Reduce Your Footprint
Go Green! 5 easy steps to start making difference today
What we do makes a difference.
It’s all too easy to think, “One person can’t have a meaningful impact on the environment.” Ironically, that’s the very same mentality that leads people to litter! It’s up to us to make sure that we leave behind a healthy planet for future generations. Try working these 5 simple acts into your daily routine and you’ll be on your way to saving the world, one small step at a time.
Remember to re-use
Try bringing reusable bags at the grocery store, and re-purposing plastic bags, straws, and cutlery before throwing them out. We’ve become accustomed to recycling as an earth-friendly act, but more areas are experiencing recycling crises as demand outpaces supply. Reduce your waste by remembering the second part of the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra.
Go digital
The more you do online, the less paper you waste. Where possible, consider paperless billing for your utilities and daily expenses. Consider opting for catalogues and flyers via email from your favorite retailers. You’ll get less clutter in your mailbox, meaning less paper in landfills.
Turn it off!
One of the simplest ways to reduce energy use and carbon footprint is mindfulness about energy waste. If you leave a room, turn out the lights. Switch off computers and other electronics when not in use. By lowering your energy consumption, not only will the planet thank you, but your wallet will, too!
Recycle by the numbers
Before you put it in your bin, make sure it’s really recyclable. While technology exists to recycle most plastics and other packaging, not all communities have the infrastructure to support universal recycling. Check the bottom of your plastics for a number 1 – 7, and confirm with your municipality’s recycling website which plastics they accept. If you’re not checking the numbers, you’re likely just causing a headache for someone at the recycling facility and generating more trash.
Take the plastic out of takeout
Convenience and carryout is tempting, especially with closure of many restaurants for safety reasons. However, fast food and takeout generate three times as much packaging waste as compared to preparing your own food. Try adding a scheduled day for a self-prepared meal rather than simply cooking when time allows. Not only are you doing your part for the planet, you’ll likely be eating better than before and saving money at the same time!
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