Miscellaneous

15 Things You Can Do Right Now To Help The Earth

by cosabella

Got a minute to spare?

Help Us Celebrate Earth Day

Did you know the first Earth Day ever was celebrated on April 22, 1970? That’s almost 50 years ago when Americans took it to the streets to start an environmental movement.

Taking care of Mother Nature doesn’t take as much time as you’d think. If you have 15 minutes to spare, then you have room to make a difference for our home.

Here’s 15 easy ways you can help save the planet with hardly any effort at all.

Do your part for the environment

 

  1. Turn up (or down) the thermostat. Try setting your thermostat 2 degrees lower in the winter and 2 degrees higher in the summer to save some energy. You can also automatically adjust your heating or air conditioning to not waste energy when you’re not home by setting a timer.
  2. Shut off your tap. The average sink faucet uses about 3 gallons of water a minute, so turn it off as you brush your teeth.
  3. Carry a reusable water bottle. Skip the extra drink purchase the next time you’re out to eat and instead, bring along a reusable bottle that you can easily fill up. This will stop you from wasting a plastic bottle but also push you to drink more water.
  4. Bring your own bags to the store. Next time you’re heading out to the market or even to Target, pack some reusable, canvas bags (or keep them handy in your car).
  5. Switch to digital subscriptions. Instead of receiving a paper newspaper or magazine almost daily, change your subscription to the online version to avoid any extra paper.
  6. Buy items second-hand, when possible. Rather than buy a new item all the time, check out thrift stores for secondhand items that can be in near perfect condition.
  7. Reduce your junk mail. There’s services you can register for that will unsubscribe you from junk mail you receive.
  8. Flick off the lights in a room you’re not using to save energy and money.
  9. Change your mail to digital statements, e-bills and online invoices. Cut out any extra paper from being printed by setting everything up online.
  10. Unplug anything not being used. This could be chargers, computers or any appliances.
  11. Join a local park, river or beach clean-up to help your community.
  12. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.
  13. Take the stairs instead of the elevator to save energy and get some exercise.
  14. Start a beehive in your backyard to help save the bees’ population (and get fresh honey!)
  15. Walk or carpool when you can.