Serious About Sustainability? Here Are Six Things You Can Do

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Many people are becoming more conscious of how their choices have a direct impact on the environment, their health, and the world as a whole. More and more people are taking strides toward becoming more sustainable in an effort to reduce their environmental footprint and make sure the world is healthy for generations to come. The average person usually knows about recycling or driving an electric car, but may be at a complete loss when it comes to other sustainability practices. Don’t worry because we have you covered with six things you can do if you’re serious about sustainability. 

Recycle 

Recycling is one of the easiest things you can do if you’re serious about sustainability. This has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the number of products or packing in landfills. Sometimes we forget what can and cannot be recycled so do your research or check out the Earth911 Recycling Directory to help you see what’s acceptable in your local community. If your neighborhood doesn’t pick up recycling, you can always find a drop-off location or request curbside service. Don’t forget that you can recycle items such as electronics, cellphones, and batteries at certain locations as well. Beyondsurplus is a company that commonly recycles electronics and offers its services throughout the United States.

Save Water

Reducing your water usage is probably one of the best things you can do if you’re serious about sustainability. You can install a low-flow showerhead, fix leaky faucets, shower for shorter durations, and only run the dishwasher on full loads. You can also reuse water after cooking to water your plants. Consider purchasing a reusable water bottle instead of buying a ton of individual water bottles. Plastic water bottles are incredibly harmful to the environment and local wildlife. 

Avoid Food Waste

Avoiding food waste is a good habit you can learn if you’re serious about sustainability.  According to the EPA, 94% of the food we throw out ends up in a landfill, which contributes to global warming and climate change. This also amplifies the amount of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more potent than carbon monoxide. You can help this problem by saving leftovers, reducing portion sizes, planning meals in advance, and learning how to store food. You can take aging fruits and vegetables, and bake them into a pastry such as a cake, muffin, or pie. Taking small steps will help the planet stay healthy and green for decades to come. 

Alternative Modes of Transportation 

Consider switching to alternative modes of transportation if you’re serious about sustainability. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and greenhouse gasses by driving your car a lot less. If you have to get something not too far from your local neighborhood, think about riding a bike, using an electric scooter, or walking. Most cities offer a wide variety of mass transit options such as the bus or the train. If public transit isn’t your cup of tea, consider carpooling or vanpooling with friends. This shift can help save money on gas and help improve the air quality for everyone in your local area. 

Vegan Makeup 

Making the switch from traditional makeup to vegan makeup is worthwhile if you’re serious about sustainability. Traditional makeup is composed of synthetic and harmful ingredients that are toxic for the environment as well as your skin. Tons of makeup go to waste everyday and the plastic packaging tends to have a negative impact on local wildlife and the environment. Several vegan makeup brands are making an effort to make packaging that is biodegradable and sustainable. Ingredients in vegan makeup are derived from plants and minerals, so they’re good for the environment. 

Make Your Home Green 

Going the extra mile and making your home greener is a good move if you’re serious about sustainability. Think about replacing your windows with energy-saving windows or investing in solar panels. You can use energy-saving light bulbs and/or a programmable thermostat to foster more efficient cooling and heating in your home. Look into buying energy-efficient appliances and consider switching over to a green power utility service. All of these efforts can make a big impact on your local community, reduce environmental pollution, reduce energy costs, and possibly inspire others to do the same. 

Conclusion

The practice of living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle is becoming more and more common these days. People care about their effect on the environment and are searching for ways to make a difference. Some of the ways you can become more sustainable are by recycling, reducing water usage, and avoiding food waste. Consider taking an alternative mode of transportation, using vegan makeup on a regular basis, and making your home green. Implementing these six sustainable steps can have a serious impact on your local community, your home, your environment, and potentially the world.  

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