By 
Earth is the only known planet that can support life. It is the place humans call home, along with billions of other life forms. The well-being of people depends on this planet’s health, yet modern daily life places a lot of stress on the system. Find out what your environmental footprint is right now, and then follow these three easy steps to lowering your ecological impact.
- Switch to Reusable Bags
It takes a lot of energy and petroleum to create plastic shopping bags. These are normally discarded immediately upon returning home, only to end up in landfills, as litter or in waterways that eventually lead to the ocean. Plastic is not biodegradable, and it can take up to 1,000 years for it to break down into tiny particles. Make the switch to environmental shopping bags, which are sturdier, more stylish and can be used over and over again for years.
- Walk or Ride Your Bike More
Modern society has grown dependent on the car as a primary form of transportation. This is especially true in the United States, but other countries are beginning to catch up. Cars are a significant source of carbon dioxide, the most prevalent of the greenhouse gases, as well as other air pollutants. Instead of driving to the store, your neighbor’s house or work, opt to walk or ride your bike. You’ll lower your environmental footprint while improving your health.
- Reduce Your Food Waste
Food waste is costly for the environment. It requires energy and natural resources to produce. If it is then tossed out, it ends up in a landfill, where it releases significant levels of the potent greenhouse gas methane. Creating a weekly menu and shopping list goes a long way in reducing how much food ends up in your garbage bin. As an added bonus, you’ll also save money.
Living in the industrialized world has a lot of advantages, but it is coming at a tremendous cost to the future of life on Earth. Taking these few simple measures is a good start to lowering your environmental impact.
