We have all heard of at least several ways to do good for our environment over the years. From recycling to cleaning up trash on the beach, these tips are effective, but may require a time or money investment. Keep reading for eight fresh ideas on how we can all help our planet daily and even save some time and money in the process.
1. Combine multiple errands into one car trip (or ride your bike!)
Not only is this tip likely to save you time and money on gas, but it reduces emissions and helps the environment. Combining things like your morning coffee run with your drive home from the gym and your stop at the pharmacy can do a lot of good not just for your productivity, but for the planet.
Even better, if you're planning to visit a store close by, think about walking or riding your bike there. These are both great forms of outdoor exercise and you’ll be doing some good for the environment at the same time.
2. Plan out meals in advance
Photo: Endorphitness
Once again, this tip can do a lot of good for you as well as for the environment. Planning out your meals for the week in advance and preparing a specific weekly grocery list is sure to save you money and reduce waste. Without a detailed plan of what you’ll be eating for the week you’re likely to waste time aimlessly strolling through grocery stores and still end up wasting food when you’re done cooking. If you plan out your weekly meals, you can save time shopping, save money because you’re only buying food you know you will eat, and minimize the amount of waste you create.
3. Buy things in bulk
The largest benefit of buying items in bulk is reducing the amount of plastic bags and packaging waste, which are two major contributors to plastic pollution in our oceans, especially the single-use plastic bags heavily used in grocery stores. Buying in bulk can result in bringing your own bags or containers to the store to more efficiently pack the larger items, which means not as many plastic bags. In addition, larger quantities of items are often packaged in recycled materials, unlike the individual items bought more frequently. These materials are much better for the environment since they can be reused and even composted into soil.
4. Use beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap
If you haven’t heard of beeswax wrap before, it is the perfect eco-friendly and reusable alternative to standard plastic wrap or foil. The wrap is made from natural ingredients, is non-toxic with anti-bacterial properties, and is compostable. What more could you want?
In case you can’t find it in stores or just want to do it yourself, you can easily make beeswax wrap at home by following the steps in this video.
5. Repurpose old clothes into cleaning rags
Using cloth rags to clean the kitchen is definitely a more sustainable choice than any paper towel or napkin would be. The best place to find these rags might just be the back of your closet. Instead of throwing out your old clothes, in six short steps you can turn any old t-shirt into a perfectly suitable cleaning rag. This repurposing reduces waste in more ways than one by promoting reusable cleaning materials and finding new ways to use clothing you no longer wear.
Visit this link to find the simple step-by-step tutorial for turning an old shirt into a rag.
6. Switch out the sponge for an eco-friendly alternative
Classic sponges are made of plastic and every time you use one you are unknowingly shedding tiny particles of plastic into our oceans, which are then swallowed by sea creatures causing liver damage in fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Instead of continuing to use these harmful plastic sponges, there are various sustainable options you can wash your dishes with, such as a loofah or plant-fiber scrubber. Companies are making new eco-friendly discoveries everyday and many have started using natural materials like hemp and cellulose to make dish sponges that aren’t damaging to the environment or our favorite sea animals.
7. Make your bills paperless
Switching from traditional paper billing processes to electronic billing statements and payments has several perks. Taking a step away from paper is a great way for businesses to improve their environmental sustainability, as well as for individuals to reduce their own paper waste and clutter at home.
In addition to the environmental benefits, paperless billing offers customers enhanced security and reduces costs for businesses. It streamlines the process of printing and distributing bills, saving employees’ time that can now be used for more strategic tasks and providing quicker service to customers.
8. Ditch the disposable wet wipes
Similar to synthetic dish sponges, the vast majority of single-use wet wipes consist of microplastics which do not biodegrade in the environment. They also pose a serious threat to sewer systems, bunching together and trapping food and other waste to cause huge blockages.
Alternatives that can be as effective as disposable wipes include toilet paper and washcloths. Combined with the right cleaning products, these materials are as efficient as wet wipes and do a lot less damage to the environment.
Vocabulary list:
Errands (n): a short journey generally done to deliver or collect something
Emissions (n): the production and release of something, especially gas or radiation
Aimlessly (adv.): without purpose or direction
Minimize (v): reduce to the smallest possible amount
In bulk (phrase): in large quantities of goods, generally at a lower cost
Sustainable (adj.): saving an ecological balance by not depleting natural resources
Repurposing (v): adapting for use in a different purpose
Unknowingly (adv.): without being aware of something
Shedding (v): to discard or discharge
Clutter (n): a collection of things lying about in an untidy state
Enhanced (adj.): something that has been increased or made better
Streamlines (v): makes more efficient and effective by using simpler working methods
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kalyna is an undergraduate student at The Ohio State University studying business marketing and psychology. On campus, she gives tours as a University Ambassador and is also involved in greek life. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, being in the sun, and spending time with her friends and family.