We are at a point in the environmental crisis that anything citizens can do to help reduce their own carbon footprint makes a difference. Many homeowners are aware of recycling or making use of reusable dishware and silverware. However, there are other changes you could make to boost your local environment and, in some way, the environment at large. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make that can help the environment.
Use the Car Less
In big cities, it’s easy to make use of public transportation or to bike everywhere. This is often not the case in Brazos Valley, especially outside of Bryan-College Station. You likely won’t be able to get rid of the car. But do you live near one of your coworkers and have the ability to ride with them? Can the kids take the bus into school or carpool with some of their friends? Is there a grocery store nearby that you can reach by walking? Any way that you can cut back on car usage will make a big difference to your carbon footprint.
Get Rid of Disposables
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, having a mask for any excursion you might take in public is a must. But disposable masks can be wasteful. Either you’ll throw them out after one use or use them more than they’re intended, which will only increase the amount of germs you’re exposed to. Consider instead a cloth, washable mask. This can apply to other things, as well. Instead of disposable razors, consider an electric razor. Instead of using plastic bags at the grocery store, buy cloth or otherwise reusable bags.
Plan Meals in Advance
Food waste is a major problem when it comes to waste management in most American homes. And the problem largely lies in buying food that never gets used when you go to the store. Instead of following all the goodies on the shelf, try going to the supermarket with a plan. Plan all of your meals for the week in advance, and you’ll be much more likely to buy the food that you need when you leave the house, without extras that you’ll eventually throw away. If you do have more food left over, consider composting.
Go Single Stream With Your Recycling
Recycling can be tricky when it comes to comingling or contaminating the recycling batch with items that can’t actually be recycled. Often, this puts people off recycling completely, but it doesn’t have to. Single stream recycling allows you to recycle more plastics than ever, including plastics 1-7. You can put all your household recycling in one bin to be sorted at the recycling facility.
Anything you can do to make environmentally friendly changes in your life will have an impact on your community and your world. Need help with reliable recycling? Brazos Valley Trash Valet & Recycling offers a complimentary recycling bin with our subscription for weekly trash pickup. Contact us today for more information or to get started.
