has a much lower environmental footprint. Foods which are organic are not contaminated in their growth from pesticides or other chemicals. This is better for you because your body does not have to filter the toxins it takes in allowing your organs to do less work. Organic food has to meet strict regulations from the EPA regarding the growing process to ensure the high level of quality. For animal products, try to buy meat that is grass fed, cage free, and hormone free; and if you can, try to also buy organic. The cost is definitely worth it to your health.
[3]
5. Bike once a week
Biking is a great way to get exercise and reduce your environmental impact. A gallon of gas releases 28 lbs of carbon dioxide. Think of how much lower your carbon impact would be when biking once a week. When it is warm try biking to your local gym as a way to get in even more conditioning. You may find it more enjoyable than the drive.
6. Instal LEDs
LED lighting is a great way to cut down on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. The bulbs now last longer than halogen or compact florescent lights. They can even be recycled because they do not contain harmful chemicals like mercury! They are even customizable and come many shades of color which allow users to perfectly design their home lighting. So whenever an old bulb burns out, just replace it with a LED!
7. Have a conversation about the environment
Discussing how to help the environment is a great way to educate yourself, think of ideas, and spread the message of going green. Even thinking about the environment once a month is a great way to stay motivated and try new things. Just having an idea of what you can do leads to more sustainability.
Thanks for reading and have an eco-friendly 2017
Photo credits:
3. http://www.ebicycles.com/article/what-type-of-bicycle-should-i-buy.html
