For most of us in this day and age, helping to preserve our planet’s beauty is of utmost importance. The present condition of our environment affects not only our ecosystem and ourselves. How we treat the environment today will determine the kind of world that our children and grandchildren will grow up in.
For this reason alone, developing a great plan for reducing our impact on the environment can be an extremely rewarding activity for both individuals and families alike. Here are just a few great ways to help out the world around you and have fun while you’re doing it.
1. Plant a Garden
Source: ShutterstockUndoubtedly this is one of the most satisfying activities we can do to reduce our impact on the environment.
Planting a garden is a fun challenge that requires lots of interesting problem-solving skills. It’s also a great form of exercise, and nothing is as rewarding as seeing a garden you’ve created spring to life when the warmer months roll around.
Moreover, a home garden will often provide you with an extra food source. Your homegrown vegetables may even taste considerably better than those sold at your local chain supermarket!
And don’t sweat it if you don’t have a lot of space to grow a garden in: In fact, great gardens can even be set up in apartments!
2. Make Cycling Your New Hobby
Source: ShutterstockLearning to ride a bike doesn’t mean that we can never use our cars again. It just means that choosing to travel to local areas by bicycle rather than by car will cut down on pollutants produced by our driving.
The great thing about this activity is that it can also become a lifelong hobby. Many non-cyclists eventually fall in love with biking once they discover the simple joy in riding a bicycle.
Moreover, riding a bike is a very healthy form of exercise with numerous health benefits.
3. Make a Train Journey on Your Next Vacation
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When it comes to treating our planet right, it’s no secret that air travel can do some pretty serious damage to the environment. For this reason alone, it might be time to bring back an old classic in the travel department!
Traveling by train can be a wonderful experience. On certain train-lines, routes are built around naturally beautiful scenery and stunning landscapes.
Sometimes, it just makes more sense to travel by rail. For example, in much of Europe, a journey by train is often a major part of any traveler’s itinerary. Sure, that train trip from Rome to Vienna you’ve been considering might take longer than a budget flight. But planning to get to a destination by train might just create memories for yourself or your family that will last a lifetime.
Moreover, you’ll be helping to save the environment while you travel. Planning a vacation doesn’t get any better than that!
4. Reduce Meat and Dairy Consumption
Source: ShutterstockAccording to Harvard Law School animal law fellow Dr. Helen Harwatt, reducing meat and dairy consumption can significantly impact global pollution levels. It is also an important activity for safely reducing global carbon emissions in the long-term.
According to Dr. Harwatt, we should strive to replace part of our meat-based diet with plant-based protein sources. Doing so could have a significant impact on global carbon emission levels. Fortunately, many delicious alternatives to meat- and dairy-based products are currently available at good stores across the country.
5. Invest in an Energy-Efficient Car
Source: ShutterstockYes, it can be difficult to part with our beloved cars. But energy-efficient vehicles can do much more to reduce our impact on the environment. Furthermore, it could keep pollution levels down.
And it shouldn’t always break the bank to invest in an eco-friendly car: In today’s world, for example, numerous buying options exist for even the slimmest budgets. Moreover, an environment-friendly car will often save individuals and families huge amounts of money in gas costs in the long-term. As a means of transportation, eco-friendly automobiles are a great option however you look at it.
6. Drying Clothes Outside
Source: ShutterstockIn the old days, drying clothes on a clothesline was essentially the norm.
When affordable dryers hit the market, however, it seemed like every household wanted to do their laundry indoors. Unfortunately, these driers can use enormous amounts of energy to run.
To reduce our carbon footprint, consider drying your clothes the old-fashioned way. It’s a simple change that can do a world of good for the environment. Over time, moreover, we’ll also save big on our electric bills!
7. Use Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
Source: ShutterstockTo help out the environment and save money every month, think about using energy-efficient lightbulbs.
Not only do these bulbs look great and are inexpensive. More importantly, they’ll drastically reduce our use of energy in the long run. That is a great way to help the environment and cut back on monthly costs!
8. Create a Compost Pile
Source: ShutterstockIt is no secret that in countries like the United States, garbage collectors routinely have to transport vast amounts of food and yard waste to landfills annually. But we can recycle much of that waste to create compost for our yards and garden.
9. Take Public Transportation to Work
Source: ShutterstockTaking the train or the bus to work isn’t always feasible in smaller cities or rural areas. As an alternative, consider using public transportation where possible remains.
Often, a train or bus ride to and from work will also cut out the kind of stress levels we associate with sitting in traffic. Time to sit and think will also give commuters a chance to catch up on their favorite audiobooks or crossword puzzles. That’s a solution that everyone can benefit from!
10. Make a Fun Activity Out of Planting Trees
Source: ShutterstockPlanting trees can make for a remarkably fun outdoor activity for people of all ages. For families, it can be both a bonding experience and a great life lesson.
Many nonprofits exist around the country to help volunteers really make a difference in their communities. Leading scientists say that planting trees is one of the most impactful activities that individuals can do to help the environment.
There are no two ways about it. Planting trees is a truly great way to get some exercise and do a lot of good in the process!
11. Don’t Skip Out on a Visit to Your Local Secondhand and Antique Shops
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It can’t be denied that consumerism is pretty rampant in our status-obsessed world. But we don’t always need to purchase new products to maintain our needs or satisfy our wants. Plenty of secondhand stores offer clothes and goods that are just as good as those found in high street shops and cutting-edge retailers.
Moreover, visiting your local vintage clothing store can also help out the economy in your community.
And there’s nothing more satisfying than basking in the knowledge that your stylish new outfit is helping out the environment!
12. Vote in Your Next Community Election
Source: ShutterstockMost of the activities listed here involve things that we, as individuals, can do to help the environment. As voters, however, we can help set public environmental policy by voting for leaders who share our vision of a better world and fight for environmental rights.
Sure, it can be a bit time-consuming to read up on the latest policy positions of your local candidates. But doing so can really help you discover more about who will likely be determining conservation laws and activities in your area. After all, every vote counts!
With these strategies in mind, everyone can play a role in improving the world we live in. Whether you’re cutting down on energy usage or simply exploring the wonders of creating your own home garden, you can have fun while taking part in saving the environment.
