10 Ways to Protect the Environment

In the face of reports about catastrophic oil spills and the rapid increase of global warming, concerns for the environment tend to overwhelm individuals and make them feel helpless in efforts to promote pro-planet action. But everyone can boost awareness about the environment by implementing some basic eco-friendly habits.
Make Simple Changes to Go Green

Whether it’s a one-day per week contribution or a lifestyle change, here are 10 suggestions for simple things to do to prioritize and protect the planet.

* Pick Up Litter. Place litter in the trash or recycle if possible. Not only does litter aesthetically affect natural surroundings, it poses health hazards as chemicals leach into soil and water sources.
* Reassess Recycling Rituals. Participate in the local recycle program and place the appropriate plastics, glass, and paper products in recycle bins. Challenge kids to the task of collecting cans and bottles, then allow them to trade their collection for cash at a recycle center and use the money on a special treat. Reuse plastic and paper grocery bags or make a one-time purchase of a durable cloth bag. Many grocery stores now offer a discount off the grocery bill or other incentives for bringing reusable bags.
* Plant a Tree. Trees purify the air we breathe, provide homes for countless creatures, help retain soil, and enhance the environment’s natural beauty. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of acres of trees are destroyed each year to make paper products, from newspaper to cigarettes, significantly damaging ecosystems. No access to land on which to plant a tree? Numerous organizations are dedicated to planting trees on the donor’s behalf to help sustain the environment.

Cut Down on Energy Use

* Change the Bulbs. When light bulbs go out, replace them with energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use only about one-fourth of the electricity the old bulbs used and last up to ten times longer, saving money in the long run.
* Park the Car. Where public transportation is accessible, use it instead of gassing up the car and spewing out those nasty emissions. If public transportation is not an option on a daily basis, commit to using it once in a while, even once a month. At the very least, coordinate errands to combine them into one trip in the car as opposed to three or four separate trips.
* Turn Off Lights. Fuels used to generate electricity pollute the air and water, among other environmental impacts. To combat the electricity crisis, keep lights off and make use of natural light when possible; it’s better on the psyche and is cost-savings as well. Turn off the lights and television when leaving the house. If lights are needed for security purposes, invest in a timer.

Small Lifestyle Changes Make a Big Difference

* Give Up Meat. Meat-lovers should consider making the sacrifice to benefit the planet by abstaining from meat at least one day a week. Much more energy, water, and land are used to derive food from animals than from fruits and vegetables. Meet protein needs by eating beans, legumes, tofu, and tempeh, which is a whole soybean product with more protein content than other traditional soy products.
* Wrap It Up. Giving a gift? Instead of buying wrapping paper, use newspaper or an old brown paper grocery bag turned inside out. Decorate it with leftover ribbon or string.
* Take Shorter Showers. Even nature lovers enjoy their showers. To conserve water during a shower, time it – cutting just one minute from a shower time can save up to 10 gallons of water per shower. Similarly, turn off the water while brushing teeth, and save up to five gallons of water per two-minute tooth-brushing session.
* Choose Natural Cleaners. Choose alternatives to household cleaners that are non-toxic. For instance, instead of a harsh surface cleaner, use a mix of vinegar and water. Need a bit more scrub? Use a baking soda and water combination. Baking soda also acts as a natural odor-eater.

Eco-friendly habits can be incorporated easily and inexpensively into anyone’s routine. As a bonus, planet care often lends to side benefits, such as saving money or getting healthier. Regardless of the time or energy expended, every little action acts as a vote toward protecting the environment.