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In today’s world, lots of people are thinking about how they impact the environment with their habits and products. Although the best ways to be environmentally conscious are going plastic-free, only buying local, etc., there are a few easy ways that you can become more environmentally friendly without making huge life changes. Once you start doing these simple things, you’ll find that they become habits that you do without thinking about. Here are 5 easy ways to become environmentally conscious!
Use Metal or Silicone Straws
Lots of restaurants are switching from plastic straws to paper straws, which is great, but I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying around my own, re-usable straws. All I did was buy a pack of metal straws and a few pouches. I keep a pouch of straws in my purse, at home, and I gave one to my boyfriend for his backpack. This way, whenever we go out or order at a restaurant with straws, we just ask for no straws and use our own. These are the straws I have (which came with one pouch and also cleaning brushes) and these are the pouches that I use.
Don’t Use Plastic Bags at the Store
A lot of people have already been bringing their own grocery bags and some stores offer you a discount if you do. However, you often don’t think about the plastic bags you’re putting your produce in. What’s the point of bringing a reusable bag and then putting tons of little plastic bags inside of it? I recommend getting reusable mesh bags for your produce. There are different sizes for different produce and they are easy to rinse out. I throw mine in my grocery bags so that I don’t forget them.
Unplug Your Cords When You’re Not Using Them
Buy Used, Not New
This is something that’s so easy to forget to do, but can make a big difference. Using less electricity is better for the environment! I think most of us unplug our phone charging cords, but who unplugs their coffee machine when they’re not making coffee? Lots of things can be unplugged during the day when you’re not using them, especially if you won’t even be home. I try to unplug my lamps, small appliances, and any power strips. Obviously you can’t unplug your fridge, but toasters and other things can be! If you want to know how much electricity you use, try an electricity meter.
I’ve always shopped at thrift stores (see a previous haul here). Now that I know how it helps the environment, I love it even more. It makes sense to not buy new things. Anything new takes a lot of energy to produce. Buying used things requires obviously less energy. Plus, clothes and other items aren’t being thrown into landfills if they are reused.
Stay Informed
I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me want to be more environmentally conscious than watching nature documentaries featuring animals that are endangered. My favorite one is Our Planet narrated by David Attenborough on Netflix. It showcases different parts of the world (rainforests, mountains). It documents the creatures that live there, how we are hurting that environment, and what we can do to help save it.
There are lots of small things that we can all do to become more environmentally conscious. These are just a few! What are some ways that you can become environmentally conscious?