Everyone should be living more environmentally conscious lives. “Since 1970, the use of natural resources has more than tripled and only continues to grow each year”, said The Green Journal.

 Businesses and companies are constantly thinking up new environmentally friendly products that will aid in this task of protecting the environment. The use of these products allows for water conservation and energy efficiency in order to combat climate change as well as pollution. While it is common knowledge that being environmentally conscious is essential, everyone may not be aware of the reasons behind these acts. A major reason for reducing your carbon footprint is to increase the overall quality of life. Reducing your carbon footprint “can reduce mortality and morbidity, allow for healthier lifestyles, improve the productivity of workers and their families, improve lives of women, children and elderly and is crucial to mental health,” said The UN Environment Programme. Nonetheless, supporting a healthy environment is not only beneficial to the planet itself, but it will also impact each individual’s life. 

For people out there in search of ways to partake in this act of saving the environment, here is a carefully curated list of both simple and also unique ways to do just that!

1.Cut back on spending habits 

Some may be shocked to learn how often mindless purchases are being made. It is extremely common for people to have an abundance of clothes, shoes, craft supplies, books, etc. Instead of continuing to collect unnecessary products, take some time to purchase quality items that will last and or shop second-hand. 

2. Use less plastic 

Plastic is commonly used due to its cheap price, lightness and long-lasting ability. The thing is, plastic does not help support a healthy environment. “[Plastic] is ubiquitous in our environment, causing catastrophic harm to wildlife, ecosystems, oceans, and even the air we breathe,” said the JustEnergy blog. Plastic may seem impossible to stray away from, but there are plenty of alternative sustainable options out there. They may just require a bit more effort to seek out. For example, bring a personal cup when buying coffee. 

3. Swap cotton for organic cotton 

Most people may not be aware of the fact that cotton is a major environmental polluter. Cotton is so common and is in a multitude of daily essentials. Think clothing lines and hygiene products. A wise way around this is to search for labels that read organic cotton. 

4. Plan out a weekly food menu 

So often, excess amounts of food are being thrown out and completely wasted. Get ahead of this issue by preparing a menu at the beginning of each week. Use this menu to purchase only the necessary ingredients and avoid having a fridge full of unused foods. In addition to this, it would also be a grand idea to compost used-up peels and other organic waste.

5. Plant a Tree!

Planting a tree is like a good workout, it will not be regretted. Trees give off oxygen that humans need to survive. They can only do good, so make it into a fun activity and go plant a tree (or two) with a fabulous group of people.  

Whether it is off this list or not, if everyone started doing little things every day, our planet may just begin to look a little greener in no time.