As individuals, we may feel as if the state of the planet and its welfare are beyond our help, and that only governments and large corporations can save it for future generations. However, while it may be true that individuals alone can’t save the planet, there are several smaller, simple steps that we all can take to do our bit, and that when combined, can be a real force for change.
Here are 5 simple but highly effective ways to live a cleaner, greener life and help effect long term change in the world around us:
Did you know that plastic water bottles take a whopping 450 years to decompose in a landfill? Water might be a necessity, but plastic bottles are not.
Reusable water bottles vary in price, and some come with filters built in so that tap water can safely be drank from them, but they are never expensive, and are always a sound investment for the health of our planet.
2. Shop with reusable grocery bags
Again, this is a super simple and cost effective way to make a small, but significant difference, and if you’re still using disposable grocery bags, you should be ashamed of yourself!
3. Make the switch to solar
While many homeowners are aware of the need to save electricity (if not for the sake of the planet, then for the sake of their pockets!) and turn off lights when not in use and only run the air conditioning when it’s absolutely necessary, many don’t yet fully appreciate the significance of switching to solar power.
Having a major impact on utility bills and energy consumption, home solar panel systems are an investment that will last for many years to come, and the more people who make the switch, the greater the chances of the planet surviving for longer, too. If reducing your carbon emissions is a priority, then having a solar system installed should be the first step you take.
4. Buy used items from thrift stores
Many times, the clothes and household items that end up in our local thrift stores are as good as new, and can be bought for a fraction of the cost. But did you also know that buying used items helps to prevent many of the destructive side effects of fast fashion? Not only that, but buying used items helps reduce transportation emissions, and prevents them from ending up in a landfill where they’ll likely be burned and contribute towards air pollution.
5. Recycle and reuse
Recycling has long been promoted as a way toreduce carbon emissions and promote environmental harmony, and if your municipality has a number of ways for you to recycle, you should be participating! If your municipality doesn’t support any recycling schemes, however, why not participate in local legislative decisions that affectthe city’s responsibilities around recycling and reducing waste?
These are just 5 of the many ways that you can effect change as an individual, and live a cleaner, greener life. While by far the biggest financial commitment is to switch to solar power, the money that it can save you in the long term – plus government tax incentives – is a powerful incentive.
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