Smaller Footprint, Bigger Wave

At first thought, leaving less of a carbon footprint may seem like too tall of an order for anyone to tackle. Before taking that step though, I think it is important to note that we know something must be done to protect our oceans and atmosphere from the carbon emissions that we are producing.

For the most part, we know it is going to take a lot of teamwork. What does a lot mean? It is all relative. Yes, it is going to take more than one person. However, it is going to be a collection of one person that gets this done. This is foremost the greatest way I believe we can help in reducing our carbon footprint – by instilling the mindset that each person counts. With each person contributing to the ride, we can make major waves in protecting our oceans.

Here are seven ways that I have made and plan to adjust in my everyday life to help reduce my carbon footprint:

Picking up garbage and recycling

I am a big walker. Whether it be in the city or in the suburbs, along with transportation, it is one of my main ways to relax, be active, and step away from work. I come across an abundance of nature, good vibes, proper weather, and right dose of whatever natural medicine I need at that time. With that kind of ROY, it is only right that I scoop a bottle and/or wrapper off the ground. I usually have a backpack or am close to him, so it simply makes sense to pick it up.

This is a sure way to see change. More importantly, I believe with this act, one never knows who is watching. So, me picking up a piece of trash from the ground might just catch the eyes of bystander, and lead to more action.

Reuse, reuse, reuse

I do this by donating and selling. There are so many things that I have, that if they have not been used within the past six months, I know there is a good chance there is a better home for them. This may lead to more of an unconscious change but all the same powerful.

By sharing clothes via social apps, a message of more sustainability can be shared among friends and even strangers. All leading to the common theme of awareness and that we all can make a difference.

Tote bags / my long arms, big hands, bear hug

When entering the grocery store, or any store for that matter, I look to make use of tote bags that have been supplied and passed down. I always keep one or two in my backpack as they fit easy, and one never knows when they will need it. If I find myself without a tote bag, it is time to put my arms to work. Yes, this is where a balancing act comes into play, but it is worth it.

No plastic, bigger muscles (hopefully), and quite frankly, a safer, more secure transportation (less rips and spills!). Plastic is an amazing material – it can start so small and thin and carry a pantry worth of food. It is not sustainable though and there are other methods that after getting into the habit of carrying tote bags, really led to a seamless transition.

Locally grown food

This one hits on so many angles. My background is in wellness, so I am familiar with the benefits of locally grown food in the sense that they are usually less processed and fresher simply because of the lack of travel/transportation time. Then with the world that the pandemic brought, so much awareness was brought to the amazing job that smaller businesses do and the need for us to help in any way, leading to more shopping locally.

With the support of shopping locally brings about the support of less transportation. I am not in a car as often as I was when I was out of college because I my work does not necessarily call for it, and I do not have one. I know cars and trucks have a huge carbon footprint, and hopefully we can change this with more sustainable cars, which it does seem like we are going in that direction. The change I can make is buying locally, knowing that it has not be transported a far way and has not been processed. A win-win for me and the ocean.

Unplugging chargers

I keep the light switch on only when needed because of the energy bill, let’s be honest. I also do not unplug my tv or lamp because let’s be honest. Now this might not be the best and maybe there is more that I can do, I have been leaving my chargers unplugged. This helps with reducing electricity consumption and ultimately, carbon emissions.

I know there are more items in any household that one can unplug, however, I believe starting with our chargers can always be a great step forward. The phone, tablet, laptop does not always have to be at 100%. The great result of this, no matter how big or small, unplugged devices do lead to positive change, 100% of the time.

Walk + Bike > Car

Yes, I understand the equation above can be very subjective and there are many ways to look at it. From a gas emissions standpoint, it is hard to argue. Even I cannot buy the excuse that if I walk or bike more, then I will be more tired in the upcoming days, hence leading me to use a car even more. We do far more tiring things than walking and biking, like working for example, that these modes of transportation are perfect to impacting the ocean in a positive way.

Not only is the ocean impacted by one less car on the road. When I bike/walk, my body is impacted, my mind is impacted, and perhaps this impact will even convince some of my friends and fellow neighbors to join in on the ride.

No more water bottles.

I can completely say this is the biggest change that I have made. From someone who could not go a day, let alone an afternoon without one, two, maybe three bottled Gatorades and waters, to now refilling my thermal bottle constantly and staying away from purchasing bottled beverages. I am happy to see that coffee shops and restaurants are offering more degradable materials.

Even from a health standpoint, water residing in plastic for extended periods of times, is extremely detrimental and takes away from the life that water aims to give. I love to capture this life of water in a non-plastic container, and I am sure the ocean does too.

Making waves to me is all about hopping in the ocean, doing what I can do and then helping others along the way with their capabilities or if they want to join along. Our planet and our oceans give us so much, it is only right that I do these seven acts to support it.

To reducing our carbon footprint and to making big waves because life and the planet deserves it.