Happy Earth Day! Today, I encourage you to be extra conscious of what you consume and why, and I am sharing 10 ways to do just that. Saving the earth is a choice, and it’s in our hands. Show your love for our home today, and choose to take action with these simple steps:
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Honestly, there’s no excuse for not owning and using a reusable water bottle. Say no to plastic water bottles. I carry my Hydro Flask wherever I go (even sneaking it into places like movie theaters) and fill it up as necessary. Plus, it’s super sleek and pretty.
Go Meatless
Don’t eat meat today. Even better, give up meat for one day a week (or more!). Consider joining the Meatless Monday movement, but choose a day that works best for you. I personally stopped eating red meat altogether when I was 13. Just do something to lessen your consumption of animal products, because it will significantly reduce your environmental impact.
Report Litterers
Did you know you can report littering? Tennessee has an online litter hotline. Just call or fill out the form online after witnessing littering from a vehicle on any of the state’s roadways. I actually had to do this last week when I saw someone toss a food wrapper out of her car window. I memorized the license plate and vehicle make and model, and reported it online. Littering is just lazy and lame. Don’t do it, and don’t condone it.
Educate Yourself on Recycling
Did you know that Americans are terrible at recycling? Did you know, too, that we really have no place to put all of this recycling we’re producing? It’s alarming. First of all, ensure that what you’re recycling is clean – and actually recyclable. Second of all, before you buy something – even if it’s recyclable – think about whether you really need it.
Shop In-Store
Shopping online is so easy. I get it. I do it, too, and I’m not perfect. But think about the energy it takes for our packages to travel to us and the packaging itself – the plastic, the bubble wrap, the cardboard box. There’s so much unnecessary material involved that could have been saved had we bought it in a store (and brought a reusable bag with us). I wonder, too, if we buy more because it’s so easy to click a button and have whatever sent to us. Next time we feel too lazy to go to a store to buy something, let’s ask ourselves: Do I really need it?
Buy Reusable Grocery Bags
You guys, I actually feel sick watching people at the grocery using plastic bags. Why we haven’t outlawed plastic bags yet, I’ll never know. Grocery stores actually sell reusable bags. Right by the checkout. It’s easy as pie to buy a few reusable bags. Just keep them in your car at all times so that you remember to take them into the store with you.
Use Bar Soap
I use bar soap in the shower, and I love it. Don’t whine at me about it being slippery. It’s efficient and easy, and it saves a single-use plastic. Also try bar shampoo, bar for your face, and, of course, hand bar soap.
Purchase from Sustainable Brands
Cut out fast fashion, and buy less by shopping high-quality clothing that will last from brands making sustainable efforts. Check out Everlane, ABLE, and ADAY to start. Better yet, shop secondhand and help use what’s already been produced.
Dine with Washable Napkins
Instead of using paper napkins, invest in some napkins that you can wash and reuse. This is a simple and easy solution to lessen your paper consumption. Similarly, instead of relying on paper towels, use microfiber cloths.
Sip from Stainless Steel Straws
To be honest, I’ve always thought straws were kind of silly. What’s the point? Can’t I just sip out of the side? That being said, I know there are instances in which having a straw is nice, like when drinking a smoothie. In this case, keep some stainless steel straws on hand.
Truly, I’m just scratching the surface with this list. Ultimately, with anything you consume, try to find a sustainable path. It’s hard, I know. But think: Can I not buy this product in a plastic container? Is there a better way?
Happy earth-loving, friends!
Love, Bee
P.S. Do yourself a favor and watch Our Planet.
