Over 25 Easy ways to Save the Earth that have a BIG impact

This list of over 25 easy ways to save the Earth is great for the whole family and will help you decide on practical methods for your family to reduce, reuse, and recycle in an impactful way!

 

 

Looking for Easy ways to Save the Earth?

 

Sometimes it can be overwhelming when thinking about ways to help the environment.  However, it’s important to remember that every little thing counts and all of those small actions add up to a BIG difference when lots of people do them…and do them consistently.

 

But where do we start?

 

I’ve put together a list of over 25 easy and accessible ways that families can work ogether to help save the environment.

 

Easy ways to Save the Earth

Remember—the key really is Reduce (consumption and waste) , Reuse (as much as possible), Recycle (as much as possible).

 

So I’ve divided the list into Ways to Reduce/Reuse and Ways to Recycle

 

Ways to Reduce Consumption and Waste and Reuse

1. Plant trees

Planting trees significantly reduces greenhouse gasses. If you can’t plant trees in your yard, you can participate in a local tree planting event. This is a great activity for the whole family!   (Just Google “Tree Planting Organization” for a huge list!)

Additionally, you can donate to tree planting organizations that work to save forests and plant more trees.

2.  Use cloth napkins (just wash and use them again!)

3. Use Cloth wipes (again–just wash and use them again!)

4. Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels (same thing–(again–just wash and use them again!)

5. Use reusable bags when shopping

6. Use reusable containers instead of disposable containers or plastic baggies

7. Use rechargeable batteries

8. Compost paper and food waste to use in your garden

9. Reduce carbon emissions by carpooling to work or to after school activities (when Covid-19 is over)

10. Take the bus (when Covid-19 is over)

11. Ride-share to events with friends (when Covid-19 is over)

12. Go vegetarian—Vegetarian diets help reduce our carbon footprint and are more sustainable than meat-based diets

13. Use all-natural products that don’t contain chemicals which can contaminate our water supply

14. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving.

Did you know that even a 2-mile car trip puts 2 pounds of CO2into the atmosphere! Click To Tweet

15. Turn off your car engine when you’re sitting idle (ex: in the carpool line at school or in the drive-thru line at Starbucks)

Turning off your car engine when you’re sitting idle at Starbucks or the carpool line at school can significantly cut down on air pollution. #ecotips Click To Tweet

16. Swap old incandescent light bulbs for the new compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). This drastically helps reduce your carbon footprint.

17. Turn off lights, TVs, computers, when you’re not using them.

18.  Not only does this help save money by not wasting gas, it also helps reduce pollution.

19.  Save water by using water-savers in your toilet or shower

20.  Take shorter showers or baths

21.  Save water at restaurants by not asking for the automatic water unless you intend to drink it.

22. Buy local (foods or products that have not been shipped over long distances. Shipping greatly contributes to carbon emissions.)

23 Buy recycled products (like recycled paper, aluminum foil, etc)

24. Buy used items from neighbors or consignment shops (that’s one of the ultimate and oldest form of recycling).

25. Think Creatively and reuse objects around your house like wrapping paper or gift bows

26. Repurpose objects around the house into new things-ex: upcycled art, or turn t-shirts into bandanas, bags, or rags.

27. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible

28. Cook with sustainable ingredients (example, bison or legumes )

 Ways to Recycle

Most of us are familiar with curbside recycling programs where you can recycle paper, plastic, and sometimes glass.  But did you know that there are a lot more recycling options out there.  Almost anything can be recycled.  There are CHaRM (Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials) Centers all over the US ready to help you recycle your old “junk.”

Here are some examples of products they can process:

28. Recycle home electronics, cell phones, printer cartridges, and batteries

29.Hard to recycle plastics (like bubble wrap, foam, and toys)

30. Appliances

31. Cooking Oil

32. Paint

33. Yoga Mats

34. Paper Shredding

35. Bike parts

36. Mattresses

37. Textiles

38. Fire distinguishers

 

What are your favorite ways to help the planet? Leave a me comment below.

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