Here are some actions you can take to help curve the toll of resource overexploitation.
- Use reusable products instead of single use items.
- A number of everyday single use items come in reusable forms that save time and effort while also helping to reduce plastic pollution.
- These include but are not limited to reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, straws, utensils, lunch bags, and grocery bags.
- Check out goingzerowaste.com’s ultimate list of zero waste swaps to get an idea of how you can start replacing your single use products with reusable alternatives: https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/the-ultimate-list-of-zero-waste-swaps
- Get informed on which everyday items can and can’t be recycled with waste management guide to recycling: http://www.wm.com/recycling-services/home.jsp#section-recycling-rules
- Limit your dependence on energy costly services.
- Replace your light bulbs with energy saving bulbs and consider investing in solar energy as power source.
- Unplug idle electronics like televisions, microwaves, scanners, and printers while not using them. Use power strips to reduce your plug load and easily cut off power to multiple devices.
- Take a look at how your daily habits contribute to your carbon footprint using the following site: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/
- Spend less time on the road.
- Delivery services are optimized to provide you instant access to products, but the environmental costs of the resulting fossil fuel use isn’t worth the convenience.
- When ordering online, select slower shipping options to ensure companies do not partially fill their tucks just for expedited delivery.
- Reduce your use of uber and other ride services. High numbers of short uber and lyft rides are starting to have a serious impact on the environment as seen this UCLA article: https://dailybruin.com/2019/01/29/popularity-of-brief-uber-lyft-rides-on-campus-raises-environmental-concerns/
- Take action to conserve water in your home.
- Fill your sink basin with water to wash dishes instead of letting the water run.
- Avoid letting the water run when brushing teeth or applying soap on our skins when taking a bath.
- Install water-saving fixtures and appliances.
- Install low-flowing shower heads in your showers.
- Use a broom to clean sidewalks instead of water hoses.