Lessen your environmental footprint with these products and tips.
By: Allison Clymer
Sustainability has become a hot topic seen popping up in a multitude of scenarios with terrifying statistics of environmental destruction. Every year around 230 million tons of solid waste is discarded in landfills in the U.S. alone, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. These numbers seem unimaginable and leave people wondering how just one person could possibly make a difference in such a massive issue. It's possible though and with simple habitual changes, you can start right in your home.
Beeswax Wrap
Rid your kitchen of single-use plastics to preserve food and opt for the plastic-free alternative, Beeswax Wrap. It can be used for approximately one whole year by just rinsing off the fabric-like sheet in cool water and using the heat of your hands to mold the wrap around an item. A pack of three can be purchased on Amazon for $20.
Make your own coffee
Take time in the morning to make your own coffee instead of swinging by Starbucks! This habit not only cuts down on the wastefulness of paper cups or straws, but it also saves a significant amount of money. To double up on the sustainability use the reusable coffee filter, CoffeeSock for around $12.
Drink from the tap
Plastic bottles are one of the leading causes of plastic waste and often end up in waterways. Instead of buying water bottles, just drink from the tap with reusable cups. This is just another cost-effective way to save the environment!
Meatless Mondays
Cut out meat once a week to reduce the carbon footprint of the meat industry. Go even further by not eating meat several days a week, if you don't already. Livestock production uses 2,500 gallons of water in producing one pound of meat, according to PETA. Go vegetarian one day a week to help cut down on the environmental impact of the meat industry.
Donate old clothes
Don’t throw away unwanted clothes or textiles! Donate what can still be worn to local donation places such as GoodWill or Savers, then what is left donate to a textile recycling facility. Stores such as H&M even offer a 15 percent coupon when a customer donates any textiles to an H&M store. Check out retailers such as Madewell and J. Crew who offer $20 off a new pair of jeans when you donate a pair.
Cut down on utilities
This may sound simple enough, but many people forget to turn off lights when leaving a room. Doing so not only helps reduce your personal carbon footprint, but also shaves money off your electricity bill. Also, instead of turning a fan on or the air conditioning up, try opening your windows instead. Try limiting laundry to one load a week to lessen your water use and save on the water bill.
Photos By: Ombree George