Super-Easy Ways Anyone Can Help Save Our Planet

Everyone on earth can help save the planet in some way. Read about some easy ways to begin leading a greener life.

Going Green is Easier Than You Think

Climate change has been front-page news lately and let’s face it, we are all feeling the pressure to do our part to help save the planet. The good news is that every single person on earth can do something. From tiny tots to teens, and even our golden oldies, there is a way for everyone to be greener. Here’s how.

The Three Rs

Two children going in spring green field — Photo by Yaruta / Via depositphotos.com

The first step is to learn about the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce the amount of single-use plastics you use and try to reuse them where possible. Reduce your carbon footprint by encouraging cycling instead of driving everywhere. Doing this has the added benefit of improving health and fitness and is a great family activity! Encourage the family to think of ways to reuse everyday items by upcycling instead of encouraging consumerism. Here are some ideas:

• Clothing can be passed on as kids outgrow it.

• Reuse a wine bottle as a rolling pin instead of buying one.

• Turn an old ladder into a bookshelf.

• Plant succulents in old coffee cups instead of buying pots.

The whole family can take part in upcycling or recycling in some way. Set up a recycling station at home and teach everyone how to identify recycling symbols and where everything should go.

Eat Less Meat

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The production, processing, and distribution of meat has a massive carbon footprint and is one of the top contributors to the environmental challenges we are facing today. Even if you can’t imagine yourself or your family becoming vegetarian or vegan in the near future, try to have a meatless meal at least once or twice a week. This is not only a way to be greener, but it also has a range of health benefits like reducing your risk of developing cancer and diabetes and improving heart health.

Conserve Water

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Clean and fresh water is a limited resource. By teaching kids that every drop counts and making some changes to save water in your household, you will reduce the amount of energy needed to process and deliver water. Here are some ways to save water at home:

• Don’t brush your teeth while the water is running.

• Have a quick shower instead of a bath - we use as much as half the water with a shower.

• Repurpose water. You can do this by capturing water in a bucket while you shower and using that to water the garden or capturing water in the basin as you wait for the hot water to come in.

• Water your garden wisely. Doing it by hand can save a lot of water and can be a fun activity for the kids to help with.

Be Power Conscious

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Get everyone into the habit of switching the lights off and unplugging appliances when they’re not used. Devices like computers, televisions, and mobile phone chargers consume a surprising amount of energy. By turning them off when not in use, you are not only doing your bit for the environment, but you’ll be saving on your energy bill as well.