Not many people are aware of how important it is to take care of the environment around them. Protecting the environment not only protects our health and well-being but it also protects the wildlife and other creatures. Although caring for the environment can seem like an overwhelming task, there are many little things people can do everyday to keep the world cleaner and safer. While it is an important addition to caring for our world, not everyone has to be an environmentalist or a GIS masters programs graduate to care for the environment. There are little things that we can do each day. Below are just 10 of the top things you can do to help better the environment.

Recycle

One of the key things every individual can do is to recycle. Nowadays just about everything is recyclable from glass to plastic and cardboard. Recycling not only allows items to be renewed and reused but it also cuts down on waste. There are recycle bins all over the streets now and many cities even make it mandatory for homes to recycle.

Reduce Waste

Another way to help the environment is to reduce waste by not buying items with excess packaging or packaging that cannot be recycled. Instead opt for containers made of glass or recyclable plastic. This will cut down on the amount of items that are filling up landfills all over the world.

Shorter Showers

On average, experts agree that an average shower uses about 5 gallons of water per minute. Most individuals take around 10 to 15 minutes per shower. That is at least 50 to 75 gallons of water each individual in the world uses just by showering. Cutting down on shower time not only reduces water waste but it also reduces energy waste. Cutting a shower down by just 2 minutes can help save up to 10 gallons of water or more.

Turn Lights Off

Although turning off the lights may seem like a simple tip not enough people actually do it. Everyday tons of electricity is wasted from lights that are not being used and TVs and appliances that are plugged in even when not in use. Instead opt for unplugging these items when they are not being used. Not only will this save energy but it will also save money on electric bills. For more convenience plug everything into one power outlet strip and simply plug and unplug it everyday.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Another great way to cut down on energy use and cost is to use fluorescent light bulbs rather than typical bulbs. Not only do fluorescent bulbs typically last longer but they also use much less energy. Although they tend to be a tad bit pricier than generic light bulbs they do last much longer making them more cost-efficient. It is one simple way to cut down on energy costs and use in homes and offices.

Reusable Water Bottles

Landfills and oceans are filled with plastic bottles. Experts estimate that Americans are responsible for more than 35 billion water bottles filling landfills every single year. Not only is this a waste of plastic and resources but it is also filling up landfills and harming the environment. Instead opt for refillable water bottles which can be reused time and time again. Not only is it a great way to remember to stay hydrated but it is also a great way to cut down on plastic waste. Many local coffee shops and other places are even starting to catch on as they now allow you to fill reusable cups at their retail locations.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Much like with plastic bottles plastic bags are filling landfills and the oceans. Researchers agree that more than 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide each year which is contributing to environmental hazards, threatening wildlife, polluting the streets and wasting necessary resources such as oil. Instead of using plastic bags buy one or two reusable shopping bags that most supermarkets and department stores now offer. Some stores even give customers a discount for using recyclable bags. If plastic bags are necessary be sure to use as little as possible and always reuse them for other things. Many stores even offer bag recyclable bins nowadays where you can return used bags.

Use Mass Transportation

Another great way to help the environment is to use mass transit or even simply bike or walk to your destination if possible. Car pollution is at an all-time high and experts agree it accounts for more than 20% of the worlds carbon dioxide in the air. Not only is this harmful to the lungs and body but it is also harmful to the overall well-being of the earth and wildlife. Instead opt for trains, buses, walking, bicycling and even when necessary carpooling.

Stop Smoking

It is amazing that even in these modern times many are still turning a blind eye to the negative effects that smoking can have. Not only does it harm smokers and those around them but it also harms the environment. Cigarettes are made of tons of chemicals which are released into the atmosphere. This can cause breathing problems and other medical issues.

Go Chemical Free

Although going chemical-free can be very hard in a world that is filled with unnecessary ingredients there are many ways to cut down on the use of chemicals. One of the key things individuals can do is to pay attention to their dish soap and detergent. These are often filled with tons of unnecessary chemicals that can be harmful to the oceans and wildlife. Instead opt for plant-based cleaners that are free of nasty harsh chemicals. This is also true of soaps and body washes as well as shampoos that are often filled with unnecessary chemicals. Going chemical-free is also a great idea for individuals with very sensitive skin as harsh ingredients can cause the skin to become inflamed or breakout.

Overall, these are just a few of the key things you can do to help the environment. The most important thing is to be aware. Being aware helps to reduce waste and allow individuals to use resources more appropriately.