Maaya Chander
Blog Writer & Social Media Strategist
Image credit : The Blowup
As humans in this day and age, we all have carbon footprints. However, it is our responsibility as the highest living species to maintain the earth through sustainability and waste management. Here at Green Schools Green Future, we recommend these everyday tips to support the community and play your part.
Reducing waste means to make conscious decisions through solutions that can be both cost-effective and make drastic positive changes to your carbon footprint. Here are ten ways to start:
1. Reducing single-use plastics:
I know we all love the ease of purchasing a 25 cent grocery bag when shopping, but maybe next time, opt for reusable shopping bags, water bottles and utensils, instead of plastics. Trust me, they are much more beneficial in the long run.
2. Conscious meals:
When planning meals, make sure to avoid purchasing food that has been wasted in the past or over-purchasing provisions. Shopping lists are great for keeping track of what you need. In addition to this, choose to buy produce with limited plastic packaging and opt for biodegradable/recyclable packaging.
3. Composting:
Start creating a separate disposable outlet full of organic waste, such as eggshells, fruit and vegetable scraps to name a few. Composting is great for having alternate manure for gardening, as it is nutrient rich and reduces all around waste in landfills.
4. Donating:
Instead of deciding to throw the items you no longer have any need for away, such as old clothes and furniture, try finding local thrift stores and donation boxes. If you have some extra time on your hands, try some re-purposing methods to make old items new again, and with any luck, useful again. This could mean, for example, turning old clothing into rags used in the kitchen for cleaning, this is my mother’s personal favorite.
5. Mindful shopping:
Before buying your next product, try thinking of when you are going to have to replace it. If the answer is too soon for your convenience, then I suggest investing in quality products that have longer life spans, reducing the number of times you are going to have to buy the item again.
6. Recycling:
Different municipalities have different regulations on recycling methods, which I suggest familliarizing yourself with to ensure proper recycling. For example, one that comes to mind is to lightly rinse materials before recycling them.
7. Going paperless:
Try for electronic substitutions when you can, using digital tools is highly preferable in comparison to paper receipts, notebooks and calendars that will be thrown away eventually.
8. Maintenance:
It is possible to extend the life spans of currently existing household items through repair and maintenance. Basic sewing and mending skills can go a long way to lasting clothing and appliances.
9. DIY products:
Store-bought cleaning products are powerhouses in negatively impacting the environment. DIY cleaning products that use simple ingredients work just as effectively, and are a great solution to this problem.
10. Education:
Last but certainly not least, as a proud defender of the environment, I would love for more people to share their experiences and learnings with the world and inspire others in advocating for lowering the carbon footprint. Having these difficult conversations is the first step in cumulative progress.
Here are Green Schools Green Future, we pride ourselves with caring for the envinronemnt and finding suitable alternatives to everyday necessities if there are problems in waste management and overall pollution. To continue this directive, donate to GSGF.foundation and help make a difference! Donations are highly appreciated and we are very grateful for a platform where we can share our vision. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more intriguing topics and lively articles. See you next time!
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