Easy Ways to Go Green and Protect the Environment

Though we may not realize it at first, our job as human beings is to protect and preserve the environment we live in.

In recent years, however, more waste is ending up on streets, the oceans and rivers, and even the air we breathe.

You’d be surprised how much a simple action, such as throwing plastic in the ocean, affects the environment. In contrast, taking a simple precautionary act, like recycling, can have a positive effect.

Here are a few ways you can go green and protect the environment.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

We’re going to start with the most common yet probably most effective method to keep the environment safe.

Reducing the number of things you use and consume, reusing everything you can, and recycling them is the best way to keep the planet in good condition.

It may not seem like much, but sometimes, it takes one person to make all the difference.

Once you get into the habit of reducing, reusing, and recycling, it’ll become instinctual for you. This should also be one of the first things we teach kids about protecting the planet and global responsibility.

The first step is to reduce what you consume. This includes food, electricity, fossil fuels, plastic materials, and water.

You may not even realize how many plastic bags you throw away after a grocery run. When you throw away plastic, most of it ends up in a landfill or burned.

Burning plastic releases toxic gases into the air. These gases are not only harmful to our health, but they also harm animals and plants.

One thing that most people aren’t aware of is how this action affects the planet. When something produces toxic gas, it rises and affects the ozone layer, which is what’s protecting us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Reducing plastic use can help the ozone layer remain stable.

The next step is to reuse. You can reuse many things to keep the environment safe such as bags, clothes, glass bottles, and even plastic containers.

Additionally, when you’re done with these items, all you need to do is recycle them.

Recycling is when materials such as cardboard, aluminum, newspapers, and plastic are broken down and used to make a new product. In turn, this protects the environment while giving us a new item.

Take Alternative Modes of Transportation

If you work outside the home, chances are you drive a car to get there or use public transportation.

Either way, as convenient a vehicle is, they’re also prime sources of pollution.

In fact, vehicles, in general, are the number one cause of air pollution.

They emit harmful gases and chemicals such as smog, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide.

Worse yet, the bigger the car, the more the toxins are likely released into the air. Luckily, you can reduce your carbon footprint by taking alternative modes of transportation.

Here are a few ways you can get around without having to use a vehicle:

• Riding a bicycle
• Roller skating
• Walking
• Jogging
• Electric scooters
• Skateboarding

Walking is the safest and cheapest way to travel.

However, if you need to go somewhere requiring a car, we recommend getting a fuel-efficient vehicle.

A fuel-efficient vehicle is the same as a regular car, except it uses significantly less fuel.

These cars can be pretty expensive, and you may not even have the budget for them. If that’s the case, consider seeking alternative financing if the vehicle makes economic sense in the long run.

Once you get matched for financing, they’ll provide you with the funds you need while offering you low interest rates.

Use Natural Pest Repellents

If you enjoy gardening, chances are you’ve dealt with your fair share of pests.

Pests, especially rodents or insects, can destroy your garden.

Obviously, you want to protect your garden from critters and other pests, but keep in mind that chemical sprays may not always be the answer.

Pesticides, insecticides, and even weed killers seem good on paper, but in truth, they are loaded with harmful chemicals that end up harming the environment.

The product labels usually state that humans should not ingest them; however, they fail to mention the adverse effects on plants and animals.

Nitrates and sulfur dioxide are just some of the chemicals that can destroy your plants.

Instead of buying a store-bought repellent, make a natural repellent at home instead.

For example, many rodents, like mice and chipmunks, cannot stand the smell of peppermint and garlic. Insects don’t like the scent of lime, lavender, and citronella.

Combine these into a cup of water, let it ferment, and pour it around your precious plants.

As for those pesky weeds, simply pulling them out of the ground has always been the most reliable solution.

But it’s possible to make a natural herbicide to keep them at bay. All you’ll need is a mix of hot water, vinegar, salt, and a touch of dish soap.

Pour this blend over the areas the weeds are to stop them from growing. You might even begin to enjoy the DIY process of making your own herbicide as an extension to your gardening hobby.