3 Ways to Save the Planet Today and Everyday
Image courtesy of Madara via Unsplash
Celebrate the Earth With These Simple Tips to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Day-to-Day Materials
Reduce Plastic Waste
A simple task that goes a long way in conserving the planet is reducing the amount of plastic used day-to-day. Plastic negatively affects wildlife, habitats and humans and causes an increase in pollution around the world. Plastic waste is sent to landfills and eventually ends up in our oceans. On top of that, most plastics are made from oils and are not biodegradable, making it a difficult process to dispose of them. Plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to decompose. According to National Geographic, “18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the oceans every year from coastal regions. That is the equivalent to five plastic bags sitting on every foot of coastline around the world.” Timoti’s has made a step towards reducing waste such as eliminating the number of plastic cups and silverware given out. The restaurant has also switched to the use of compostable straws which can naturally decompose. There are other ways to help reduce plastic waste, including:
Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants
Use reusable beverage containers, instead of water bottles
Bring your own container for take-out orders
Don't use plastic ware at home or restaurants
Use paper instead of plastic at the grocery store
Image courtesy of Ishan @seefromthesky via Unsplash
Reuse Resources
Another way to help conserve the planet is to ditch disposable items and switch to reusable items. Paper and cardboard make up 34% of the total amount of waste in the world. However, this number can be reduced by taking steps to avoid using these materials. Reusing resources is essential because it saves energy, reduces waste and pollution as well as saves money and helps create a sustainable environment for the future! Here are some ways to reuse items.
Image courtesy of Markus Spiske via Unsplash
Bring your own reusable shopping bags
Use glasses, dishes and metal utensils at home and work
While eating out, bring your own reusable to-go container for leftovers
Reuse food scraps and leftovers
Use washable towels instead of paper towels
Recycle
Recycling is another way to save materials and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Habitat deconstruction and global warming are caused from chemicals released from landfill sites. There are so many materials that are recyclable including glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, tires, textiles, batteries and electronics. It takes approximately 80 years for an aluminum can to decompose and even longer for a soda or glass bottle, while Styrofoam never decomposes. If recycled, steel cans only take six weeks to convert into new materials and only one month for aluminum cans. Timoti’s recycles paper materials and waste at their restaurants. Here are some easy ways you can recycle too!
Make recycle bins ready to use
Recycle old newspapers and paper laying around the house or office
Use a mug for coffee instead of a Styrofoam cup
Recycle old textiles such as clothing, shoes, carpet and furniture
Support Local, Live Sustainably
It is a good day to reduce plastic waste, reuse resources and recycle today and every day. Small changes in your day-to-day life will make a long-lasting difference and help conserve the world we live in! Support local businesses, like Timoti’s, who prioritize sustainable operations.