Our planet is in trouble. And we aren’t doing enough about it. Heck, some people don’t even believe in climate change (which is their right, though it does affect the rest of us).

I believe most people care about our environment and want to make a difference. But it can be difficult to know how to start. And after writing an article called “Why I Hate Recycling,” I also believe a lot of people feel like super heroes just because they recycle. But it isn’t enough. With positivity and understanding, I hope these tips help you make a couple lifestyle changes beyond recycling.

I know it isn’t easy, because we lack policies to hold companies accountable for our environment and a lot of the responsibility falls on us—but that’s why we need to all pull together and try a little harder to reduce our impact on the planet we claim to love so much.

Although this is my opinion, I try to cite as many reputable sources as possible. Some of the links below are from non-profit organizations that focus on the environment, but they are backed by reputable research done by scientists (if you are the kind of person who believes in scientists :) ).

Let me know if the comments if you have made any of these changes—or if you have any tips for me!

Carbon Offsetting projects:

https://www.ametsoc.org/AMS/index.cfm/meetings-events/attendees/carbon-offsets/

https://nativeenergy.com/for-individuals/help-slow-climate-change/

https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/impact

Sustainable clothing:

Rothys.com

Save $20 by using this link: https://share.rothys.com/x/qCf9cO

https://wearpact.com

https://www.thereformation.com

https://www.outdoorvoices.com

https://www.allbirds.com

Replace household items:

Https://www.beeswrap.com

https://www.lunchskins.com

Https://www.bitetoothpastebits.com

Contact the EPA!:

https://www.epa.gov/home/forms/contact-epa

Plastic in the ocean:

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/marinedebris/plastics-in-the-ocean.html

Mass biological extinction:

https://www.npr.org/2019/05/06/720654249/1-million-animal-and-plant-species-face-extinction-risk-u-n-report-says

Most plastic isn’t recycled:

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/29/climate/recycling-landfills-plastic-papers.html

Solid waste per year (US):

https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/web/html/

Paper waste

https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials

Organic Farming

https://nifa.usda.gov/topic/organic-agriculture

Solar

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/top-four-benefits-installing-solar-panels-your-home

Effects of meat on the environment:

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/may/07/true-cost-of-eating-meat-environment-health-animal-welfare

Reusable vs washing plates

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/ask-mr-green/whats-better-for-environment-disposable-or-reusable

Fast Fashion

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/environment-costs-fast-fashion-pollution-waste-sustainability-a8139386.html

https://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/09/old-clothes-fashion-waste-crisis-494824.html

Donating clothes still results in waste:

https://scienceline.org/2018/06/the-troubled-second-life-of-donated-clothes/

Water for clothes

https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/the-impact-of-a-cotton-t-shirt

#sustainability #tipsandtricks #reusable #earthday #ethicaltravel