Today, let's give back to the Earth.
The health of humanity is more than ever threatened by our actions as we continue to deplete the Earth’s natural resources. And since everything on Earth is connected to everything else, the rippling effects of our actions expand far beyond what we can see.
Everything we do, make, and use ultimately comes from nature.
Prompt action on an individual level is required to reduce the human impact on our environment.
17 Ways to be More Environmental
So since this is Day 17 in our 30 Days of Health Series, here are 17 simple ways we can to reduce the adverse human impact on Nature:
- Refuse what you do not need. Before habitually accepting something the next time someone offers you something, ask yourself: do I really need this? Learn to say no to the things you don’t need; no one will be offended.
- Reduce what you do need. Take a look inside your trash can. That’s a great way to get a snapshot of the type of waste you produce and will begin to inspire less wasteful alternatives.
- Reuse what you consume. Reusing can be a fun, creative process in extending the life of an object by re-purposing it.
- Recycle what you cannot refuse. When we recycle, Nature works her magic and allows us to convert that waste into new products which dramatically reduces the need to consume natural resources.
- Compost what you cannot recycle. Along with healing our bodies, Nature thrives on re-purposing our carrot tops, pizza crust, and fingernails. But when we mix that organic waste with our glass bottles and plastic forks, we make it really hard for nature to decompose that organic material.
- Go zero-waste for a day. With a bit of awareness, preparation, and creativity, anyone can enjoy the bliss of a life of less waste. Here are Matt’s takeaways from going zero waste for a month »
- Eat locally sourced food. The average American meal travels 1500 miles to reach the table. What if we just at what grew in our community instead? It’s proven to be healthier and Mother Nature would sure appreciate less depletion of her nonrenewable resources used on food transportation.
- Savor your food. Look at it. Smell it. Recognize the immense amount of work that went into each bite of food. Show gratitude for all the plants, animals and natural elements that were at play to create each plate of food.
- Avoid single-use plastics. Convenience comes at a cost. Using a plastic fork for 10 minutes just to let it sit in a landfill for 100 years or more.
- Avoid individually-wrapped products. Is the convenience of individually shrink-wrapped potatoes necessary? Packaging is also one of the most costly aspects of store-bought products. So by avoiding things that use more packaging, we will likely find some financial savings too.
- Clean up a community space. Not only will you feel good about yourself, soak up some sun, and move your body, but you send a rippling inspiration to others in your community to do the same.
- Plant a native plant. When we plant seeds that are native to our area, they work in a synergistic unison with the climate and soils in your area. It helps the local insects and pollinators in your area, which in turn brings the birds and animals. Planting natives is a wonderful way to show gratitude to your natural environment.
- Carpool or take your bike. The idea of borrowing a shovel from your neighbor, who then pops over for a cup of sugar the next day, is not new.
- Swop a consumable for a biodegradable. Toothbrushes are going anywhere, especially if they’re plastic. Why not ground yourself and doing Mother Nature a favorite by swapping one of your everyday items with one that is biodegradable?
- Embrace a sharing economy. The idea of borrowing a shovel from your neighbor, who then pops over for a cup of sugar the next day, is not new and quite beneficial for everyone involved—especially the environment!
- Share the knowledge. Much of our adverse impact on the environment would be avoided only if we knew better. Cultivating awareness with compassionate might just be the best way to show respect and give back to all the Earth has given us.
- Be thankful for what your environment gives you. Give a second thought of gratitude when you shower, eat, sit in that wooden chair …“ golly Nature, thanks for providing practically everything I have!”