Sometimes it's easy to look around the earth and see the massive destruction that is happening, that we as individuals have no control over, and think that what we do on a personal level has no impact and therefore we may throw up our hands and not be as vigilant as we could be. But what we need to keep in mind is that every little bit helps. If we all do our best to be kind to the environment at every moment, and try to help others adopt similar practices it will make a difference. 10 small gestures by 1 individual, could turn into 10 small gestures by 1 billion people and the impact would be awe-inspiring!!
Here are 10 simple things that I am intentional about in my everyday life to have a better impact on the environment:
1. Reusable shopping bags. I have two to three nylon bags that fold up so small I can throw them in my purse. I leave them there always and so I always have some bags available for shopping. I also keep some of the larger reusable bags in the car for bigger shopping days when I go to multiple locations.
2. Travel coffe cups. I keep one in my car at all times, so on those occasions when I need a coffee on the go I don't have to use a paper cup.
3. Recycle. Our city has need recycling super easy. We have three garbage bins provided by the city. One for garbage, one for recycling, and one for garden debris. The only thing I have to deal with separately is glass.
4. Re-use. Simple things like plastic bags can always have a secondary use. Freezer bags can be washed out and reused. Computer paper can be printed on both sides, or the unprinted side can be used for scrap paper for writing notes or shopping lists.
5. Donate. Clothes, shoes, furniture, housewares etc can be donated to organizations that help people in need.
6. Pick up the garbage of others. I do a lot of hiking and trail running. When I am on the trails, and I see some garbage I pick it up to properly dispose of later.
7. Purchase less. I try to think about my consumption, and try to stick more to needs rather than wants. If we all consumed less, then less resources would have to be converted, which is a huge addition to the global carbon footprint.
8. Keep vehicles in good maintenance. I look after my vehicle to ensure that it is running at its best. I recently just purchased a VW diesel Golf, which as far as pollution goes it is a very clean burning engine. Also the mileage is tremendous - so less fuel being burnt per km. I wish I could say that I substitute riding my bike to work sometimes, but my situation right now currently does not allow for that.
9. Turn off lights when it's not necessary to have them on. This is so simple, yet I'm not so great at it. Mostly during the year when I get up and its dark, but by the time I leave the house it's light out, I often leave the house because it's not readily apparent that the lights are on . . . Need to be more intentional here.
10. Spread the word. Help others become intentional, and develop good practices to be good to the environment. Every little bit counts!!
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