here are steps that we can all take in our daily lives that will benefit the planet and reduce our consumption. As humans, we consume faster than we create, which is leaving our planet in a resource deficit. In the United States, the average person is responsible for anywhere between 4 to 7 pounds of trash every day. America is one of the most wasteful countries in the world, generating 30% of the world’s garbage and leading the world in the most food wasted. However, we can all make a difference for our planet and implement eco-friendly practices into our lives every day.
Recycle
This may seem like a simple idea, but recycling really does make a huge difference. It saves space in our landfills, conserves energy, and saves water. It also provides us with more resources to use in the future since what we recycle can be used again.
Use Less Paper
It’s easy to use less paper now that everything in our world is digital. Try reducing your paper consumption by switching things over to a digital method or purchasing reusable products. The average American uses about seven trees worth of paper every year. You can make simple changes in your paper consumption by eliminating the use of paper towels, printing less, switching to paperless bills, and using digital lists and methods of saving documents.
Buy Reusable
There are plenty of reusable items for sale at a low cost that will help reduce your environmental footprint. For example, buy a reusable water bottle instead of using plastic ones or purchase reusable bags and actually remember to take them into the grocery store with you. Using reusable products greatly helps eliminate consumption.
Try Meatless Monday
The livestock industry is detrimental to the state of our planet. Over 30% of Earth’s land is being used to raise livestock and these livestock produce harmful greenhouse gasses that are harming our atmosphere. You can reduce your carbon footprint by dedicating at least one day of the week to being meatless.
Reduce Water Waste
Cut back on how much water you use by taking shorter showers, turning the sink off when you brush your teeth, and using a water filter instead of buying bottled water. Also, make sure none of your faucets are leaking because leaks waste about 3,000 gallons of water per year.
Don’t Waste Food
Americans lead the world in the most food wasted. You can help change that by making sure none of your food goes to waste. Purchase only what you know you will eat, and find a use for any leftovers. If there’s something in your pantry you know you won’t use find a food donation center that will accept it.
