If you haven’t started to at least become more conscious of how you’re treating the planet, it’s about time to reflect and make some changes. We’ve all heard the terms eco-footprint, sustainability, climate change. The question is– have you done something to help these on-going campaigns?
While some people take a more extreme route and become activists or go vegan, there are those who can only do so much. It’s never too late to do your role. To help you get started, here are some simple steps you can do:
- Avoid or reduce the use of plastic – This is now a growing concern in today’s society despite the millions of campaigns against the use of plastic. A good habit is to use eco-friendly shopping bags when going to the groceries. Using reusable plates and cups is also a good idea. Simple things like a big step towards your goal. Sometimes, this good habit can also encourage others to do the same.
- Explore the use of bamboo products – Sustainable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, bamboo has found its way into the production of almost all of your everyday necessities. There arebamboo sheets, bamboo toothbrushes, bamboo straws, the list goes on. Bamboo is extremely durable, lightweight, and beautiful to look at. And since it grows extremely fast that it is even considered as a weed, there is no danger in its over-production as compared to cutting down it’s slower-growing tree counterparts.
- Rethink your choice of commute – Still taking your gas guzzler of a vehicle to pick up a sudden donut craving from two blocks away? If the size of your waistline is any indication, it’s time to think long and hard about your choices. First off, extracting fuel from the earth is a very taxing process that wreaks havoc on our natural ecosystems. Gas emissions from your car polluting the air with toxic fumes are an entirely different matter. Do the planet and your health a favor and start walking or biking to nearby destinations.
- Start doing meatless Mondays – The meat industry is another major contributor to the decline of our planet’s health and resources. There are excessive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and fossil fuel usage, to name a few. While some people can actually commit to bidding goodbye to meat forever, most of us need a little help. Devoting one day a week to intentionally keeping meat off your plates can already go a long way in helping out the planet.
- Improve your waste disposal – Segregating your waste is also a big step. Segregate dry and wet waste using separate trash bins. This should help gather recyclable materials and reduce disposing of plastics to landfills.
There’s more you can do to make a difference—volunteer for a coastal clean-up. Start recycling your plastics. Purchase eco-friendly products. Attend sustainability or zero-waste seminars. The key is to be mindful of what you are doing and preempting the weight of your actions. Sounds like a lot of work? Well, you have to remember that the payoff is just as big.
