Saving the planet is a very hard thing to do, but it’s not impossible. Luckily in today’s society, we have the equipment, time, and education to make a change. While jumping into a Zero Waste lifestyle and going completely vegan may be too large of a commitment at this exact point, I’ve provided 5 extremely simple tips and tricks that will make a major difference to the world, and not require too much hard work on your part.
1. Stop/Cut Down Fast Fashion Shopping
Fast Fashion refers to clothing companies (such as Forever 21, H&M, Zara, etc.) that manufacture and sell affordable clothing pieces on a frequent basis. It has become the largest way to buy cheap, cute clothing. The problem with this industry lies in almost every facet of its being. For starters, their inexpensive prices often time result in low-quality garments that are not meant to last you through the years, making the need to purchase more often a necessity more than a desire. When it come to their effect on the environment, the materials, often manifested from synthetic fibers, can take up to thousands of years to properly biodegrade due to the plastic in their makeup. Also, the way in which they are dyed, bleached and printed is extremely harmful due to the chemicals they use. They can contaminate or emit toxins that gravely impact the atmosphere. An easy tip here is to start shopping second hand or more ethically. Try visiting you local thrift store before your nearest Forever 21, or look at stores like Reformation and more to get your current fix.
2. Adopt Some Zero Waste Tips
Although the Zero Waste Lifestyle is one of the most sustainable ways of life to date, it can be hard to immerse yourself into cold turkey; an easier way to get into it is to adopt some small ways to consume and produce as little waste as possible. One easy way tip is to carry around a reusable water bottle. Not only is it cheaper in the long run, but you’re also helping the environment. Consider buying zero waste as well, whether it be reusable bags, buying in bulk, or staying away from non-biodegradable products, all these tips are a great start to a greener life.
3. Carpool
Carpooling is great for numerous reasons. Not only are you cutting down on the toxic gasses and chemicals being emitted into the atmosphere, you’re also lessening traffic congestion. Carpooling helps clean up the roads and the air as well. While buying electric or fuel-efficient cars may be more ideal, it’s not always an achievable or available option, so carpooling is its second best. In doing so, you cut down almost half the weight of a car in CO2 emissions, save money, and may even earn some in the process.
4. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!
People seem to downplay the importance of recycling and forget the impact it has on the environment. In 2013, there was an 186 million ton Carbon Dioxide equivalent emission reduction through recycling in the U.S. Recycling is vital to limiting the wasteful consumption and production of nonbiodegradable products. Though you can’t compost plastic, you can recycle it and reuse it so there is no need to further produce more. With almost unlimited resources and facilities, you can find somewhere to recycle your goods.
5. Educate Yourself
The simplest step of all! Educating yourself is one of the easiest and most enjoyable activities to do. By learning all the ways we have impacted our planet, you become more conscious of your own lifestyle and choices. Researching and staying up to date with the ecological effects of our action will not only positively affect your life but in return positively affect the Earth.
Some amazing and informative sources include:
- Documentaries: The True cost documentary, Earthlings, Terra, Cowspiracy, Vegucated, Food Inc.
- Articles/Websites: Sustainable Baby Steps, National Geographic, Harvard University Center for the Environment.
- Figures/Videos: Trash is For Tossers, Rowan Ellis: The Truth about Cruelty-Free” Makeup, Kristen Leo: I’m quitting plastic, What The F**k is Ethical Fashion, Crash Course: Ecology.
