With the current conditions, we seem to be destroying our own planet. Fortunately, there are some easy, quick, and cost-effective things you can do to participate in protecting the planet we live on.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Save Water and Energy
Step 1. Turn off and unplug unused electronics
If you're not using it, turn it off. This will save energy and cost on your electricity bill. Before you leave the house, make sure all the lights and electronics in your home are off.
It would be even better if you unplug the cable. Leaving things like laptops or toasters waste energy, because they use less energy even when they're off
Step 2. Consider using renewable energy sources
Electricity production is one source of gas emissions, especially if it is produced using coal. On the other hand, renewable energy sources produce much smaller or almost non-existent global emissions. So, if you can, use the power source.
- Install solar panels in your home. Sunlight can be used as electricity for your home. In addition, you can also use a transparent roof to save on lighting costs in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Innovative programs in various places now allow you to take advantage of renewable energy sources. You can search and contact the program organizer to find out more and join the program.
Step 3. Replace your light bulb
Fluorescent or LED lights are more expensive, but they last much longer. You can use the same lamp over and over for two decades. Really.
LEDs are much more efficient than other light bulbs as they save more than 80 percent of energy. If each house replaces just one regular light bulb with an LED bulb, the amount of energy that can be saved will be enormous
Step 4. Save water
Helping the planet can be done not only in the energy or electricity sector, but also in water. There are many ways you can help the planet in the water sector, and they all have to do with changing your habits.
- Don't shower too long. By shortening the duration of your shower, you also indirectly use less water. Shortening the duration of your shower by just two minutes can save a lot of water in one month. Also, if you're using a bathtub, fill the tub only when you're about to take a shower, and fill it sparingly.
- Turn off the faucet when not in use and don't turn it on too hard. When you're shaving, washing your hands, or washing dishes, you don't need to turn on the tap for the whole activity. When you are, for example, soaping all your dishes, first turn off the tap. These little habits can have a big impact in the long run.
-
Wash a large number of dishes or clothes at once. That way, you don't have to turn on your electronics or faucets all the time, which would waste electricity and water.
Also, instead of using a clothes dryer, hang the clothes you just washed outside to dry them
Step 5. Reduce the use of air conditioning
When you have windows and fans, you don't really need air conditioning. If you don't have to, you don't even need to buy an air conditioner at all, because it consumes a lot of energy.
Method 2 of 3: Reducing Waste and Emissions
Step 1. Do not use items that cannot be recycled or reused
Nowadays, many people use items that are disposable and will become waste. Try to buy goods or food with packaging that you can reuse.
- Instead of constantly buying paper towels, try looking for cloth napkins.
- Use washable and reusable metal spoons and forks. Do not use disposable plastic cutlery because you are lazy to wash.
- Use eco-friendly cloth bags when shopping. This will save you from needing to use plastic bags again, because plastic bags will usually just be thrown away or piled up in the room and if they are not used for too long some of them will be thrown away too.
Step 2. Walk or bike
Cars are prime suspects for pollution problems as well as holes in the ozone layer. Also, now that there are so many of them, you'll only be stuck in traffic if you use a car.
-
Minimizing the use of cars means minimizing the use of oil which is a finite resource. In addition, once again, gas emissions from burning oil are not something that is environmentally friendly.
And yes, you save money too
- On the other hand, bicycles do not require any fuel so they do not produce any emissions. In addition, you also become healthier if you ride a bicycle.
Step 3. Don't drive alone
If you do have to use a car to travel, at least go with someone else, or else you're looking for a break.
In addition to saving energy, you'll be closer to the people you're traveling with
Step 4. Abandon paper letters and switch to digital
Today, everything is available online, be it bills, news, or other files. Instead of having to bother with managing papers that you won't use later, start getting used to the online world.
- Today many files and forms are readily available online and are safe to use. So, don't hesitate to open a bank account or credit card through an online form from the official service provider.
- Start reading the news online too. Magazines and newspapers have begun to be abandoned because they are considered old-fashioned and not environmentally friendly.
Step 5. Recycle and dispose of trash in its place
This is certainly advice that is heard quite often because it is quite easy to do. Whatever the item, be it paper, cardboard, plastic, or aluminum, throw it away. If your neighborhood doesn't have a proper public trash can, tell your local government.
Step 6. Avoid fast food and don't spare any food
When you buy fast food, you're bound to get it packaged that you'll throw away later. Apart from the food itself being unhealthy, the discarded packaging is also not good for the environment. So, avoid packaged foods that can't be recycled or reused, because that means you don't create more waste.
Also, don't leave any food behind. Although food can indeed melt easily, it is still considered trash. If you leave food out, take it with you and keep the rest. Maybe you can give it to someone else, or use it for certain recipes at home, or reheat and eat next time
Step 7. Buy less
This applies to everything. The less quantity you buy, the less waste you generate. Try to learn to turn used and leftovers into something useful. Donate your items that are still good but unused or resell. In addition, more often cook yourself at home.
Do not assume that everything that has been used will become garbage. Try to think about whether it could be something else. If the item is damaged, can it be repaired or the component used for something else?
Step 8. Compost
Compost is certainly good for the environment and your plants. Make an area in your yard as a place to collect organic waste. After some time, you will be able to use it to fertilize your plants.
Method 3 of 3: Encouraging Others
Step 1. Take care of the beauty of your surroundings
Being a good example will motivate others to follow you. Humans tend to follow their surroundings to be accepted in society. So, try to make the area around you pleasing to the eye.
- Plant trees in your area.
- Do not litter.
- Invite your local representative or government to “go green” and start caring about inner city parks and recreation areas.
Step 2. Join the organization
Most cities and provinces have organizations dedicated to protecting the environment. Search the internet for these communities or find out from other people. If you find that there is no such organization or community in your area, create one.
Step 3. Speak on various occasions
If you want to take it even further, take your ideas and ideas to another organization or at a community leader meeting place. Voicing your ideas is the first step to making progress.
- Write an article for the local newspaper.
- Help a political candidate and work with him to help improve the environment.
Step 4. Learn
Knowledge is power. The more things you know, the more things you can do efficiently and effectively. Look for a professional or trusted source to increase your knowledge.
The internet is a gathering place for people who share the same ideas as you. They may also know some things you don't and can give you lots of ideas. Chat with many people as one of your efforts to protect the planet
Tips
- Save on everything. Use as much as you need.
- Make sure you finish everything you need to do in one go. That way you don't have to drive multiple times, saving you money and energy, and reducing gas emissions from your car.
- Don't underestimate your small efforts. Everyone must do what they can to make a difference.
- Start using furniture and electronics that have high efficiency.
