Happy Earth Day, everyone! Here at Outward Bound Costa Rica, we are constantly reminded of how amazing our environment is and today, we should all be thinking a little harder about what we can do to protect it. Here are five easy things you can do at home that really will make a difference in the environment!
1. Cut Back Car Usage
We’ve all heard this one before, but with so many alternatives to driving your personal car, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be on board with this environment-saving trick! Biking, walking, carpooling, and public transportation are all viable options to help cut down on your car emissions (and gas money!).
2. Compost
Starting a compost pile is a great way to reduce food waste, as well as put nutrients back into the environment. Don’t have a yard to burry your compost? No worries! Learn how to make your own indoor compost or search for community composts in your city!
3. Say No to Straws (Or Use a Renewable Straw)
In the United States alone, over 500 million plastic straws are used each year, the majority of those ending up in oceans, harming marine life. Next time you stop by your favorite fast-food restaurant and order a drink with your meal, think twice about putting a straw in your cup!
4. Use Less Food Packaging
This is a bonus for both yourself and the environment. Buying foods without packaging (fruits, vegetables) will reduce your waste and keep you healthy at the same time! Of course it might not realistic to never buy food with packaging, but when you do, try and buy foods in bulk. One large box of cereal will use less packaging than buying two small boxes. More food = less packaging! And who doesn’t love more food?
5. Eat Local
Eating locally has many benefits to it. Food is usually cheaper because it doesn’t need to be transported, its healthier because it requires less preservatives, and it will cut down on emissions required to transport the food. The Center for Sustainable Agriculture reports that fresh food on our dinner table travels an average of 1,500 miles to get there. Eating local cuts down on that 1,500 miles worth of gas!