Question

Evaluate your proposed solutions for their impact on overall environmental stability and changes. Which solution has more impact? Explain your reasoning for picking one solution over another

Answer 1

1. Replace disposable items with reusable
Anything you use and throw away can potentially spend centuries in a landfill. See below for simple adjustments you can make to decrease the amount of disposable items in your daily life.

Carry your own reusable cup or water bottle
Use airtight, reusable food containers instead of sandwich bags and plastic wrap
Pack a waste-free lunch: carry your utensils, cloth napkin, and containers in a reusable lunch bag
Bring your own bags to the grocery store
Consider buying bulk containers of your preferred beverages and refilling a reusable bottle, instead of buying individually packaged drinks
Use rechargeable batteries

2. Pass on paper
We are living in the Digital Era, but think about all the paper products you use in your daily life. These actions still align with reusing and repurposing, though may take a little more time for transition.

Join a library instead of buying books or buy a Kindle
Print as little as possible; and if you must, print on both sides
Wrap gifts in fabric and tie with ribbon; both are reusable and prettier than paper and sticky-tape
Stop using paper towels and incorporate washable cloths
Look at labels to make sure you only use FSC-certified wood and paper products
Cut out products made by palm oil companies that contribute to deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia

3. Conserve water & electricity
The tips you see below will seem like no-brainers; however, it may take to become more aware of your unconscious habits.

Turn the sink water off when brushing your teeth
Water the lawn in the morning or evening; cooler air causes less evaporation
Switch off anything that uses electricity when not in use (lights, televisions, computers, printers, etc.)
Unplug devices when possible; even when an appliance is turned off, it may still use power
Remove chemicals inside of the house; research companies that use plant-derived ingredients for their household cleaning products
Remove chemicals outside of the house; use eco-friendly pesticides and herbicides that won’t contaminate groundwater
Consider signing up for a renewable energy producer that uses 100% renewable energy to power homes