Small and Easy Changes to Help the Environment
Tackling the environmental crisis can sound daunting for people who may not know exactly how they can help. However, being environmentally conscious doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be out planting trees or being one with nature. Instead, there are small easy actions that you can take everyday, and may have not even thought about, that can make a difference in the fight to keep our planet together.
Baggu Bags:
Here on campus, many stores have begun charging for plastic bags in an attempt to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags to shop. Additionally, Dinkytown Target got rid of plastic and paper bags altogether. This small change can have a major impact on the amount of plastic discarded into landfills, or worse, the ocean. Baggu bags are a favorite of mine that sit at a great price point and come in a variety of fun prints to make your shopping experience more enjoyable!
Reusable Ziploc Bags:
We all know how crucial snacks can be throughout the day, and throwing them into a Ziploc bag can make it even more convenient. Switching from plastic to silicon baggies are not only beneficial to the environment, but your wallet too.
Shop at your Local Farmers Market:
Farmers markets aren’t only for cute Instagram pics. Buying your produce at farmers markets can support small businesses which often minimize their use of chemicals and pesticides that can pollute our water and soil. It’s no secret that some of the biggest contributors to climate pollution are major corporations, so supporting local businesses who have strong ethical and environmental standards can increase the prevalence and longevity of their practices.
Get Rid of the Paper Towels:
Paper towels are one of the most wasteful products you use in your day to day life. With their ease, it can be easy to overuse them, and send them straight to the trash - where they’re left taking up space in landfills. Instead of buying paper towels, switch to biodegradable cotton towels that can be washed and used time and time again.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb
Switch your Light Bulbs:
We’ve all been told how important turning off the lights is to reduce the mass amounts of electricity we use day to day. But, there's another way to help the environment - even when the lights are on. Switching out your incandescent light bulbs for light emitting diode bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs can reduce wasteful energy consumption.
