Happy Earth Day: 10 Ways to Be More Green
By Samantha Romero ‘16
1.Avoid Plastic Bottles
Sure, this may be the most convenient option when you’re on the go but you should consider the negative impact of plastic bottles. According to onegreenplanet.org, studies have proven that plastic has a negative impact on humans, animals and the environment.
Human Impact: Plastic bottles are made with a chemical known as BPA, although it makes the plastic hard and clear it has been found to be an endocrine disrupt. This chemical is hazardous to human health because it has been linked to health problems like cancer, neurological issues, and birth defects.
Animal Impact: In case you didn’t know the plastic bottle tops are not recyclable and typically end up in the ocean in the stomachs of helpless animals who mistaken the plastic artifice as food.
Environmental Impact: Plastic bottles made from a petroleum product, yuck! Not only does the bottle making process require fuel to make it but also to transport it.
One of my favorite water bottle alternatives is Hydroflask due to their durability and lifetime guarantee. However, if you’d like to take a look at different options, check out the Good Human Blog for an easy guide to choosing a reusable and safe bottle here.
2.Go Paper-free
In this digital age it is easier than ever to go paper-free. For example, if you’re going to the movies, purchase your ticket online with Fandango for an e-ticket that can be downloaded onto your phone. Another example, is when you’re traveling, rather than printing your boarding pass you can use an e-ticket version instead. There are many ways to go paper-free so be creative and discover new ways to be eco-conscious.
3.Make A Schedule = Save Gas
Rather than driving back and forth and making unnecessary trips, save your gas by making a schedule that uses your time wisely and saves gas at the same time. However, if you can avoid driving completely n ride your bike instead then go for it!
4.Use A Coffee Mug
Everyone has those days when you’re in dire need of a caffeine run to help you get through your day. But, have you ever considered taking your own mug to a coffee shop This is a great and simple way to avoid wasting paper cups.Plus, there are a variety of coffee mugs to choose from that are both chic and eco-friendly!
5.Turn Your Laptop Off
As a college student, I always find myself on the go which means I tend to forget to turn off my laptop or computer. Little did I ever think that even though my screen might be in “sleep mode,” it’s still using energy. Instead let’s make the effort to simply shut down our electronics when they are not in use.
6.Eat Your Veggies
Studies have shown that a meat-centered diet significantly contributes to the ecological footprint. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, the meat industry generates nearly 20% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions.
This doesn’t mean you have to become vegan, simple eat more plant-based foods to help decrease our ecological footprint. Every little bit counts, so why not embrace Meatless-Mondays!
7.Bring Your Own Bag to the Grocery Store
Rather than choosing a side over the paper vs. plastic dilemma, simply bring your own bags from home to pack your groceries or shopping items. Stores like Target offer a small discount for shoppers that use reusable shopping bags.
8.Download the Seafood Watch App
This handy app, created by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is an insightful guide that informs you about which fish are plentiful, which are on the brink of extinction, and which are polluted with mercury and PCBs. The app also contains a helpful sushi guide to help you make safer raw-fish decisions in an instant.
9.Forget The Straw
Something simple as not using a straw, an unnecessary plastic, contributes to decreasing your ecological footprint.
10.Buy Used
Before purchasing something brand new, consider buying used. Check out garage sales, thrift stores, Craigslist, and Ebay. You’ll be sure to score a deal!
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