In honor of Earth Day, we have put together ten easy ways that you can reduce your daily environmental impact.
Let's start eco-friendly habits that we can use every day, not just Earth Day! We are all in this together, so it's important to protect our planet with mindful choices each day that will lead to a greener and brighter future for generations to come.
1. Purchase zero waste products when possible
One of our favorite ways to reduce waste includes bulk buying and supporting zero waste sustainable shops. Here are some great products you can buy in bulk: Herbaland Gummies (of course), shampoo and conditioner, hand and dish soap, nuts, herbs and spices, and laundry detergent -- the options are truly endless!
2. Purchase products with minimal packaging
This goes hand in hand with purchasing zero waste products. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in zero waste stores, try to make a habit of choosing items that have eco-friendly or compostable packaging. Also, don't forget to bring your reusable bags when shopping!
3. Become more energy efficient
Limit your electricity usage by shutting off the lights when you don’t need them and try taking it a step further by purchasing energy efficient light bulbs. Completely unplug your appliances and equipment like TVs and computers when they aren’t in use and turn on heat sources only when you’re home and really need it. Natural gas and electricity generate greenhouse gas emissions which can be harmful to the planet. By lowering your usage, you can help make the planet a greener and safer place. Bonus: you’ll save money on your monthly bills too!
4. Reuse and Recycle
Reuse: avoid purchasing single use products such as plates, plastic utensils, and straws. Take it a step further by investing in sustainable products that provide substitutes for traditionally single use items. Some of these products include: q-tips, cloth diapers, water bottles, beeswax food storage wraps and cloth grocery bags.
Recycle: lower your environmental footprint by learning how to properly recycle in a responsible way!
5. Buy your produce in season
By purchasing seasonally available fruits and vegetables you will help lower the lengthy transportation process that is a result from importing foods that are not available locally in season. Therefore, when you’re out grocery shopping try to be mindful of choosing seasonal produce whenever possible. Not sure what’s in season? Click this link to find out!
6. Reduce meat consumption
Reducing your meat consumption, especially red meat is vital to the wellbeing of our planet, as meat production contributes to a tremendous amount of greenhouse emissions and harms innocent animals in the making. It can be a lot easier than you think to make the swap, start with a dedicated day of the week like meatless Mondays and see where it goes from there!
7. Use your garden for growing food and disposing of organic waste
Not only is your garden meant for growing beautiful flowers and nutrient packed herbs, fruits and veggies, but by planting local species, trees and shrubs you can also help attract the birds and the bees! This will give them a safe place to do what they do best. You can also start composting to dispose of organic waste such as fallen leaves, or flowers. Using compost in your garden will reduce the need for watering and improve soil quality!
8. Shop Secondhand
Fast-fashion is a real thing and it’s seriously harming our planet. The increase in demand from online shopping for new clothing and styles contributes to an enormous amount of waste and pollution in our environment. From the hazardous chemicals used to make these garments to the plastic-derived materials and an increase in water pollution, the textile industry produces a lot of waste. On top of that, consistently ordering online usually involves lengthy shipping and unnecessary packaging and waste. So what's a better option? Secondhand shopping! Not only can you find everything you need shopping second hand, but you’ll help support small businesses and save a lot of money, too!
9. Donate your unwanted items
Instead of throwing stuff away and contributing to unwanted waste, donate your old items like clothing, books, toys, household goods, etc. to those in need such as charities, churches, or orphanages.
10. Take public transit, bike or carpool more often
When possible, look for alternate ways to get to your destination mindfully. Not only will you save money on gas, but you will also help contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gasses and traffic!
Choosing to lower your environmental footprint will help you save the planet and give you the opportunity to learn new things along the way. You will also be able to save money and support local business which will help keep local economies thriving!