subject: Help Improve The Environment [print this page] Help Improve The Environment Help Improve The Environment
In this era, where everything becomes a fad, it is sometimes hard to find the real meaning of something or how to go about doing it. For example, being environmentally savvy has become something to flaunt in popular culture. T-shirts and bags have been plastered with recycling logos and such and just because someone wears these items with harsh environment labels does not mean they are an environmentalist. Anyone can get custom printer labels for something and look like an expert. It takes action to be part of a movement. It does not make you a bad person for wearing these shirts or using these bags, but would it not be better if you could actually support them? Here are a few ways you can be part of the latest fad. One of the easiest things to do now is to use eco-friendly grocery bags. They are sold at almost every major grocery store. Most cost a dollar or so, but are really worth it. They fit more groceries than plastic or paper bags, and have convenient handles. They make grocery shopping a little less tedious then before. Most stores also offer a discount for using them, for example one store takes three cents off for each bag you use. So not only are you saving money, but you are reducing and reusing which is eco-friendly. Another easy way to make a big impact is by buying a water bottle. Plastic bottles are extremely wasteful. They are convenient, but horrible for the environment. You can try to reuse them a few times, but it's so easy to forget and toss one away. The worst part about them is how easy it is to accidentally throw them in the trash instead of the recycling bin. Invest in a heavy duty plastic or stainless steel water bottle. They are great for taking to work, carrying around while shopping and using while doing physical exercise. You just need to grab it on your way out in the morning, and refill it throughout the day! This will actually help you be healthier as well. Most people drink water from their personal water bottle and refill it throughout the day. When you have your water bottle on you all day long, you have no excuse not to drink all ten glasses you need! If you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint, try using less paper in your home as well. With laptops and computer technology today, there is less need to waste as much paper. There is something to be said for reading books and things on an actual page, but you can do a lot of other things paperless. Keeping notes and paying bills no longer have to be done on paper. You can have them stop sending you things and alert you by email. You can log on to your account online and pay all your bills. Word has a great program for keeping notes as well. You can have multiple tabs for different days and activities.