Many people might think that their individual actions won’t have that much of an impact on the environment. If everyone thinks that way, however, nothing will ever change. By making new lifestyle choices to decrease your carbon footprint, you can begin to make a difference.

Shop Online Less

Shopping online has made it very convenient to get items quickly. However, it can negatively impact the environment. When buying things locally, you only put out as much carbon as it takes to drive to and from the store and you’re likely running several other errands as well. Purchasing online means that items need to travel much farther and they often come from different distributing centers. This greatly increases the carbon output into the atmosphere. Not to mention, returns of online purchases are much higher than in-store purchases. These returns often end up in landfills since they are unable to be resold. Online purchases also involve a lot of packaging which results in unnecessary waste. Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t mean you need to completely cut out online shopping. Instead, be more conscientious about shopping online.  

Choose Different Clothing

Much of the clothing people wear is petroleum-derived. This includes polyester, spandex, nylon, and acrylic. These types of fabrics are not biodegradable and end up in landfills. In these landfills, they slowly break down and release more carbon into the atmosphere. The manufacturing of synthetic fabrics also has an incredibly negative impact on the environment.

There are many alternatives to petroleum-derived textile fibers. Choosing natural fibers is your best option. You can buy cotton, wool, silk, linen and more. Since these textiles are made from plant and animal fibers, they will naturally decompose instead of sitting in a landfill. Plus, clothes made from natural fibers are often of higher quality and are more comfortable.

Use Public Transportation

Driving to and from work every day can be highly inefficient, especially if you’re the only one in the car. Using public transportation is a wonderful alternative to consider. In fact, it can benefit you, the environment, and your community. Using public transportation can contribute to the reduction of air pollution because less people are driving themselves and fuel is being used more efficiently. When more people use public transportation, it decreases congestion and can allow people to get around faster. It’s more convenient, gives you extra time since someone else is driving, and it saves you money.

When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint, you don’t need to make large, disruptive changes in your life. It can take small actions that include being more thoughtful and considerate of the impact of your choice. You can start small and still make a big change.

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5 Tips to Help Reduce Litter and Protect the Oceans

(Family Features) The tide of environmental studies showing the harmful effects of litter and mismanaged waste on oceans are seemingly everywhere. For example, 8 million metric tons of plastics wind up in streams, rivers and waterways each year, according to research published in “Science.” 

According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic product consumption is predicted to double over the next 10 years. With the health of the oceans closely tied to the health of the environment, marine life and humans, making choices that help reduce ocean pollution is one way to make an impact. In fact, research from the Plastic Free July Foundation shows that more than six in 10 people refuse plastic shopping bags, avoid pre-packed fruit and vegetables, pick up litter and avoid buying water in plastic bottles. 

“Mismanaged packaging waste is a threat to our oceans and the overall health of our planet,” said Lynn Bragg, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “We can all make a difference by changing the type of food and beverage packaging we buy, opting for reusable and refillable containers, following local recycling guidelines and helping keep beaches and waterways clean.”

These tips from the Glass Packaging Institute are just a few ways to contribute:

1. Think about the packaging you choose. When making a purchase, consider alternatives to plastic like glass or other natural and sustainable packaging. Glass, for example, is made mostly from sand and recycled glass, is reusable, recyclable and does not harm oceans or marine life.

2. Choose reusable containers. Taking advantage of reusable containers for food and beverages is one way to live a more eco-friendly life. Since only 9 percent of plastic bottles are recycled, according to “National Geographic,” reusable containers can serve as an ideal replacement for bottled water whether at home or on-the-go. Rather than plastic, choose glass or stainless steel, which can hold hot or cold food and beverages, and help protect the contents from any chemicals.

3. Reduce your single-use footprint. Whenever possible, bring reusable bags and containers to the store. Some foods like cereal, pasta and rice can be purchased from bulk bins and placed in a glass or stainless-steel storage container. To further cut down on plastic waste, consider switching to reusable straws, which are available in glass, stainless steel or bamboo.

4. Recycle better. Learn what you can and can’t recycle in your community. Certain items like disposable cups, greasy pizza boxes, non-recyclable plastic containers (like those for yogurt) and take-out containers can contaminate entire batches of recycling. About 91 percent of plastic is not recycled and can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to ocean pollution. Glass containers are 100 percent recyclable; steel and aluminum cans and cardboard are also easily recyclable.

5. Get involved. Volunteering or donating can help keep local beaches, parks and waterways clean. Getting involved with international and national groups with local chapters are also ways to participate in a local cleanup.

Find out more about the benefits of choosing and reusing glass packaging to help reduce ocean pollution at upgradetoglass.com.

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