While keeping our planet clean may sound like a mission that is out of our reach, there are steps we can take as individuals and communities to make this happen. Reducing our energy consumption, reusing everyday products and recycling properly can all aid in reducing our carbon footprint and keeping our planet clean. Our carbon footprint is measured by how much greenhouse gases we emit. Greenhouse gases are caused from the burning of fossil fuels. If we can control our carbon footprint, we can control the way we treat our planet. There are many tools on the web to learn to calculate exactly what your carbon footprint is. Here are three ways that you can do your part in saving our planet:
Reduce Energy Consumption
Let’s face it, energy made from fossil fuels is not renewable and it’s harmful for our environment and our health. That is why environmentally friendly energy should be used as much as possible. Renewable energy cannot be depleted and emit little to no greenhouse gases. Here is a list of some renewable energies that can help keep our planet clean:
Solar Energy: Solar energy is energy that is harvested from the sun. Solar panels are used to harness sunlight that is then converted into energy. The sun is the most abundant energy in the world and can replace fossil fuel energy.
Wind Energy: Wind energy is kinetic energy harvested from the wind through large windmills called turbines. The wind moves the turbines that are connected to generators that produce electricity.
Hydroelectric Energy: Hydroelectric energy is energy harvested by moving water. Like wind energy, turbines are placed in moving water that are connected to electrical generators.
Learn more about how renewable energy works.
Reuse
Reusing is an effective way to keep our planet clean. Reusing can not only reduce our carbon footprint, but they also reduce the amount raw materials suppliers use will use to make products. In turn, this will reduce energy which will reduce pollution. Here are some ways you can reuse:
Buy used products: Buying used products such as clothes, furniture and more will reduce our carbon footprint.
Buy reusable products: Think twice before buying that plastic straw or paper plate. While they are convenient, they pollute our landfills. Buy metal straws and glass plates. Bring metal silverware from home when eating out. In the end, you will save money and keep our planet clean.
Recycle
Recycling conserves raw materials that can be reused for things that we consume everyday. Recycling properly is incredibly important, here is a list of items that you can recycle:
Plastic: Plastic is a recyclable material that we use everyday. However, not all plastic is recyclable. There are indicators on every plastic product that will tell you what type of resin it contains. Your local recycling programs accept different types so it is important that you are knowledgeable about the program. There is a lot of information out there about the different types of plastic.
Paper: Paper makes up 25% of trash each year. That is why it is incredibly important to recycle it. Recycled paper can be made into other paper products. Thus, less raw materials will be used.
Glass: Glass is a recyclable material that ends up in your trash far too often. Not only can you recycle glass, but you can also reuse it for other purposes in your home.
Tires: Tires can be recycled and reused for other purposes. When you replace old tires, see if your car shop recycles them.
Batteries: Batteries often end up in the trash when they should be recycled. Dry cell batteries are recyclable. Look for local recycle drops.
Used Oil: Used oil from your car is recyclable. If you change your own car oil, you can find a local oil recycler near you.