10 Ways to Help Save the Planet

“The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.”

The moment we shift our perspective from having rights to Earth to instead being grateful for the right to live here, that’s the beginning of change.  We have one home, one place to travel, one place to explore, one place to cry, laugh, love, grieve and hope on. There is only one.  There are acts that have happened to our planet that can’t be undone but we can take small, simple steps every day to reduce our own personal footprints. I have gathered up 10 ways that I personally day in and day out try to help save the planet. They aren’t big, life-changing steps but instead very tangible ways to make a contribution to keeping our planet beautiful.

 

 

 

 

1. Plant indigenous flora and fauna to the area you live in

For LA, my plants consist of mostly succulents.  They are meant to sustain the climate here and therefore, I don’t have to use as much water to keep them alive. Your garden should consist of flowers and plants you would probably find in the area so that they easily adapt to their environment.

2. Take a trash bag with you when you go for a walk

Luckily, the neighborhood Scout and I live in now is pretty trash free but we’ve lived in neighborhoods where trash appeared more frequently.  I would always take a little trash bag with me and pick up trash along the way. A really easy way to contribute to the cleanliness of our own neighborhood.

3. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth

Chances are, you already do this. But in case you don’t, turning the water off while you brush your teeth saves gallons of water. Same goes for if your toilet is running and it isn’t fixed or the kitchen sink in between washing dishes. Be mindful of how much water you’re using. It truly does make a difference.

4. Use recycled paper products

I haven’t quite made the leap into cloth napkins but I have started ordering napkins and paper towels made from recycled paper. It’s just going to be used and thrown away again, might as well keep the cycle going.

5. Recycle

For the love of God, recycle. Order the extra bin or find a recycling center nearby. With the amount of packaging that is on different products, there are so many items that can be recycled. I take out my recycling 4 times as often then I do my trash can. Why throw something away when it makes a big difference to just throw it in a different bin. For some reason, this one seems to get a lot of people. Either because they don’t want the hassle or don’t want to buy the extra bin but to me, it is really a small sacrifice on my end that ultimately makes a big difference.

6. Save electricity

There are a couple of ways to save energy. You can either change your lightbulbs to the halogen light bulbs. Not only do they save energy but they also they save you money too. While you’re at it, turn off any unnecessary lights.

7. Volunteer

Whether it’s to help clean parks, plant trees, or clean up the beaches, a couple hours of work makes a big difference. Just search your city and environment volunteer opportunities and organizations should start popping up.

8. Use reusable water bottles

I have tons of reusable water bottles. I store them in my fridge so they are cold and ready to go at a moments notice, just as I would if they were plastic bottles. You could just recycle the water bottle or you could save the plastic in the first place and use your own. If you do wind up buying a plastic water bottle, just make sure to recycle it. You can also look for other ways to use reusable products. Where it’s alternatives to sandwich baggies or the very obvious choice of using reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones. If you do grab a plastic bag from the grocery store, make sure to recycle it. A lot of grocery stores now have a drop off places for you to do so!

9. Convert your home to toxic free products

My family converted our home to toxic free products when I was nine years old so this is a no-brainer for me. Not only are you not putting those toxins in your body or your loved one’s bodies, you’re also protecting our planet. We have always been involved with Melaleuca. That is where I get all of my natural, toxic-free products from shakes, food, makeup, vitamins to all of my cleaning products. Luckily, it seems we’re all waking up to the long-term negative effects of our cleaning products so green products are also now widely available anywhere cleaning products are sold. Should be easy peasy to switch over.

10. Eat organically

Eating organically can be a tough one because the price point is higher. However, it’s worth it. Hear me out. When eating organic products and supporting the farmers and manufacturers who take that route, you’re not exposing yourself, the people who make our food, or the Earth to harmful chemicals. Eating organically beyond vegetables is important too. I only buy Happy Eggs. Their hens are allowed to be in a large area outside with no cages. Organic doesn’t always mean chemically but also in the ways the animals are treated. And face it, Happy Eggs just sounds happier.

 

 

Earth day was just a few days ago but really, every day is earth day. If we all take small steps to protect our planet, it will make a huge impact. We only have one planet Earth, we might as well cherish it. How do you go green?

Additional Resources:

Earth day – Every day is Earth day! Their current mission is to reduce plastic waste. Sign a petition and get involved here!

The Ocean Clean Up – Dedicated to cleaning up our oceans and ridding them of our trash

The Biodiversity Group – Focusing on life overlooked. These fine folks help preserve animals and their ecosystems.

Our Greener Future – This organization has numerous projects constantly in the works. They also provide courses to teach about zero waste living.

Sand cloud – A brand dedicated to saving marine wildlife. 10% of their profits are donated to other organizations with similar missions. #savethefishes

Let’s do our part.

Cheers,

 

Other Spring Goodness:

Spring playlist

Spring Reading List

Spring Has Sprung Haul