Saving Earth: Being More Conscious
The Earth is beautiful, and there's no denying that. It's a place for life, beauty, hope, and dreams.
However, the Earth is slowly becoming our trashcan, and it is completely because of the human race. With global warming, overflowing landfills, and trash covering the seas, the Earth needs our help and needs it fast. We as humans have become so consumed in our lives that we have forgotten to take care of the one place that keeps us ultimately alive. So, how can we help fix this issue that we have caused?
Being environmentally conscious might be easier than you think. Here, I have listed some conscious ideas to think about throughout the day that could help out the Earth and our surroundings.
1. Being Conscious of Your Trash.
According to the EPA, the average amount of trash that one human produces each day is 4.3 pounds. EACH DAY. I hate to break it to you guys, but we are running out of room for our trash. If we as humans could minimize just a small amount of the trash we would potentially throw away, we could save more room in landfills.
One idea that I suggest is being more mindful about plastic. Plastic isn't biodegradable, therefore it stays in landfills forever without degrading into the soil.
If you're going to the grocery store for just a couple of items, bring a reusable bag to put them in.
If you already went grocery shopping while reading this, reuse these plastic bags! Put them in a designated area, and use them for things around the house. I save mine for little trash bags!
For water, rather than buying a pack of plastic water bottles, get a reusable bottle that you can fill up anytime. This will save you money, and plastic in your trash.
If there's a paper option, choose it over plastic. Paper is biodegradable!
Choose to reuse. Instead of buying paper plates, plastic utensils, and disposable flatware, use your household items in your cabinets and drawers.
RECYCLE!!! Of course, try your hardest to recycle your trash.
2. Being Conscious of Water Usage.
Fresh water is a finite source that is becoming scarce the more we abuse it. What does this mean? No water= No life. Most of you guys have probably heard of this from your parents first because of the cost of water for a home. There are also environmental benefits to conserving your water, and I've listed a couple of ways on how to conserve in your home.
Instead of letting the water run while brushing your teeth or washing your face, turn it off when you're not using it.
Instead of taking baths and long showers, try to minimize your shower by a minute. I almost see it as a competition for me!
Defrosting meat in the sink with running water can be a waste of clean water. Instead, defrost in the refrigerator!
Washing full loads of clothes and washing a full load in the dishwasher lets clean water go a long way. Be more conscious!
FACTS: Only 1% of water is actually available for fresh drinking water.
3. Trying to Consume Less.
The human race is always wanting more, which isn't good for our Earth. The more items we buy, the more trash and space taken in landfills. If we ultimately consumed less, we would cure this issue. You're probably thinking how in the world could you possibly want less. Having less is actually easier than it might seem.
Marketers do a great job by trying to convince us that we need more: through commercials, producing more items, and persuasion. Below, I've listed just a couple of ways to get started.
Don't buy something if it doesn't bring joy into your life. If it doesn't benefit your life, why have it in the first place?
You don't need the best item out there. Oh, you have an iPhone 6s Plus but want the new 7? Why? Because marketers have made you think that it's ultimately better, even if there are only a couple of things different. Your 6s Plus is just fine, trust me.
Try creating more rather than consuming more. This means finding what you love. Whether it be taking pictures, coloring, scrapbooking, or painting, these things actually contain value to you. They also fill that void of wanting to consume more, as humans have that imprinted in their brain.
Realize what you need, and separate it from what you want. If you still feel the need to want these things after following the above tips, then buy it. (More likely than not, you won't want them anymore)
Having more items does not mean having more happiness. It actually is stressful for me when I have tons of things in my home. Having a clean, uncluttered home is so relieving.
Donate the things you don't find useful or beneficial to you anymore.
I know this post is long, but being more knowledgable about the impact we're making on Earth is worth reading about. We have to care about the environment, guys! It is the one place that provides us the right to live. Doing these small things each day can make a difference, especially if everyone is on board.
Let's keep Earth beautiful and thriving. Thank you guys for reading, and I hope you use these tips as our world desperately needs it.
Thanks for stopping by and as always...
XOXO,
Hannah