Taking Care of Mother Nature

Last year I watched a conservation documentary about the simple things we use everyday and their impact on Mother Earth.  After that documentary, I started paying close attention to everything I use and where it will go after that use.  For example, think about all the individually wrapped items we use in a single day.  If these items are not recycled they could spend eternity in a landfill.  Think about how many packets or containers are in that one box.  Then think about everyone who uses this product and do not dispose of it properly.  Where will all these items go?

Often times we do not think about trash and where it will go after we dispose of it.  It’s trash!  It doesn’t have the right to be thought about.  But our trash does not just disappear into a black hole.  If not recycled, trash can go from our personal trashcan to a dumpster, then from a dumpster to a dump trunk.  Some of that trash may be blow away by wind or dropped.  The wind could then carry this trash to lakes, rivers and the ocean.  This documentary showed images of trash floating in the ocean and the marine life and birds that use this trash as food.  These disturbing images forced me to change my lifestyle to a greener more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

After some research I have compiled some tips for a greener lifestyle:

1. Cut down on waste by buying items not wrapped in individual packages.
2. Instead of a trashcan, separate trash into recycling bins that contain cardboard, plastic and glass materials.
3. Try to avoid using water bottles.  Instead use eco-friendly travel containers or water filters.  Same thing for coffee; bring your own travel mug.
4. Be creative with left over packages.  With some craft paper, glue and ribbon you could turn a plastic container into a decorative, useful item for your home.
5. Use organic or eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
6. Keep glass jars for your own homemade salsa and give as a gift.  This is both eco and economically friendly.
7. Turn lights and electronics off when you are not using them.  Make sure to unplug chargers when they are not in use.  
8. Start a carpool to work or use public transportation.  

When we take care of the Earth, we also take care of all its residents!