It’s easier than you might think to go green. If you’re looking to help save the planet, here are 10 easy changes you can make in 2020.
Recycle Your Cooking Oils
Hopefully, you already recycle, but have you ever thought about recycling your used cooking oils? Fill your used cooking oil collection container and SeQuential will turn your waste into biodiesel, a renewal diesel replacement. Who knew our old oils could be put to such good use?
Install Solar Panels
If you own your home, look into getting solar panels in Arizona. Not only will they drastically decrease your electricity bills and provide you with a tax incentive, but solar panels are the best way to utilize the most renewable energy source we have. Having solar panels will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and improve your carbon footprint.
Ditch Plastic Straws
Millions of disposable straws are used every day in America, typically ending up in the oceans after use. Don’t contribute to this pollution. Instead, purchase a reusable metal straw that you can bring with you when you go out to eat or grab an iced coffee from your local coffee shop. This small change can make a big difference.
Switch to Reusable Shopping Bags
Many places are already eliminating plastic shopping bags, meaning you’ll have to start bringing your own bag anyway. Get into the habit of carrying around a reusable shopping bag. Plenty of stores will even give you a discount for having your own bag, and you won’t have to continue to create a collection of plastic shopping bags under your sink.
Start Composting
Whether you live in an apartment or a mansion, you can have a compost. Composting your food scraps improves your local soil and keeps compostable materials out of the landfills. Make your own compost and do your part to reduce the size of our landfills.
Carry Around Your Water Bottle
Just like the straws and bags, you should attempt to reduce your use of plastic water bottles. Buy a reusable water bottle and bring it with you wherever you go. You’ll most likely have access to clean water no matter where you are, and you save money by refilling your own water bottle.
Drive Less, Walk More
Driving your car is one of the biggest causes of global warming. You can help reduce car pollution by driving shorter distances and less time. Walk or ride your bike when you can. Even if you manage to only drive one fewer day a week, you’ll benefit the environment, your gas budget, and the lifespan of your car.
Limit Your Mail
We all get junk mail that just ends up in the trash. Try to reduce the amount of mail you get by taking yourself off mailing lists and signing up for e-bills. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s also more convenient for you.
Turn Off Lights You Don’t Need
Get into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room and unplugging anything that doesn’t need to be plugged in. Just like with the solar panels, this will reduce pollution while also decreasing your electricity bill. Plus, it’s a very simple change to make.
Ditch the Disposable Products
Try to reduce the number of disposable products you use by limiting the amount of takeout you eat. If you don’t feel like cooking, go out to eat instead of ordering in. Grab lunch at the local farmer’s market instead of a fast-food chain and bring your own Tupperware to put your meal in. These small changes will also save you money in the long run.
If you implement even one of these simple changes, you’ll do the earth and yourself some good. Make 2020 the greenest year yet.