Sustainability is the act of using natural resources in a way that preserves them for future generations.There are many aspects of sustainability including recycling, composting, and green transportation. These are just a few examples of the many different ways that you can help make this world a better place for plants and animals alike. There is a lot of confusion around what is considered sustainable and what sustainability is in general. It can be frustrating and while there isn’t really a defined line as to what sustainability is, we can assure you that if you do any actions listed below (and any others that keep nature in mind) you will be one step closer to living a sustainable lifestyle.
Recycling is a great way to incorporate sustainable actions into your everyday life. However, it should not be mistaken as an alternative to your landfill waste (trash). Recycling varies from county to county, so before putting anything in the recycling check with your local recycling center for details on what is and isn’t recyclable. Most counties in the USA take paper products such as paper, cardboard, newspaper and cardstock. The most controversial item to recycle is plastic, so the best thing to do is to try and eliminate plastic recycling all together. However, if you have plastic recycling and are not sure, put it in the trash or do your research! One important thing to note is don’t recycle packages just because they have the recycling symbol on the bottom (♺), unless you are 100% sure that product is recyclable in your area.
Composting is another great way to incorporate sustainability into your life. Most large cities in the USA have composting facilities, whether it is in a community garden, yard waste container, or just a backyard composting bin. However many cities still don’t have a composting program/option. If this is the case for you, try investing in a backyard compost bin or advocate for a composting facility to be installed in your city/town/area. Try making your own compost bin below.
Green transportation refers to any way one travels throughout their local area using their own energy i.e. biking, walking, skateboarding, etc. The reason this is important is because it helps reduce your carbon footprint* and improves your overall physical health. Other aspects of green transportation include electric vehicles, public transportation, and carpooling.
*Your carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, service, place or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent.
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