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10 Ways to Take Care of the Environment

If there’s one thing humanity has in common, it’s our planet. We might speak different languages. We might make money than other people. We might look different, act different, and have different opinions. But we all have at least one thing in common…the Earth.

Our planet gives us the food we eat, the materials to make our houses, and the power to create books, light bulbs, and laptops. We depend on the planet for everything, for both beauty and basic needs, since without its resources, we wouldn’t exist.

We don’t always take diligent care of our planet, however. We waste the resources that we have, and we contribute to pollution. Whether you want to teach your kids about environmental responsibility, or whether you want to find ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home, the following list can help you.

Use Less Water

We could all use less water. Limit your water use by taking shorter showers, not running the water when you’re washing dishes, or by reducing the amount of water your toilet uses to flush. Water is a precious natural resource, and it takes a great deal of energy to get it cleaned and delivered to your home. We remember the beauty of water when we find places to see on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but try to remember the importance of water each and every day.

Turn off Your Lights

When you’re not in a room, leave off the lights. Just use lamps or overhead lighting you need now. It might look a little gloomy on a rainy day, but you don’t always need to light that lamp. If you want to get your kids involved in helping the planet, have an hour every day where you don’t use lights. Use candles instead and try to shower in the dark. You’ll teach them an important lesson, and they’ll love the adventure.

Buy a Fuel-Efficient Car

Outside of cities like New York and Chicago, getting around most of America means having a car. Pollution from cars and trucks is a serious environmental concern, and drilling for the oil used to power the cars is as well. If you can afford a newer car, find one that’s fuel-efficient, such as these in this new Ford inventory. The less gas you use, the better impact you’re having on the planet.

Use Different Fuel

Besides getting a more fuel-efficient car, you can focus on changing the type of fuel you use. Not everyone can afford a hybrid or electric car, but every time we use electricity instead of gas, we’re helping reduce pollution. You can also investigate alternative biodiesels. For instance, SeQuential biodiesel can reduce the carbon footprint of your car or truck.

Compost

Everyone has a garbage can. Most people have a recycling bin, too. You can add a third canister to your trash, as well: compost. Gardeners love compost, since it creates a rich, natural soil to grow flowers and vegetables in. It also saves dumps from dealing with extra garbage. If something can decompose, try composting it! There are also certain paper products and compostable “plastic” tableware out there, too! You can look up how to compost online if you need help getting started.

Don’t Drive If You Don’t Have To

America fosters a huge car culture, but public transport, or a quick walk, however, has a much smaller environmental footprint. Can you bike to work? Walk? Take the subway? If there’s a way to reduce your car use, try to do it every day. On your trip to explore Henry County, Georgia, you can walk from site to site instead of drive. If you head out for a walk, you’ll feel healthier, and if you take the subway, you can read or check your emails while you commute.

Only Use Appliances When They’re Full

If you use a dishwasher, you shouldn’t run it unless it’s packed to the gills. If you use a washing machine, don’t do laundry until you have a full load. On that note, don’t wash your clothes until they’re dirty. Just because you wore a shirt once doesn’t mean it needs washing.

Save Money on Food

It’s a shame to waste any food, and it’s also harmful for the environment when we do. The more people consume, the more products companies must make, and the more facilities they must use energy. Save money on food by buying in bulk and planning your recipes ahead of time. If you save on groceries, you could help save the planet.

Use Less Paper

Most of us print something at least once a week. We buy notepads, throw out half-used notebooks, and print on just one side of the paper. It might seem like a little thing, but if you devote some effort to saving paper, you could conserve a lot of paper products every year. Try not to print unless you must, and make sure you use both sides of the paper if you do.

Borrow and Lend Equipment

One of the best ways we can save the planet’s resources is to buy less. If you can borrow your neighbor’s bocce ball set, then you don’t need to buy your own. Also, if you can lend your camping gear to a friend, you’ve kept one more item out of creation.