Ways to Reduce Waste in our Lives
In the world we live in today, it is especially important that we all do our part to reduce the amount of waste that we put out into this world. Whether it be big or small, every little action adds up and can really help in the long run.
When we are at home, there are a few things that we can do every day that will help keep Earth clean and healthy. Whether it’s turning off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth, or not leaving the shower running while scrolling on your phone, these small changes are effective. One of the biggest things we can do is actually understand the rules of recycling.
RECYCLING 101:
First, in order to recycle, you have to understand what recycling is. Recycling is the action or process of converting waste into usable materials. Clean bottles, cans, cardboard, and paper can always be recycled as long as there is no liquid or food on them. For other objects check with your local recycling company to see if the item is something they can recycle. Recycling is not only good for the environment because it reuses otherwise wasted material, but also because it does not require any plastic bags!
There is a myth that all Americans are recycling as much as they can but in actuality, most people do not have the convenience nor the time to recycle on a daily basis. So let’s try to make it a collaborative effort, don’t just confine recycling to your kitchen, but implement it throughout your house. Chances are you have things in your bathroom or home office that can be recycled instead of thrown away.
Another thing we can all do is start using reusable containers. Not only are they better for the earth, but they are also cute! This helps in a couple of different ways. When you are forced to rely on a restricted amount of space you end up only buying the bare minimum, no more spoiled food, or forgotten leftovers! This saves you money and also keeps you from having to throw out food a week later because no one ate it. Investing in quality containers makes all the difference in shelf life as well as keeping plastic out of landfills, and who knows where else.
These changes don’t just have to be made at home, but can be carried onto other places like the workplace and school. The use of paper has greatly reduced with the introduction of technology, but not to the point that the environment is not impacted. Printing double-sided is just one small click that can help keep this Earth running for a little bit longer. The minor inconvenience of having to flip the page is worth it since it is saving our planet.
The majority of us take a drink with us whether it be coffee or water. Investing in cute reusable cups and straws is a great way to drink in style and it comes with the satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference.
Whether we realize it or not, these small differences and changes we make can add up to be a lot if we all do our part. It is important to recognize that there will come a time when it will be too late to start trying to make a difference, so we have to start now.
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