Top scientist say we have 12 years to save the Earth.

In the next 12 years we have to make big strides in reversing the insane human destruction to this Earth before it is irreversible FOREVER.

TWELVE YEARS. that’s it.

A lot can happen in 12 years. And that can be a lot of good if we try.

I like the positive vibes I see when Earth Day rolls around each year. But only weeks, days, or even hours after it’s over, most people forget to actually do their part. I used to be one of those people, until I reminded myself to do better, because it isn’t that hard to do so!

I am no “Save the Earth” perfectionist, and I still have some changes I plan to make to make my footprint a little bit smaller. BUT I’ve started making changes, and the changes I’ve started with are easy for anyone to implement.

Here are some simple changes YOU can make to do better for the EARTH- today and forever.

 

1)  Recycle, and recycle smart!

This seems like a no-brainer, but it is something that humans get so lazy with! Instead of throwing out your empty box of cereal, that can be recycled! With that being said, know what you can recycle and what you can’t, because recycling improperly could do more harm than good. Pay attention to the boxes and labels and look for the recycling label indicating that the item can be recycled. Some items will even tell you you that the box for example CAN be recycled but the inner bag cannot. While you’re looking that closely at the items too, you can go a step farther and choose products while shopping that can be recycled. Get ahead of the extra trash before you even purchase!

P.S. this includes newspapers! Recycle those, if they still exist in your household 😉

 

2) Watch how much you use water and turn it OFF

The water does not need to be running while you are transferring the dish from the sink to the dishwasher. You do not need to have it on while you’re washing your face or brushing your teeth, nor do you need to preheat your shower water. Pay closer attention to when your water is on and think about if it needs to be on for that long, or even in the first place.

How does using less water actually help the environment?

From EnergyStar.gov 

“Using water-saving techniques can save you money and diverts less water from our rivers, bays, and estuaries, which helps keep the environment healthy. It can also reduce water and wastewater treatment costs and the amount of energy used to treat, pump, and heat water. This lowers energy demand, which helps prevent air pollution.”

3) Re-usable grocery bags.

And if that isn’t an option (which it always is, but let’s just say in case you forgot yours) opt for paper bags! This one is so so so easy, and let me add with these re-usable bags, you end up having less bags to unload and can make it from the car to the house in one trip!

And if you have a plethora of plastic grocery bags sitting in your pantry like we do (because we never threw them away, just didn’t know how to properly dispose of them) you can take them to your grocery store and they should have ways to properly dispose of those. Be sure to ask your store first though before throwing those bags in some random place.

 

4) Eat less meat

I’m not suggesting you go full on vegan, or even vegetarian, unless you want to, just make a few conscious efforts to eat meat less. I used to eat meal twice a day every day. I ate the typical “fitness bro” lunch that included some sort of chicken or ground turkey and at night a different, usually more creative dish that also contained a meat product. It was just how I thought I should eat, and get my protein in. I not only eat meat for maybe 1 meal a day 5-6 days a week. Eating less meat does have a positive impact on the earth. Plus, it can still be tasty and high protein if that’s what you’re looking for. I know, because I’m sitting here eating a plant based burger with 20 grams of protein and still delicious! You just have to open your mind enough to try

 

5) Invest in a travel mug, reusable water bottle, etc.

Plastic water bottles should essentially not exist. Not with the plethora of reusable water bottles and tumblers on the market now a days. Not only are you saving the planet with one less plastic water bottle at a time, you are also likely to intake more water daily as most of these reusable options are 20-35+ ounces each!

ALSO: if you’re a coffee addict, invest in buying your own coffee mug, this includes the ones at Starbucks!

 

 

6) Ditch the straws

Like for real! Just like reusable and washable cups, there are reusable and washable straws! Hell, go a step further and always have one in your car or your purse, etc. and ditch the straws that restaurants so irresponsibly pass out

Did you know:

According to the Trash Free Seas Alliance, the average American uses 1.6 straws a day. In the US alone, that’s enough to circle the equator two and a half times.

Quoted directly from WorldWildlife.org to learn more about how your plastic straw negatively impacts the environment, click here 

 

7) Adjust your heat and A/C when you’re gone and be sure to turn the lights off!

This one also seems like a “duh” moment, but turning off your lights, your TV, unplugging electronics when not in use and adjusting your heat and A/C will not only do good for the Earth, it will also do good for your wallet! According to WorldWildlife.org the impact of adjusting your thermostat, or turning lights and electronics off can have a dramatic effect on giving you a greener thumb with these 2 simple changes:

1. Dial it down. Moving your thermostat down just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year from being released into the atmosphere.

2. Turn it off. Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of electricity use in office buildings. Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you’re leaving any room for 15 minutes or more. Same goes for electronics; switch off power strips and unplug electrical devices when you’re not using them.

(quoted directly from worldwildlife.org )

Imagine if you and all of your neighbors played by just these 2 rules, what kind of impact that could have!

 

Additional Earth friendly suggestions: fuel efficient cars and energy efficient appliances. We drive a Kia Hybrid Niro, which gets 50-60 miles to the gallon. If you’re in the market for a new car, please be sure to research fuel efficient options! The same can be said if you are in the market for any new appliances. A few extra dollars up front for these items could save you and the Earth big in the long run!

 

Glad to have you here!

If you've had success in changing any small habit in an effort to save the Earth, I'd love to hear it! 

Email me at lifeofcarlyb@gmail.com 

Please share this on your social media platforms to spread the word.

These simple tips can go a long way, especially if we all act now!

Find me on Instagram @lifeofcarlyb_



In health,

Carly B