Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Let’s make this more than just Earth Day this month, let’s make this Earth year!

One positive impact of this pandemic was the effect on numerous ecosystems across the globe. From seeing fish appear in the canals in Venice to watching gas emissions decreasing, and wildlife increasing, we have visible evidence of just how much the earth enjoyed a small break from us staying indoors.             

So, how can we continue this trend in day-to-day life? Here are some ways we can help reduce our carbon footprint:

·  Conserve energy when you can, for example, turn off any lights you aren’t using and unplug devices when not in use

·  Choose to carpool, ride your bike, or look into public transportation

·  Take a trash bag with you the next time you go out for a walk and collect some litter (Don’t forget your gloves!)

·  Take reusable bags with you when you do your grocery and regular shopping

·  Look into buying secondhand items supporting local charity stores

·  Instead of throwing out the items you no longer use, consider donating to a local charity

·  Recycle whenever possible and properly dispose of other materials

·  Look into local clean up days that happen frequently in your community, or maybe organize one yourself for your workplace and get your colleagues to join in

·  Consider checking out the nearest farmers' market and encourage the growth of the local farming in your region

·  Try planting your own garden or just a plant, start small and grow from there

Any small steps to make a low impact living will benefit the earth in a big way long term. This is a great opportunity to encourage your friends and family to join in to make this new healthy habit a lasting change.
These examples are only starting points, go out and do your own research on how to live a zero-waste life and be encouraged that you are making a difference, even if it’s a small change to start.