When it comes to doing our part to help the planet, there seem to be thousands of options. Some are easier than others, and sometimes it can be hard to know what will actually make the biggest difference. The following will focus on the easiest things you can start implementing today to minimize your impact on the environment. Of course, there are many much bigger things that can also make a huge difference. Today we’re going to focus on the simpler things that can get you into the habit of greener living.
Understand Habit Implementation
Before we begin, it’s important to talk about how habit formation works. While you might feel extremely motivated in the moment and have the energy to purge all the negative-impact things from your life, studies suggest that this isn’t the best way to go about making changes. It’s far easier for humans to choose one or two smaller alterations that they can consistently manage because the chances of sticking with the new habit are much greater than trying to tackle everything at once.
There are going to be those days where everything’s going wrong at work, and the kids are screaming, and the dog is sick, and your inlaws are on their way to the house. By starting with a few changes, you’ll be more apt to continue the switches during the chaotic curve balls that life is throwing at you. In the long-run, consistently implementing greener options in your life will have a bigger impact than one month of perfection.
Purchase Reusable Water Bottles (And Bring Them With You)
We all know we need to be drinking water, but single-use plastic water bottles are wreaking havoc on the planet. It is estimated that Americans use 3.3 million plastic bottles every hour. Carrying around a bottle that’s easy to fill can help reduce the plastic waste you put out into the world. Don’t think that recycling means there’s no negative impact. While recycling is better than alternative options, it still requires massive amounts of water and fuel for processing.
Look For Vegan Alternatives To Regular Purchases
It might surprise you to learn how many of our everyday items involve animal products. Many dryer sheet brands use animal fat in them, crayons often use animal-derived stearic acid, condoms are often made with casein, which is a milk derivative that helps make the surface feel smooth, and some plastic bags use beef tallow or chicken fat to prevent bags from sticking together. Luxury items tend to hide even more unnecessary animal products within them. You can look for vegan candles when yours are burnt out. Don’t drive yourself crazy with this; just have a little look around for vegan alternatives next time you’re in the store.
Choose Minimal Packaging Options When Available
We’re not suggesting you go all out and buy everything new at one time. What we’re saying is the next time you are buying a regular item, have a look around and see if there’s a minimal packaging option. For example, many grocery stores have nuts and seeds in plastic containers but also within dispensers where you can bring your own container.
Skip Red Meat Once Per Week
Meat production—factory-farmed beef in particular—is really hard on the planet. Beef products take up a ton of water and grain. This can also be good for your health. It is estimated that for every one person who gives up one red meat meal per week, they’d save 840 gallons of water. That’s how much it takes to produce one serving of red meat.
Change Your Dryer Lint Trap More Often
Running the dryer is something most of us have to do from time to time (especially if you live in a cold climate where clothes left out on the line come back inside crusted in ice). A dirty lint filter in the dryer results in 30% more energy being needed to get things nice and dry. Not only will this be conserving unnecessary energy, but you’ll probably also notice a nice improvement to your utility bill.
Choose Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
The next time a light bulb burns out, have a look around the store for an energy-efficient option. New lightbulbs use far less fuel to produce the same amount of light. This is another tip that could end up lightening your utility bill as well.
With the above tips, you’re well on your way to making easy, manageable changes to your daily life that can benefit the planet. Again, start small with one change. Once that becomes second nature, make another tweak. Little things add up.
