Top 5 Ways You Can Help The Environment
Life on Earth may be entering the sixth mass extinction event. Sadly, human actions and climate change will make this event worse. If you would like to know how to do your part, here are five ways you can be better to the environment:
1. Change your light bulbs
Changing the light bulbs in your home may seem like a tiny action, but small steps add up fast. If every household in the country replaced just one light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb, it would be the equivalent of removing one million cars from the road. Imagine what would happen if everyone replaced all the bulbs in their homes. If you have specific questions about lighting, visit a business like Pacific Lamp Wholesale Inc to learn about all the different types of lights.
2. Walk more
Many Americans are looking for ways to reduce the time they spend in the car. Walk as much as you can. Instead of driving to the store, walk if it's less than a mile from your home. Instead of idling in the drive-thru, park your car and order inside. Don't search for a parking spot next time you go to the store and just park farther away. Walking is better for the environment, your wallet, and your health.
3. Don't drink bottled water
Bottled water adds countless waste to landfills. Instead, buy a pitcher with a filter and a reusable BPA-free bottle. Not only does this save the environment and your wallet, but it may even prevent you from getting sick. In mid-June of 2015, a number of bottled water products were recalled due to E. coli contamination.
4. Be smart with water
Be aware of water waste. Observe how much water you use and cut back. Create a fun contest for your family to see who can cut the most minutes off their shower. Turn off the faucet when you're shaving or brushing your teeth. When you shampoo your hair, cut the shower off. Fixing a leaky toilet can save 200 gallons of water a day. Running your dishwasher with a full load can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 100 pounds.
5. Be careful with electronics
Electronics are very harmful to the environment since they contain heavy metals and other toxins that contaminate soil. Keep as many electronics as you can out of the landfills. Use rechargeable batteries and recycle them when they no longer hold a charge. If you buy new electronics, sell, give away, or recycle the old ones. If you're not sure where to recycle electronics, call the local waste management or an electronics store. Some electronics stores will take your old laptop or cell phone and recycle it when you buy a new one.
These are five ways you can help the environment. Even if you incorporate just one or two of these, you can still make a big difference.
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