One of the best things you can do to help save the environment is to conserve and reuse.Change your daily habits to start small and do your part.Reducing energy and water consumption is one of the ways to help save the environment.If you make your lifestyle more eco-friendly, you can engage in activism to help other people do the same.
Step 1: When not in use, turn off electric items.
If you aren't using it, turn it off.This applies to lights, TVs, computers, printers, video game consoles, and so on.A power strip can be used to control multiple items.All of your devices can be plugged into a single power source.This is useful for setup of computers and entertainment systems.The power strip should be turned off when you're done.Pick up an outlet timer at your local hardware store or online for as little as $5.00 if you find it hard to remember to turn off your devices.The timer should be turned off at the same time each day.
Step 2: Plug devices to limit the flow of electricity.
Leaving devices plugged in can use "phantom" energy.When turned off, many devices and appliances enter sleep mode.Electricity is still drawn when these items are in this state.If you go on vacation and don't anticipate using certain items within the next 36 hours, this is important.
Step 3: You can adjust the temperature in your house.
When you can, set your systems to a slightly lower or higher temperature.Your systems don't have to work as hard because of this.The warmer the air is, the more money you spend.If the winter is too cold to set your thermostat just above the outside temperature, set it at the lowest temperature that is comfortable for your family.It's a good idea to set your thermostat at the highest temperature during the hot summer months.You could set it at 78 F.You might not feel cool, but it's better than 90 F.When it is hot outside, use a fan or natural ventilating device as often as you can.When it is cold outside, use a blanket and wear extra layers.
Step 4: Use as many light bulbs as you can.
The benefits outweigh the cost when it comes to light bulbs.They use 25% less energy, last 25% longer, and are better for the environment.Start with the lights that you use the most.
Step 5: Exchange your electric dryer for an old fashioned clothesline.
After the refrigerator and air conditioner, tumble dryers are the most energy-hungry appliance.Air drying your clothes is good for the environment.If you use a dryer, make sure to clean the vent frequently for efficiency and safety.
Step 6: The kilowatt meter can be used to measure the energy used by your devices.
A kilowatt meter can be purchased at a home improvement store.To get a reading, plug an item into the meter.The tool will tell you if your appliance uses phantom energy or not, as well as how much electrical energy it is using.To gauge which items you should be using less often, use the readings to make sure to turn off and unplugged when not in use.
Step 7: You can lower your water use by making conscious choices.
Saving water can save you money on your water bill.Taking 5-minute showers or only filling the bathtub one quarter to one-third of the way full are some things you can do to save water.You are brushing your teeth.Men and boys can use the urinals in public restrooms.
Step 8: To reduce waste, wash only full loads of laundry.
Putting a few dirty clothes in the washing machine uses a lot of electricity and water.Before you run your machine, make sure you have a full load of dirty clothes.If you only have a small load of clothes, wash them by hand.Invest in a high-efficiency washing machine.
Step 9: Only run your dishwasher when it is full.
Extra energy is used to heat the water up in a dishwasher.Expect to save an average of $40.00 on your bills and prevent over 100 pounds of carbon pollution each year by only washing full loads.If you only have a few dishes to wash and are washing by hand, fill the sink with a plug.Don't let the tap run while you wash and rinse.
Step 10: To save water, install low-flow plumbing fixtures.
Low-flow shower heads and toilets should be in every bathroom in your home.A low-flow shower can cost as little as $10, but can reduce your water use by up to 50%.
Step 11: If you have an outdoor swimming pool, you should use a pool cover.
The amount of water that is needed to refill the pool can be reduced by using a cover.The more water you use to fill the pool, the more it will evaporate.You will use more water if you don't have a cover.For an affordable option, use a bubble-style solar cover.
Step 12: Reduce your waste by being a conscious consumer.
Do you know how your purchase will affect other people and the environment?It can be as simple as buying an entire jar of peanut butter, or as complicated as choosing the most eco-friendly car to buy.Start small.Don't purchase products with excess packaging.Food companies spend the same amount of time creating the packaging for food products as they do in producing the actual food.Don't buy what you do not need.Buy for longevity.Look for things that will last a lifetime.You can find forums and recommendations for durable products by searching "buy it for life".For brief or occasional use, borrow or rent items.When you can, buy secondhand clothes and household items from thrift stores, consignment shops, and private sellers.
Step 13: Reusable items can be used to limit the trash in landfills.
Anything made to only use one time should not be thrown away.They end up costing you more money in the long run by creating more environmental waste.You can use your own shopping bags instead of the store's plastic bags.At your next birthday party or event, try using your regular cups, plates, and utensils.Most tap water in developed countries is safe to drink, so buying bottled water is not necessary.You can fill a bottle with water.Get rechargeable batteries when you need them.Thanks to a reduction in chemical use, most batteries can be thrown out with the regular trash, but they still take up space in the landfill.If you're menstruating, use a Diva Cup instead of pads and tampons.You can insert these cups into your vagina, like a tampon, where they collect your menstrual fluids for hours at a time.
Step 14: Someone else can reuse your old household items if you donate them.
Don't throw your stuff in the trash.Sell it or give it away to someone who can use it.Donate clothes and household items that are in good shape to a charity or non-profit organization.It's a good place to buy, sell, and give away used items.
Step 15: It is possible to turn useless junk into something fun and cute.
Upcycling is good for the environment.Give things another purpose by making jewelry, household accessories, or restyled clothing.You can use cinder blocks to make planters or turn an old T-shirt into a grocery bag.
Step 16: There are paper products made of recycled paper.
It is even better if the product states that it has a high post-consumer content.Be reasonable when using recycled materials.To get the job done, use as little toilet paper, napkins, and paper towels as possible.The best option would be to use a sponge or cloth.
Step 17: You can recycle.
As you can, recycle clothes, glass, metal, plastic, and paper.Curbside recycling is available in your area.If your area doesn't offer curbside service, you can take a special trip to a recycling center that is convenient for you.You should check the rules and regulations in your area.Some areas may not accept glass and others may require you to separate your materials.If you have children with you, get them involved in the separation of your materials.Children like to separate items and this teaches them to be conscious of the environment.
Step 18: It is necessary to properly dispose of hazardous waste.
Special disposal is required for many materials including fluorescent light bulbs, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, automotive fluids, paint, and e-waste.These items should never be thrown away.It's not a good idea to use helium to inflate balloons.Hang the balloons appropriately by filling them with regular air.Children will find blowing up their own balloons to be more fun than using helium.Pop balloons before throwing them away.Proper disposal options can be found by contacting your local waste management office.
Step 19: Try not to eat meat and dairy.
Natural resources are needed for domestic meat and dairy production.One way to help the environment and stay healthy is to eat less meat and dairy.If you are advised to keep animal meat in your diet, look for more sustainable practices such as local farms.One day a week, people are encouraged to give up meat as part of the Meatless Monday campaign.You can find some meatless recipes on their website.
Step 20: Coffee can be made in a pot or French press.
Don't drink coffee from individual-serving coffee Pods.The minipods of ground coffee for single-serve coffee makers are designed to only be used one time and then thrown out, so they create a lot of extra waste.Some brands may be recycled after being cleaned.Instead of using a disposable cup, use a mug.If you have already invested in a single-serve coffee machine, you should look for a coffee Pod that will fit your appliance.
Step 21: You can reduce pollution by buying your food locally.
Transporting food from far-off locations takes a toll on the environment.Food must be shipped in trucks, by rail, flight, or by ship, all of which produce pollutants.It is possible to eliminate or reduce the environmental impact caused by transportation by buying food that is local.Local products are more fresh.They are higher in the value of vitamins.Use a CSA service to get fresh produce on a regular basis, or visit a farmers' market to find local vegetables and fruits.
Step 22: Don't throw away food.
You should plan your meals so that you don't cook more than you eat.You can use your leftovers at one of your meals over the next few days.If you have a lot of food, share it with your friends or neighbors.
Step 23: When you are close to home, walk or ride a bicycle.
It's surprising that short trips are harder on your car and environment than long trips.If you only have a short distance to go, swap out your car for a bike.Ensure that children learn to ride a bicycle at a young age, as the benefits of bike riding far outweigh any risks.Encourage schools to make it easier for children to ride their bikes to school.When riding a bicycle, wear a helmet and reflective gear.
Step 24: You can organize a car ride.
If you go to school or work with another person, set up a carpool.Saving on gas and maintenance on vehicles can help the environment.If you have other parents in your neighborhood, you can form a carpool to take the kids to school.Carpooling will allow you to take the HOV lane on a highway, which will save time and money on gasoline.You can organize a "walking school bus" if you live near your children's school.Children walk or bicycle to school in groups supervised by their parents.The group can be led by neighborhood parents.
Step 25: Public transport is an affordable option.
If you live in an area that has a bus, light rail, or subway system, consider taking this option to get to work, school or wherever you need to go.Replacing car trips with public transport trips reduces congestion and reduces the amount of gasoline used.Many bus systems in major cities operate diesel-electric hybrid buses.
Step 26: Combine your trips to reduce pollution.
If you plan out where you will go, you can hit all of your stops in one trip.You won't be driving the same path multiple times if you have fewer of them, but this will make your trip a little longer.Don't forget to call ahead or check online if you want to know what's available during business hours.If you can, check their availability online or by phone before you travel.If you use a grocery app, you'll be able to find the foods you need when you get to the store.It will save you time on grocery shopping and you will also save a trip to a different store.
Step 27: If you are looking for a new vehicle, drive an electric car.
A hybrid car can run on both gasoline and electric motor.These types of vehicles give off less emissions into the air and can save you money with fewer trips to the gas station.You may be able to get a tax credit for buying a hybrid car.
Step 28: Take less flights.
You can reduce the number of flights you take each year.Increased numbers of flights around the world increase the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollution that airplanes emit.Take fewer flights.You can stay longer in a location if you can.Short flights can be replaced by trains or buses.
Step 29: Ask your government officials to support you.
Call or email your congressional representatives.To create and support policies that hold companies accountable, ask them to support environmental conservativism and renewable energy.There are elected officials in the United States.
Step 30: If you have extra money, give it to an environmental cause.
There are hundreds of organizations that work on environmental issues.Donate money to help them achieve their goals if you can find one with a mission and vision.Donations to nonprofits are tax deductible.You can deduct the donation on your taxes if you have a receipt.
Step 31: If you want to be involved, join an environmental organization.
An organization that protects the environment is a good choice.You can check out the Environmental Defense Fund.You can join an organization that supports a specific area or one that focuses on the environment.Waterislife or Charity: Water is a good place to start if you want to conserve water.If air quality is important to you, join the Clean Air Task Force or Earthjustice.
Step 32: People who would like to volunteer.
You can help by picking up litter, fixing bikes, planting trees and gardens, cleaning up rivers, and educating others.Set aside some time to help out and find an activity that suits your interests.Volunteer with a group of friends.If you don't want to coordinate a volunteer effort, do it on your own.