8 Ways to Reduce Your Impact Today

"With a full-time job, an active social life, and perhaps a kid or a pup to raise, it can be tough to fit in a commitment to the environment - especially if it seems to require added cost or responsibility. Take heart, though, because there are many simple ways to reduce your impact on the planet that actually help you save money."

"Even if you're constantly on the run, it's possible to reduce the amount of waste you generate by packing your own reusable mug, water bottle, food containers, and cutlery. The majority of restaurant to-go containers are still made from plastics that don't recycle easily, so they're used once and then thrown away. Each plastic cup, fork, straw, and clamshell box costs money, and you can be sure this cost is passed onto consumers - not to mention the environmental costs of all that plastic waste."

Busy schedules and caregiving responsibilities can make environmental commitments seem difficult, especially when they appear to add cost or responsibility. Many simple actions reduce environmental impact while saving money. Basics include replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs and shopping with reusable bags. Avoiding to-go waste by carrying a reusable mug, water bottle, food containers, and cutlery cuts single-use plastic consumption and saves money passed to consumers. Water conservation matters: a 2025 WHO/UNICEF report finds 2.1 billion people lack safely managed drinking water, and potable supplies face climate and population pressures. Reduce household water use by flushing and running taps sparingly.

Read at Earth911