Sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years. Yet, a lot of consumers are confused about what sustainability really is or how to live the word in everyday life.
The word itself might even scare some into believing it's too hard or too complicated when in reality, being just a little bit more sustainable in your daily life can make the biggest difference.
With that being said, here are three small things you can start doing:
Shop Local
By making an active effort to shop locally, you're helping reduce emissions involved in food production and transportation. In addition, when you buy organic, your shopping dollars will support small businesses.
Non-industrial operations utilize sustainable practices that minimize pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, and use less energy, so by shopping at your local farmer's market, you won't only end up enjoying the fresh and delicious produce they provide, but you'll also help save our planet.
Recycle
Waste facilities recycle or compost 35% of all municipal solid waste. The rest of it ends up in landfills as well as natural habitats. This means unnecessary waste occurs when consumers contaminate single-stream recycling operations with materials that are non-recyclable.
This is why it's important to do your part and recycle properly. Set up two separate bins under your sink, one for recycling and one for compost. Things like batteries, plastics, glass, and paper products will have to go in the recycling bin, and remember to compost or throw away the materials you can't recycle.
Buy Reusable Items
While plastic producers like to push recycling, their products can only go through the process once or twice. Meanwhile, you can recycle paper 5-7 times and glass and metal indefinitely, which is why it's best to invest in reusable items.
Trade your plastic water bottle for a hydro flask and your single-use coffee mug for a reusable one. Making minor and simple changes will help you protect the planet and even save money in the long run.
