Our planet is the most precious thing we have. Although the impact of the human being is destroying it, we can all make some effort to take care of it and make up for our mistakes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Saving on Water and Energy
Step 1. Turn off and unplug household appliances and other devices when not in use
Do this especially before you leave the house.
When the plugs of the devices are inserted in the sockets, they use the electricity even when they are turned off
Step 2. Go for renewable energy sources
For example, US electricity generation alone accounts for over a third of the emissions that cause global warming, with the majority generated by coal plants (which produce approximately 25% of total US emissions). In contrast, renewable energy sources produce few emissions, in some cases they generate none.
- Install solar panels on your home to get electricity naturally.
- There are innovative programs for sustainable consumption. Contact the electricity company to find out if you can participate.
- Insist that you care about the matter. With the right pressure, it will be easier to get you to listen.
Step 3. Change the bulbs
Compact fluorescents and LEDs can generate a high initial cost, but are more durable. It could be two decades before you need to buy a new one.
LED lights (slightly preferable to compact fluorescent) are much more efficient than incandescent ones, whose structure can compromise energy savings by up to 85%. If every American home changed just one, the equivalent amount of energy saved would provide light for three million homes a year
Step 4. Save on water
Here's how to change your habits.
- Take shorter showers. The average American uses about 100,000 liters of water per year, 200 liters per day. A shower, on average, consumes approximately 20 liters of water per minute. If you reduce it by two minutes, you can save 40 l. You can also reduce your water consumption by turning off the tap while soaping.
- Turn off the tap or let it run less while shaving or soaping your hands or dishes. Your good habits will build up over time.
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Use the washing machine and dishwasher fully loaded: you will save on both water and electricity.
Speaking of which, hang out your laundry outside instead of using the dryer
Step 5. Don't overuse the air conditioning
If you don't absolutely need it, open the windows or turn on the fans.
In the winter, turn down the thermostat - this will be a great excuse to snuggle up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. Your body will get used to it in no time
Part 2 of 3: Reduce your Ecological Footprint
Step 1. Don't buy disposable items
Today's society relies too much on this convenience, but, in the end, it just becomes more garbage.
- Use tea towels, towels, and cloth diapers.
- Use your plates and glasses, never the plastic ones because you don't want to wash the dishes.
- Don't buy bottled water. Recycle a bottle to carry around to keep yourself hydrated.
- Buy eco-friendly bags for grocery shopping. What do you need the plastic ones for? You risk accumulating them without knowing how to recycle them.
Step 2. Buy a hybrid car or ride a bike
Cars pollute and destroy ozone. Who still wants to find themselves trapped in traffic?
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Lower fuel consumption would affect oil mines around the world, a finite resource that is becoming more and more expensive due to demand. Furthermore, using less fuel means releasing fewer toxic gases into the air …
… And save money
- The bike is the ideal means of transport. Because? You do not have to refuel, do not pollute and do physical activity.
Step 3. Convert to using a collective car
Okay, hybrid cars are not really for everyone and the bicycle is not very fast. What is the alternative? Carpooling, or the sharing of a car, so as not to damage the environment so much and not contribute too much to traffic.
If you live in a city with gang car lanes, you can use them honestly, not like those people who enter without actually having the right to
Step 4. Try to get as little mail as possible
Today everything is available on the internet: bills, newspapers and so on and so forth. You will not pile up a pile of paper and only the welcome mail will arrive.
- Open an online account regarding all the services you use. Emails are not harmful to the environment.
- Start reading magazines and newspapers online.
Step 5. Recycle paper, plastic, aluminum and cans
This is one of the simplest and most obvious ways to help the environment. Do the separate collection and contact your municipality if the appropriate bins are missing.
- Recycling doesn't stop there. Nowadays, you can also recycle electronic devices you no longer use. In some cases, you may even get paid to recycle your old phones and mp3 players.
- Determine your home recycling program by asking your family and roommates for a helping hand. Use different containers.
Step 6. Avoid fast food and food waste
Junk food, in addition to not being good for your health, is not even ideal for the environment with all its wrappers and bags. Buy packaged products as little as possible, so you'll produce less junk.
Food is biodegradable, but wasting it is still wrong. Store leftovers - you'll save money and use fewer packages and containers
Step 7. Buy less and go DIY to recycle what you already have
Give what you don't need to charity. Cook more at home.
Before you throw anything away, ask yourself if it could be useful for someone else. An object can be fixed or transformed into something else
Step 8. Prepare the compost:
is good for the environment and your garden. Designates an area in which to store garden waste, fruit peels and uneaten food. After some time, you can use it to fertilize the land.
Unfortunately, landfills are filling up more and more. Compost slows their growth, making them last longer. You will recycle waste and have a cheaper alternative to chemical fertilizers, without causing methane emissions
Part 3 of 3: Spread the Word
Step 1. Maintain your neighborhood to set a good example for your neighbors
- Plant trees in the park
- Do not throw paper on the ground
- Encourage council to keep an eye on parks and recreation areas
Step 2. Join an organization
Almost all cities have several dedicated to improving the area. Get in touch with your family and friends and do some research. If no group exists, start one yourself.
You can request more information at the library, the municipality, the tourist office or on the city website. Didn't you find anything? Opt for private sources in parks or recycling centers
Step 3. Make your voice heard
Talk to various associations and community meetings.
- Write an article for the local newspaper.
- Support a political candidate and work with him to improve local environmental conditions. So many cities are starting to feel the ecological pressure.
Step 4. Get informed
After all, knowledge is power. The more you know, the more efficiently and effectively you will act. Look for professionals and resources online to boost your expertise.
The internet is full of like-minded people. Some may be more knowledgeable and will be able to give you excellent ideas. Subscribe to various ecological sites and attend their forums
Advice
- Don't overdo the toilet paper.
- Run your errands in one session so you don't overuse the car: you'll save on gasoline and emit less carbon monoxide into the air.
- Don't think your actions are insignificant. Everyone's effort makes the difference.
- Invest in high-efficiency appliances and home appliances.
