10 Simple Ways to Help the Enviroment
When people start to wake up to the realities of the damage that our consumption is having on the environment, they often ask what they can do to help. I believe that each family has their own needs of various resources and products to live a healthy and comfortable life—which of course involves. There is nothing specifically wrong with consuming products that you need in order to survive or even products that you want to live a happy and healthy life.
The workforce has evolved for most into a two-income (or more!) household, and in the same instance, the workforce has not evolved to make full time work less than 40 hours for most companies (Check out my article about this!). With fewer hours at home to take care of basic needs, it is necessary for a large number of families to buy products that are readily available for use to get their basic needs and wants.
History Tip: In 1926, Henry Ford instituted a 40-hour workweek. Women only made up 20% of the workforce in 1920. That number is now up to 46.8% (in 2022). Keep in mind that only about 32% (roughly) of women were in the workforce from 1926 to 1986.
Check out this article about the benefits of switching to a 4-Day Work Week!
Should you feel bad about using readily available products? Absolutely NOT! It became necessary for most!
For the health & safety of your families and the sustainability of our environment, there are simple ways that you can adjust your lifestyle and still have the convenience needed while working too much. The simple mindset to have is (1) reduce what is not needed or loved, (2) reuse what you can, and (3) recycle when you can.
While I think that these tips are simple, it does require conscious thinking and adjustments in your life. It does not have to be done overnight. Believe me, I have been adjusting my lifestyle for over 5 years, and I still have “ah-ha” moments where I can make better decisions for my life and the environment. I always say that the more conscious you are the more conscious you become. Please give yourself a break if you mess up or fall into habits from before. It will happen. You may forget your reusable bags for the grocery trip, or you may have left your water bottle on your counter and need to get some while you are out. It is a lifestyle change, and it can be difficult to get out of the “normal” routine of what you buy or what you do. It does get a lot easier, though. Many of the things that I do that are sustainable decisions are now habits for me. It takes practice like anything else in life that is worth it. I hope you find this helpful and guiding.
1. Use Refillable Water Bottles
This is a very simple one, and it will save you money! Using single-use plastic bottles is a contributor to environmental pollution. These bottles are made from non-renewable resources and take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to a buildup of plastic waste that harms wildlife and ecosystems. The production and transportation of these bottles use a significant amount of energy and creates greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
By switching to reusable water bottles, you can significantly reduce your contribution to this waste. Not only do reusable bottles reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, but they also save money in the long run since you only have to purchase them once. It can also help promote your sustainable lifestyle and be a reminder each day for you to make sustainable choices in other areas of your life.
2. Use Reusable or Compostable Straws (or No Straw!)
Straws are made of plastic, which is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to pollution and harm to marine life. In fact, millions of plastic straws pollute our oceans and harm aquatic animals every year. (I’ll write more about the long-term effects of damage to marine life in another blog post later.) By switching to reusable straws made of materials like stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone, you can help reduce plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. Many restaurants and cafes are now offering paper straws as an alternative to plastic ones, so next time you order a drink, consider asking for no straw or a paper straw instead. It’s a small change that can make a big difference!
Pro Tip: Drive-Thru options at restaurants should be reduced or eliminated. I say this not about the food that is there (but that is for a whole other article) because there are some better options available now. I say this because when you drive-thru somewhere, it is hard to control the packaging and unwanted contents. For example, if you don’t need utensils, straws, napkins, etc. because you are going straight home or have your own sustainable products with you, then you will likely end up with extra unwanted and harmful products that aren’t even going to be used. So skip the drive-thru and make a quick run inside. (If they provide these behind the counter, ask them to leave them out—it is easier to do in person versus drive-thru.)
Another consider is to not use straws for some drinks. Ask yourself, “why am I using this straw?” Is it out of habit, or is it a smoothie/frozen drink where straws are typically needed? Consider becoming comfortable with sipping out of a cup or reusable bottle instead of using straws. I used to be obsessed with using straws (Plastic ones! And a new one at least every day!), but when I became a conscious contributor on Earth, I started making my decisions on why I do things—even simple things like straws. It turns out, I actually like and prefer sipping out of a cup. I drink more water, and I don’t get the creases by my lips from pursing my lips all day. It was a strange habit to kick, but it was probably my favorite.
3. Use Plant-Based or Ocean Plastic Garbage Bags
We all have garbage—no matter how much we recycle. My favorite product is Hippo Sak Plant Based garbage bags. These bags are mostly made out of sugar can fibers, but it feels just like normal bags—plus it has handles which makes it easy to carry out to the bin. They are super durable, too! This brand also offers bags made from plastic diverted from the ocean. There are many other sustainable brands out there nowadays, too, so do your research on which works best for you!
Pro Tip: While these bags are slightly more expensive than the traditional garbage bags, it is important to note that when you learn how to recycle more, you use much less garbage bags because you have much less garbage (and you are not supposed to use bags to recycle most items!). In a household of two people and one spoiled pet, we use one box of Hippo Sak Plant Based (45 bags) about once a year or longer.
4. Use Unbleached Parchment Paper
Unbleached parchment paper is a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bleached parchment paper. Bleached parchment paper is usually processed with chlorine or other chemicals to make it whiter, which can leave behind small traces of these chemicals on the paper. These chemicals may leak onto your food when heated which could cause harm to your health. Many of the unbleached parchment paper is compostable, too, but it will vary based on what you are baking on it before you consider composting it.
When possible, consider using unbleached parchment paper as an alternative to using aluminum foil when baking. Aluminum foil is not a sustainable material. It is made from bauxite, a non-renewable resource, and the production process requires a significant amount of energy. Additionally, most aluminum foil is not recyclable due to the fact that it is often contaminated with food residue. There are some concerns about the potential health risks associated with using aluminum foil. When heated, aluminum foil can release small amounts of aluminum into your food. While the amount of aluminum that leaches into your food is generally considered safe, it can add up over time and potentially lead to health problems.
Another option to consider is using eco-friendly reusable baking mats in place of single use products.
5. Use Unbleached Sandwich Bags
Using unbleached sandwich bags and/or reusable zip-lock bags as an alternative to single-use zip lock bags can significantly contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. It can also encourage your kids to make better decisions as they grow up, too. Many of us use plastic zip lock bags because we are just used to using those. It is what we always had growing up—especially when you wanted to bring a snack to school.
There are several reasons why you should consider reducing or completely eliminating your use of plastic zip lock bags. They are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down—contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our environment. Plastic zip lock bags are often single-use items, meaning that they are used once and then discarded. This creates a lot of unnecessary waste that can be avoided by using reusable alternatives, such as silicone food storage bags or glass containers. Many plastic zip lock bags contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic substances. These chemicals have been linked to adverse health effects, so it's worth considering the potential risks when using them.
Similar reasons to #4 above, the unbleached parchment sandwich bags are my favorite option when taking a quick snack (especially when going to a place where I don’t want to carry additional stuff after I eat it and prefer to throw it away).
Pro Tip: There also compostable zip lock bags available, too! These may be a good “transition” product while you get used to using more sustainable options because it feels more like “normal” zip locks bags. I personally have reusable zip lock bags (of all sizes and can be frozen), compostable zip lock bags, and unbleached parchment sandwich bags. Based on my needs, I use all of these for various reasons, but I have eliminated my need to buy traditional plastic zip locks with hardly any lifestyle change at all!
6. Bring Your Own Grocery Bags
Bringing your own reusable grocery bags is an eco-friendly and sustainable choice that can have a positive impact on the environment. The use of single-use plastic bags is a major contributor to plastic pollution in the world's oceans and landfills. These bags can take hundreds of years to break down, polluting the environment and harming wildlife and marine life. By using reusable bags, you help reduce the amount of plastic waste and protect our planet. Many grocery stores offer discounts or incentives for customers who bring their own bags (it won’t make or break your wallet, but it could make or break planet Earth). My personal favorite reason for using reusable bags (other than it being sustainable) is that they are so much sturdier than plastic bags and can hold more items. You actually need less bags and fewer trips out to your car get the groceries. Brining reusable bags on shopping trips is a small but meaningful action you can take towards living a more sustainable lifestyle. By making small changes in our daily habits, we can collectively make a big difference in protecting our planet for future generations.
I keep my reusable bags in my trunk area (typically in a very large one to keep it all in one space). I also have a couple of hooks in my kitchen for bags. I put them out of the way after putting up my groceries. Typically, I have a few in my car and a few in my home (for when I bring stuff to other places, etc). Basically, I just rotate them in and out of my house. Don’t forget that you can bring these for all of your shopping!
Pro Tip: I always get free reusable bags at events—which is a little ironic since the area I live does not have a general population that uses reusable bags. So be on the lookout for those and save some money!
7. Buy Recyclable or Compostable Packaged Products
As mentioned earlier, buying pre-packages products is a necessity for many of the working class. I read a lot of articles and opinions about not ever buying pre-packaged foods to become a healthier person. While I do believe that, I also believe that it is easier said than done for most people with limited amounts of time at home. Of course, fresh organic produce and meat are the best options, but it is not always possible to have when your days run long. So, what are some reasonable options for you to consider? (Check out my article on this!)
Limit your purchases of Multi-Layer/Multi-Material Packaging (i.e. most chip bags, flexible pouches, ready-to-eat cans or bowls, etc). These materials are extremely difficult to recycle and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Also, the production of these packaging materials uses a lot of energy—including the extraction of raw materials and the transportation of finished products. Typically (not always), when a package needs a multi-layered material, it is to protect food from contamination and extending the shelf life of the food. This is also done with additives and chemicals that may cause harm to your health. When you do purchase food in a multi-layered packaging, always be sure to check the label for what other ingredients may be in there to extend shelf life.
You can find many products that are packaged better and still able to provide some extended shelf life to the food (though, the longer the shelf life, the less I tend to purchase unless canned). Many chip companies are opting to use paper bags for their chips. Because the paper bags do not extend the shelf life as much as the multi-layered packaging, you are likely to have much fresher and newer food that you are consuming (still always check the labels for harmful ingredients!).
Pro-Tip: When buying products, be sure check for a recycling label and that you are able to recycle the packaging in your local area. If you can’t recycle that packaging, ask yourself if you really need it, or research to find alternative products that make more sense to your long-term use of a brand or product.
Also, please consider reaching out to your favorite brands and asking them to change. Give them suggestions on how you would like to see your favorite products be packaged and maintained. Many requested will go unanswered, but over time, if enough people request these changes, the companies will get on board because they want to keep the brand loyal customers from switching to another company.
8. Find a Trustworthy Recycling Center Near You
I hope that if you are reading this, you have better luck with recycling than where I live currently. It is a shame that in this day and age, we still have so many areas in the world—in the United States—that do not do their part in recycling. Some areas like Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Austria, and Switzerland have more than half of their population regularly recycling. They are able to maintain an excellent recycling program by offering incentives and making it readily available for their citizens.
The United States has a recycling rate of 32.1% (as of 2018)—and where I live (Louisiana)—the recycling rate is as low as 9.3%! But I don’t really blame everyone for this very sad statistic. Recycling in the United States (and especially in Louisiana) is hard. The “leaders” in charge do not make it a priority, and it becomes and almost “out of sight, out of mind” situation where most people don’t think twice about throwing a bottle in the garbage. Also, most people (myself included) are not raised to recycle in this area—so aligning yourself to a new lifestyle of sustainability is so hard to do and especially when you first start out.
I would advise anyone looking to start recycling to first find a recycling center that you trust and research what kind of products they recycle—then buy as many products in that material as you can. For me, it was when Glass Half Full was founded in New Orleans! It is really crazy to think that before this, there was no place to recycle glass in Southeast Louisiana (maybe even the whole state). I know for a fact that when I drop off (they offer pick up services, too) my glass, it will be turned into sand for multiple purposes (i.e. sandbags for hurricanes, sand for art, and my favorite, a research project with Tulane to restore the gulf coast). Regardless of what my glass turns into, it become sand again is a much better option than ending up in a landfill. So, what do I do? I buy as much glass products as available and needed (i.e. jars of fruit preserves, glass juice bottles, glass yogurt jars, wine [of course!]). I go to New Orleans regularly enough to make a trip out to their facility to drop off my pre-sorted glass.
I will save all the other things I do (for plastic and cans) for another post later.
9. Donate & Thrift Clothes (and other items!)
Is your closet getting too full? Do you have too many books on your shelf? Consider donating to a thrift store—preferably a local thrift store that gives back to your local community. Let someone else have the joy of owning that dress that you haven’t wore in years! It is tax deductible and the sustainable thing to do so it can be re-used or re-purposed without ending up in a landfill.
Need a new outfit? Halloween costume? Book?
The options are limitless of what you can find in a thrift store. By someone else donating this item to a thrift store, they save it from ending up in a landfill. By you purchasing that item, you not only save money, you help to conserve resources that have already been used. We are able to give a second life to an item. Some of these items could take hundreds of years to decompose. When you are done with it, donate it back! Keep it cycling through its many lives.
Pro Tip: Ask your local library if you can donate books to them, or if they have a Friends of Library location near them that accepts donations.
10. Say “No” to Styrofoam
This is a hard one for anyone that likes leftovers, and I am still trying to figure out the best options for this for my own lifestyle. I’m sure I will write about this more later once I figure out the best system.
Styrofoam is a type of plastic that is not biodegradable and can take up to 500 years to decompose. Let’s think about that for a second. If we throw away a Styrofoam container today in 2023, it will be on Earth until about 2523—all for one single use food or drink option we had. Now think about that if you use this daily at the water cooler, at the drive thrus, or at restaurants. This is all not to even mention the health hazards-- when heated, it releases toxic chemicals that can contaminate food and beverages, posing a risk to human health.
I think the best solution for this is to ask or beg a company to stop using Styrofoam, but what are some other options we can do? We are so fortunate to have alternative options from Styrofoam available—paper, cardboard, and biodegradable plastics. Companies needs to get onboard with this, and some of them never will unless we as the consumers ask them.
Brainstorming on this one, I was thinking of when I want my leftovers at a restaurant but know they have Styrofoam—should I just not go to those places? Maybe, but sometimes my family and I vote on where to go, and I don’t always get to choose. Also, some places are really good with everything else, but they fail by providing Styrofoam. It really is difficult. A couple of options either thought of or done already include:
Asking your favorite companies to stop using Styrofoam
Not buying whichever product comes in Styrofoam—if you can only get an entrée because that is not in Styrofoam and you have to drink water out of your reusable bottle you have, just do that—skip the drink (and the added calories!)
Bringing collapsible bowls/cups to a restaurant for your leftovers. Okay, I know this is weird, but if enough people did this, it wouldn’t be! Also, don’t worry about what others think. They are on a totally different path than you are on—especially if you are reading this.
Eat at home more. You get multiple benefits from this one—save money, control ingredients, and reduce packaging waste!
I’d really love feedback on this one.
I hope these tips have helped you! We have a responsibility to make sustainable choices and encourage companies to offer sustainable products. Our planet is facing serious environmental challenges, and it's up to us to take action to protect it. By making small changes in our daily lives, such as using reusable bags and water bottles, we can reduce our carbon footprint. But we also need to hold companies accountable for their actions and demand that they prioritize sustainability in their products and practices. Together, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations by embracing sustainability and making conscious choices. Let's work towards a more sustainable world today…For a better tomorrow. ♡