Let’s break down the myth that you have to buy a bunch of expensive alternatives by listing ways to be sustainable without even spending any money at all!
Tip #1: Embrace Your Glasses! This one is a double whammy! By ditching the contacts you hate taking out, you save money and the environment. So, go find those glasses you’ve had hidden away forever and pop on those new trendsetters. Let’s be honest, glasses are back in style anyways. All the aesthetic people got the trend rolling so now you can wear your glass without having middle school flashbacks.
Tip #2: Can’t give your money? Give your time! Look in your local area for environmental organizations and non-profits you can help out at. I volunteered at a local farm near my college and now I built lasting relationships with the people there. It doesn’t matter if it’s for an hour or the whole weekend, any time is priceless.
Tip #3: Avoiding plastic cutlery? Order finger food! You’re out to eat, you realize you forgot your reusable utencils, don’t panic! Just order finger food you can eat with your hands. Exmaples: pizza, wings, sushi, fries, pretzel bites, etc.
Tip #4: Make a shower playlist! That’s right, you can help the environment by literally dancing to your favorite tunes in the shower. Make a playlist and jam to it while you shower. Helps let you feel better after and keep a track on time. Aim to take showers within 2-3 songs!
Tip #5: Remove built-up lint from the dryer! It’s an easy thing to forget, but it’ll produce less energy and save your from a possible fire.
Tip #6: Pick up litter when you see it! Yes, it’s not your litter. Yes, it will still end up affecting you, so be the bigger person and set an exmaple for everyone around you. You don’t have to go full out plogging everyday, but picking up a bottle or can when you see them.
Tip #7: Try reusing “single-use” items! Get creative, some single-use items you can reuse. Keep those plastic utencils you always end up with somehow, wash them, and put them in your car when you suddenly went food.
Tip #8: Clean out recyables! If you recycle, please please please clean out your items. Recycling systems are bad enough, so limiting the amount of contaminated items is a plus.
Tip #9: Say NO to straw! It’s another very simple, but easy to forget tip. It has to be become a habit, so keep trying to remember and ask for no straw when you dine out.
Tip #10: Refuse bags when you can carry! This happens way too often, you run into a store, you buy one or two things and they ask if you want a bag… Why?! If you have arms and they work, carry the items out.
Not a penny spent and everything gained (:
