What You Can Do For Our Planet

Hello everybody! Today I want to address the urgency to do something against climate change. As so many, I am very passionate about that issue and hope that you are aware as well of the problem. I believe that most people *except maybe Trump, cough* are also ready to contribute to their part, because everybody can help! The only thing is that sometimes we don't quite know how, because we are so used to bad habits, we aren't even aware of them. I don't claim to be an expert, but I would like to give you some ideas and tips on what you could do. I don't want to force you to follow through any of them, but I encourage it greatly and would appreciate it if you'd at least do what you are comfortable with. Thank you!

1. Recycling

Recycling is one of the most important ways you can contribute. Plastic, Aluminium, Glass, Carton, Paper, etc. At first it might be a bit of a hassle to know where to put what, but once you've informed yourself a bit, you'll realise that it takes so little and makes such a huge difference. (Tip: It may help if you have baskets around labelled "Carton" or "Glass" to make it easier, more sorted and faster to sort your recycling). 

In some cases you might even benefit directly from your efforts to re-purpose your recycling. Brands like "LUSH" and "MAC" and many more actually have offers that when you return a certain amount of empty products, you get one for free in return! So make sure to check that out!

2. Up-cycling

You can actually even do some of the "recycling" process yourself and safe some money at the same time. You can re-purpose old glass bottles to use as vases or storage for things like sugar, flour, salt, etc. or plastic bottles for water instead of spending money on new water bottles every time you're out.

3. Compost

I don't think that composting needs a lot of explaining. I have to admit, that I'm not sure how it works in other countries, but in Switzerland there's a service that picks up your green waste and whenever you have unused or leftover or expired food, you can simply toss it in there.

4. Don't throw food away in the first place

Often people throw away food after it's passed it's expiry date, just because they think it's no good anymore, however that often isn't the case. It's more a vague guess until when it'll be best, but often you can keep things for a lot longer and they'll be just as good or even better (ex. overripe bananas). There are Some things like eggs or chicken where you have to be careful, but often you'll see if the food item is still good by looking at it properly.

5. Safe electricity and water

- Turn off unnecessary lights

- Take shorter showers and turn the water off while shaving, shampooing, brushing your teeth, etc.

- Unplug unused electronics

- Turn down air conditioner when you're not at home and turn down heating. Wear a sweater instead.

- Only wash your clothing once the laundry basket is full.

- Only wash dishes when the machine is full

- Use a drying line instead of a dryer
- This one might sound gross, but only flush the toilet when necessary (it saves so much water)
-Instead of letting the water pour down the drain, stick a bucket under the faucet while you wait for your shower water to heat up. You can use the water for watering your plants.
- Install a rain barrel to water your plants without a sprinkler or hose.
- Eat less meat, it saves water, energy, reduces CO2 emission and so much more!

  
 

6. General

- Shop with reusable canvas bags

- Use public transportation rather to a car

- Buy local food

- Give old clothing to charity

- Use reusable napkins

- Get a water flask

- You don't need all that sparkling water

- etc.

I hope I could help. I'm already grateful for the smallest change or contribution, thank you<3

-Milena