Sometimes we feel so caught up in other things that we forget that the Earth is in turmoil. We don’t know what to do, how to help, or who to believe. My only advice is to educate yourself. Lately, I’ve been discovering more brands and ways to help the Earth without feeling selfish.
Looking for a durable water bottle? Hydroflasks, yet expensive, are totally worth it! I use my hydroflasks all the time! I use one for my everyday water and the other to keep my sugary drinks cold or my chocolatey drinks hot! It doesn’t break, it keeps your drink the way you want it, and you don’t have to worry about what to do with it after being done with it because it’s reusable!
Shop from brands who are passionate about nature and the outdoors and who’s intentions are to better the Earth. Earthbound is a great way to express your granola, hippie, liberal self! You can get essential oils, recycled jewelry, candles, and other fun things! 4Ocean is also a great organization. For every bracelet they sell, they vow to pick one pound of trash out of the ocean. In less than two years, they’ve pulled 2 million pounds of trash from the ocean.
Reusable straws are the go-to! Many people think that it doesn’t result in change at all, but what I have to say to that is “bullcrap”. You can find metal straws absolutely anywhere, and they’re ridiculously cheap! Also, if you’re going to a fast-food restaurant per se, ask if you can use your own cup.
If plastic cups are absolutely unavoidable, clean them and then out them in a recycling bin! That, or use it as many times as possible until absolutely necessary to recycle.
Recycle!!!! Paper, plastic, cardboard, clothes, wood, metals!
When you’re washing your hands in the bathroom and you have the choice of using a paper towel or a hand dryer, pick the hand dryer.
Instead of ranking up the heat when your cold, snuggle up in a blanket or put in a sweatshirt! This helps conserve energy AND your money! You can find really comfy blankets at your local Target, Shopko, or Walmart for like $5. AND, while you’re snuggled up, trying to get cozy, you can drink something hot from your hydroflask!
Go thrift shopping! Goodwill, Salvation Army, hand-me-downs, your local thrift stores! This is a form of recycling. Also, you can find a lot of cute things at thrift stores for very little money. Whenever I go to my thrift store I pick out a whole new wardrobe for like $50. It’s innovative and cheap.
Another way to help better the Earth is to use non-plastic bags when shopping. I’ve seen a lot of really cute bags that could be used for shopping in my lifetime. There are also many different kinds of bags. There are bags you can use specifically for cold things or hot things. There are also bags for clothes, toys, etc.
Try to avoid lengthy showers in order to conserve water. A good way of doing this is to limit yourself to 2-3 songs per shower, or half a podcast, or you can set a timer. The ideal shower time, although it’s crazy to think because I love my shower, is five minutes! This includes shampooing, conditioning, body wash, and putting on concerts! I’m sorry people but the show is gonna have to be cut short!
Another good way to conserve water is to turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
Plant more flowers, maybe start gardening! This is a good way of giving back to the environment and saving money by eating the things you grow in your own backyard. If you live in an apartment or somewhere where it is impossible to have a garden, ask around about a community garden, and if there isn’t one then try starting one yourself! The earth and everyone around you will love you for it! And if a community garden doesn’t cut it, then try not to use plastic or unnecessary packaging when buying food from the stores.
Use biodegradable everything! Biodegradable facemasks, biodegradable cups, biodegradable trash bags.
When buying makeup, do research! What if they test on animals? What if the chemicals they use are harmful to not only your body but your environment?
Donate to companies whose intentions are only good. 4Ocean, Wildlife Warriors, etc. Donate, donate, donate!!!
When an animal is in need of help, help it.
And, lastly, spread the word, educate, and learn! It’s never too late, you’re never too small, and what you have to say is never unimportant.
