20 Ways You Can Help Save The Environment

The Earth is becoming very polluted at an alarmingly fast rate. More than 50% of the world’s trees have been cut or burned down in the last 100 years, massive oil spills damage our oceans and marine life, air pollution is at an all-time high, and garbage is literally everywhere.

It is often challenging to know what can actually be done to make a difference. There are the obvious things that can be done – don’t litter, don’t idle your car, walk and ride your bike when you can, recycle. Those are all important things, however there are more things we can do to help out planet. This list contains other things we can do to contribute to a healthier planet.

Air Dry Your Dishes

Skip the built-in “dry” option on your dishwasher, and just air dry your dishes.

Turn Off Your Computer

When you go to sleep, or when you’re not using it, turn your computer off completely instead of just letting it go into “sleep” mode.

Shorter Showers

Try taking one minute less in the shower – just one minute. You could save up to 150 gallons of water per month!

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Make sure your tires are inflated properly. This will help your tires and car last longer, and minimizes the amount of gas you have to use.

Dim The Lights

Install a dimmer switch wherever you can – they’re pretty inexpensive, and they help save energy.

Replace Your Light Bulbs

Replace your old light bulbs with energy saving fluorescent bulbs. They might cost you a little bit extra, but they’ll save you money on your bill and they last longer.

Save Hangers

Save your annoying wire hangers, and give them to your neighborhood dry-cleaner to be reused.

Water Heater Trick

Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket. This way, the water will hold heat for longer, and the water heater won’t have to use as much energy.

Invest In A Cup

Take the $10-$20 and buy a cute, reusable mug for your morning coffee, instead of using the paper or plastic cup that you’d normally get. Places like Starbucks may knock 10 cents off of your cup of coffee if you have a reusable cup!

Use Reusable Bags

Pick up some reusable bags from your local grocery store – they may cost you a few dollars, but they will last longer, and your minor monetary contribution will make a big impact on the environment.

Close Vents And Doors

If you aren’t using a specific room (ie. guest bedroom, office, craft room), then close the vents and doors to that room. You will use less energy to heat or cool your home.

Change Your Fridge/Freezer Temperature

Set your fridge temperature to 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer to 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your food will still be kept within a safe temperature, but you will save energy.

Buy Used Furniture

Go to a thrift store, find an old couch or table, and re-purpose it. This will not only save you money, but you’ll have fun and help save some trees.

Water Your Lawn At Night

Don’t water your lawn in the morning or afternoon when it is hot and dry, because this leads to evaporation. Water your grass in the evening, when it’s cool and damp!

Collect Rain Water

When it rains, you won’t need to water your lawn, but what about the next day? If you collect and save some of that rainwater, you can re-use it to water your grass the next day.

Print Double-Sided

This may seem too simple, but in reality, you will use 50% less paper if you print double-sided!

Wash Full Loads Of Laundry

Make sure that you wait until you have a full load of laundry before you start your washer and dryer. Not only could this save 1,000 gallons of water per month, but it could also help you save money on both your water and electricity bill.

Plant Trees

Plant trees around your home. This will provide shade, release oxygen, and save you from cranking the air conditioning when the sun is beating down on your home.

Detox Your House

Get rid of any items in your house that might contain mercury – they’re a health risk, and they’re bad for the environment. Examples of items that might contain mercury are old appliances, batteries and thermometers.

Unplug

Unplug any appliances that you aren’t using. Even if the appliance isn’t on, if it’s plugged in, it’s still using energy. This habit will save the environment, as well as your bill.