What are the 8 simple ways to help the environment?
The planet is our home and everything we do affects its health. We can do simple things to help the environment, from reducing our carbon footprint to making sustainable purchases.
Embrace the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” movement by giving your clothing and household goods a second life instead of sending them to the landfill. Your used clothes can be donated to a charity or sold at a garage sale, and your unwanted items can be repurposed into cleaning rags or other household products.
Reduce our use of plastics by choosing reusable bags, ditching single-use water bottles and refusing plastic straws. Taking small steps can help cut down on plastic pollution in the oceans, which entangle and kill marine wildlife.
Reduce our use of fossil fuels by switching to a hybrid or electric car. Driving a gasoline-powered vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of greenhouse gases per year, while driving an electric car uses just 1.25 metric tons of CO2.
Buy energy efficient appliances and seal air leaks around doors and windows. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature (e.g., 30 degrees).
Insulate your home to reduce your energy usage. A well-insulated home saves on heating and cooling costs and keeps your family warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Avoid throwing away unused plastic and paper plates, napkins, utensils and garbage cans. Instead, store them in a bin.