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With stories of forest fires and dangerous storms brewing on every news station, it can be easy to feel disheartened. We have all been there. Here’s some good news: you can greatly impact sustainability in your everyday life!
With the climate changing before our very eyes, environmental sustainability is more important now than ever! On those days when you feel discouraged, remember that you are not alone — and together, we can change the world.
1. Practice the Three R’s
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Most of us have heard this mantra at least once in our lives, and it is a great way to incorporate sustainable action into our thinking. You can start by sorting through your waste and bringing recyclables to a nearby recycling facility.
2. Green Your Home
Making your home more environmentally friendly can look different for everyone! You can start by changing your lightbulbs to LED, which typically uses less energy and lasts longer. Other actions include investing in a smart thermostat or sealing up drafts around doors and windows.
3. Think Twice Before You Shop
In the age of online shopping, fast fashion is on the rise. Before you add that shirt to your cart, consider how long it will last — is it constructed with quality materials and in a style you will enjoy for years to come? Mindful shopping is a great way to support environmental sustainability!
4. Go Plastic-Free
The next time you’re out grocery shopping, opt out of plastic water bottles and invest in a reusable one instead! By limiting your single-use plastic, you’re helping our oceans stay clean!
5. Drive Green (Or Drive Less)
Not everyone can purchase a brand-new electric vehicle to reduce their environmental impact, and that’s okay! Consider leaving your car at home, hopping on a bus, or carpooling with a friend.
6. Have an Eco-Chat with a Loved One
Spread the word about environmental sustainability! Chatting with a friend or loved one about how important it is to take care of our planet might inspire them to change an aspect of their daily routine that will add up to a powerful environmental impact.
7. Compost Plant Material
Before you throw away those onion peels and celery stalks, try composting. Composting is a great way to reduce food waste, a major issue in the United States and worldwide.
8. Unplug At Night
One simple way to save energy (and money!) and make a big impact? Unplug your unused electronics at night.
9. Shop Locally
Visit your local farmer’s markets! Shopping locally is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and do something good for your local economy.
10. Go Plant-Based
As a general rule of thumb, plant-based foods are better for the environment. A plant-based diet is a delicious way to reduce your carbon footprint.
11. Reduce Food Waste
Before you use that entire box of spaghetti to make dinner, consider if the leftovers will be eaten or thrown away days later. You can help reduce food waste by being mindful of servings when shopping and cooking.
12. Conserve Water
Reducing your water usage can be as simple as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or even taking showers that are just 5 minutes shorter.
13. Promote Environmental Education
When we talk about environmental sustainability, it is important to include the generation of children that will be inheriting this planet. We can help them understand how to care for it through environmental education!
14. Clean Up Local Forests
Take a trip to a local forest or park and clean up any litter or trash you see! This makes a big impact on local wildlife and helps keep local parks and forests looking their best.
15. Donate Items You No Longer Need
Make a donation pile the next time you go through your closet. By donating items, you not only help make an environmental impact, but you can also give new life to clothing items that you no longer wear.
16. Turn Down the Bag
Always bring a reusable bag with you when you go shopping! Single-use bags tend to litter our streets and pollute our waters, so reusable is always a much better option.
17. Invest in a Clothesline
By laying your clothes out to dry, you conserve energy and save money! A clothesline is a great way to be environmentally (and wallet) friendly!
18. Get Your Hands in the Dirt
With the warm weather, getting your hands in the dirt and planting is much easier now! You can do this at home in your garden or find a local planting event to volunteer at.
19. Green Your School
Help local schools become greener by planting a community garden on school campuses or encouraging people to utilize public transportation.
20. Upgrade to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that are not great for the environment. By switching to eco-friendly products, you can be sure your family is exposed to less harmful chemicals.
21. Practice Sustainable Tourism
While booking your next family vacation, be mindful of how you can limit your carbon footprint, practice tactical spending, and even protect the environment you’re visiting before heading out.
22. Plant a Tree!
Trees are the best way to help support environmental sustainability. Trees help clean the air & water, sequester carbon, and promote wildlife health. They really do it all! You can make an impact by planting a tree today!