10 Things You Can Start Doing Today To Save The Earth

    Small changes make big changes.

    Farrah Penn
    by Farrah Penn

    BuzzFeed Staff Writer

    1. Use the hand dryer instead of paper towels.

    Ryan Pattie

    Yeah, we know hand dryers take energy to work and generate carbon emissions, but in terms of reducing waste that goes directly into a landfill, hand dryers are currently the better option. OR you can just drip-dry.

    2. Challenge yourself to shorten your shower time.

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    According to this article from Boston University, "an average shower uses about five gallons of water per minute. If you shorten your shower by two minutes, you can cut your water use by 10 gallons." Also, if you don't NEED the water on while you're shaving, etc. then turn it off to further save water.

    3. Reuse your takeout containers instead of tossing them

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    This might not work with every single takeout container, BUT if it can be cleaned out and reused why not save it in your plastic container drawer???

    4. Give up the straw.

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    There's currently a movement to decrease the usage of plastic straws because of the harmful impact on ocean life. In the U.S. alone, roughly 500 million straws are used every day, and many end up in the ocean. They cannot be recycled. This is why it's better to say, "no" to a plastic straw if you don't need it.

    5. And for that matter, quit using plastic utensils.

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    Yes, those also end up in our ocean and are capable of harming sea life who may mistake them for food.

    6. Get yourself a reusable water bottle.

    Ryan Pattie / BuzzFeed

    According to Sustainable Earth, "in the U.S. we use 50 billion plastic water bottles each year and only recycle 23%." Cut out that plastic from your life by just buying a reusable one. A small perk of doing so? Many airports have dispensers for your reusable water bottle, so you don't have to pay an outrageous $5 for just WATER.

    7. And if you're a coffee addict, consider bringing your own cup to your favorite café.

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    Less than 1% of coffee cups are recycled. UM, WHAT?! Help combat this by bringing your own.

    8. Loose leaf tea helps reduce waste from teabags.

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    Switch to loose leaf tea to reduce the amount of waste that's going in the garbage. OR compost 'em, if you have one!

    9. Get in a habit of bringing totes.

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    According to Reuse This Bag, "plastic shopping bags on land are one of the most common types of litter." Keep a few canvas bags in your car for the next time you shop! (Plus, honestly, they hold way more.)

    10. Turn the water off when you brush your teeth.

    Ryan Pattie / BuzzFeed

    This seems obvious, right? If you don't already do this, START TODAY!!!!