Caring About the Environment Starts With You!

Every day, the news tells us about another natural resource, plant, or animal that is disappearing at an alarming rate. While you aren't likely to single-handedly save an endangered species, there are things you, your family, and your friends can do to become more eco-friendly and try to make the world just a little bit better. Check out these tips that are easy to implement and maintain.

Practice Conservation in Your Home

Every day, homes around the world use more electricity and water than they need to. People leave their faucets running while they do dishes, cook, or brush their teeth. They stand too long in hot showers. They leave lights on, forget to turn off TVs and water the lawn a little too often. Each of these seemingly mundane activities isn't much on its own, but when you combine several of them, it's leading to wasted natural resources, not to mention much higher energy bills for yourself. Practice turning lights off as you leave the room. Water your lawn about half as much as you normally would. Turn off faucets and electronics when you aren't using them. Even something as simple as turning the temperature down while you're not home can save resources and money.

Start a "Meatless Monday" Tradition

Even something as simple as eating meat one less day per week can make a difference in the environment. Raising livestock for human consumption uses more than 30% of the Earth's surface and causes nearly 10% of human-related CO2. Greenhouse gases are even worse. When you cut back on your meat consumption, you are doing your part to help relieve the planet of some of these gases. Whether you choose to forego meat on Mondays or every day of the week, there are plenty of meat substitutes. Seafood also takes fewer resources, and vegetables are delicious and healthy.

Switch to Solar Power

Solar energy is the cleanest source of energy available. There are no greenhouse gases and it needs no other resource besides a source of clean water. It's also beneficial because there is less energy loss than when electricity is transported through cables and pipes. There are a range of panel purchase options for Albuquerque solar power. If you have the funding to do so, you can purchase your solar panels outright, skipping monthly payments while still receiving maintenance options and warranty options. Even if you can't afford to pay for your panels outright, you can still make the switch to solar. A solar loan allows you to make low monthly payments, receive maintenance and warranty options, and benefit from tax credits without paying an upfront cost. Finally, you have the option to pay only for the power you produce. While this doesn't provide tax benefits, it does include maintenance, warranties, and a low payment with the potential to save on your utilities.

Borrow or Buy Second Hand

When you purchase brand new items, you contribute to the cycle of over-consumption that led the planet to the state it's in in the first place. Instead of buying new movies, books, or even clothes, check out your local libraries, digital options, and thrift stores for items you need. When you purchase pre-owned items, you contribute to recycling programs by keeping items out of landfills. Some areas even have programs that allow you to rent power tools, cars, and other items from your neighbors as a way to share resources and save money and energy.

Sometimes, making the switch to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there is no rule that says you need to change every aspect of your life at once. If you want to make a difference, simply start small. Start using canvas totes instead of plastic grocery bags. Repair clothes instead of buying new ones. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Even a small start is a step in the right direction!