8 Practical Ways Anyone Can Be More Environmentally Friendly

Everyone knows they should care more about the environment, but most people believe it’s just not worth the time and trouble. Furthermore, it’s common to believe that one person making a change isn’t going to matter. If you hold these beliefs, think again. 

You might not be in a position to change the behavior of millions of people, but you can take responsibility for your own actions and do your part. You can also influence others around you. 

Use these easy strategies and do your part to support the environment: 

1. Avoid wasting water. It’s true that the total amount of water in the world is constant. However, the amount of fresh water in the world is not. Fresh water is constantly trying to make its way to the ocean. And while water isn’t expensive in our part of the world, it’s not free either. 

• Taking a shower uses less water than taking a bath.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
• Only run your dishwasher when it’s full 

2. Recycle your plastics. Plastics are one of the largest sources of pollution. Plastics can last for thousands of years and do a great deal of harm to birds and aquatic life. Look for recycling programs in your area and recycle your plastics. 

3. Carpool. Fewer cars on the road burns less gasoline and creates less air pollution. You also don’t have to drive as often and can use the time more constructively. You could also use the time to socialize and get to know your coworkers better. Ask around and figure out who lives near you. 

4. Recycle your grass. Over 10% of the solid waste in landfills is yard waste. Use a mulching mower to recycle your grass clippings. When placed in a landfill, grass clippings can hang around for decades or longer. 

• Recycling your clippings is great for your lawn. It returns nitrogen and moisture to the ground. You can also avoid adding plastic trash bags to landfills. 

5. Eat less meat. A cow requires a lot of land to raise. Raising a cow can also require a lot of pesticides, fertilizer, fuel, feed, and water. Cows and their manure also release a lot of methane into the environment. 

• Try eating a vegetarian dinner once a week. Many experts believe that it’s a healthier way to live. It’s certainly better for the environment. 

6. Plant a tree. A tree can provide shade, beauty, and removes carbon dioxide from the air. The waste gas released from trees is oxygen. You can never have too many trees. Planting a tree can be a fun family activity. 

7. Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive. There are several services available online that will reduce the amount of junk mail you receive. Junk mail is called junk mail because it winds up in the trash. It’s just material with minimal value that takes up more space in the landfill. 

8. Shop with reusable bags. We buy a lot of stuff, and most of it ends up being placed in plastic bags. All of these bags eventually end up in the trash. Switch over to reusable bags, and you’ll be doing your part to minimize the amount of plastics that are discarded each year. 

The Earth is your home, so it doesn’t make sense to pollute it. Each person can do their part to make the Earth cleaner and healthier. 

Avoid worrying about what everyone else in the world is doing. You can do your share and know that you’re taking responsibility for your behavior. Then, you can attempt to influence the behavior of others if you desire.