Conservation does not have to be complicated. In fact, there are many things you most likely already do every day that you may not realize are conservation efforts. Reusing, recycling, and repairing are common activities we hear all the time that lessen our impact on the planet, but beyond these there are many convenient ways your normal everyday routine can be environmentally friendly.
CHECK IT OUT!
Switching from paper to online billing. This not only makes life easier, but it also saves tremendous amounts of paper and trees every year!
Only washing full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine. "Say what? Something I do almost every time and it counts?" Yes! It helps conserve water, energy, and detergent; benefits for both the planet and your wallet!
Putting weather strips on your doors and sealing your windows in the winter. "Well duh? This saves me money and keeps me warm!" Why yes, yes it does, AND it uses less gas and energy. ENERGY is one of our resources that often gets overlooked!
Unplugging electronics that are not in use and turning off the lights when you leave. Here's another one! It saves money and conserves energy resources at the same time. Lowering the amount of energy used makes monthly energy bills cheaper and decreases harmful emissions from power plants. Saving energy helps save money and save the planet!
Scooping up pet poop. Ok, us pet owners may struggle with this at times and it may not be our favorite chore, but usually we give in and take on the dirty task. Did you know pet waste can damage lawns and easily pollute water? Next time you pick up after your pet remember you are helping keep our water, and your yard, clean!
Shopping at local farmer’s markets. Farmer's Markets support the livelihoods of local family farms while also decreasing food transportation costs and emissions. It’s common for produce to be shipped in from California or Central and South America. So, choosing instead to buy local fruits and vegetables benefits your farm neighbor, helps lower the number of trucks on the road, and decreases the dirty fuel emissions in the air!
Filling up a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic, or bringing your own reusable grocery bags to the store. These are both convenient acts of conservation that reduce plastic waste. Added bonus: No more broken plastic bags!
People don’t get enough credit for the conservation they do every day.
The Genesee Conservation District would like to say THANK YOU to every one of you for doing the small things consistently.
Now, we’d like to challenge you to think about things differently: Think about your routine, how do you practice conservation?
Tell us your favorite way to be a conservationist in the comments!
As has been said many times: “The people who make the biggest difference are those who do the little things, consistently”
