How to help the environment: 10 simple yet effective ways

Helping the environment starts with small, daily actions that add up to big impacts.

This handbook takes you by the hand, showing how to integrate actions like adopting the 3 R's—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle— and installing a rainwater harvesting setup at your abode into your routine for significant environmental benefits.

You'll learn how composting can turn your kitchen scraps into gold for your garden and why growing your own food not only tastes better but is better for the planet. Moreover, we'll explore the significance of patronizing green enterprises and how opting for organic and in-season produce extends advantages beyond personal well-being. 

Get ready; it's time to act green!

Suggested reading: Top 13 tips on how to make sustainable travel a reality.

How to help the environment: 10 things you can do now

1. Embracing the 3 R's

By embracing the three Rs -reduce, reuse, and recycle- we can all play a part in cutting down our ecological footprint and helping our planet one step at a time.

• Reduce your consumption

Cutting back on what we consume doesn’t just save money; it helps the environment too. Start with small changes like opting for digital receipts or saying no to single-use plastics. Every little bit adds up.

You might be surprised by how freeing it feels to declutter your life from unnecessary possessions and adopting a minimalist mindset. Not only does this make your space more zen-like but reducing consumption also means less stuff ends up in landfills.

• Reuse what you can

The fun begins when you start seeing potential in things before tossing them out. Those glass jars from your spaghetti sauce last week? Ideal for keeping extra food fresh or initiating your own little garden of herbs inside.

Repurposing everyday objects not only reduces our trash footprint but also ignites a spark of inventiveness in us. From turning old t-shirts into cleaning rags to repurposing shoeboxes as storage solutions – reusing has never been so trendy.

• Recycle right

Sometimes recycling seems like rocket science with all its rules and symbols. But once you get the hang of it, recycling right makes all the difference between actually helping versus accidentally contaminating loads of recyclable material.

To make sure you’re part of the solution, keep yourself updated on local recycling guidelines.

2. Crafting a homemade rainwater collection system

Imagine the pitter-patter of rain as nature's symphony, but instead of just a soothing sound, it becomes a resource-saving tune for your home. 

Gathering rainwater starts with understanding what you need. First off, you'll want a catchment area —usually your roof— which funnels water into gutters that lead to your storage container. A filter is also key to keeping debris out.

To set this up, measure your roof to estimate how much water you can collect and choose containers accordingly. Materials matter here; opt for food-grade barrels or specially designed tanks that ensure safety and durability.

Regularly cleaning gutters and inspecting filters prevents blockages and keeps the flow going strong.

Diving deeper into upkeep means occasionally checking for algae growth within containers during warmer months —a splash of vinegar helps keep things fresh— and ensuring all connections remain sealed against leaks.

Sure, watering plants might be the go-to use for collected rainwater, but let’s not stop there. Use it for washing cars or outdoor areas—it’s free from chemicals found in tap water which makes it gentle yet effective for such tasks.

3. The art of composting at home

Composting at home is like turning your kitchen scraps into gold for your garden. It's a simple way to help the environment while enriching the soil in your backyard. If you think it's complicated, guess again.

• Starting your compost bin

To kick things off, pick a spot for your compost bin or pile. This could be anywhere from a corner in your yard to under the sink if you're going with an indoor bin. The key here is convenience and accessibility.

You'll need a mix of greens (like vegetable peels) and browns (such as dried leaves). In this process, a combination of materials gradually decomposes due to the forces of nature. Just remember: balance is everything.

Avoid adding meats or dairy products since they can attract pests and cause odors. Stick to plant-based scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and paper products that aren't glossy or coated.

• Maintaining your compost

Maintenance isn’t tough; it’s mostly about keeping things moist and aerated. Turn your compost every few weeks with a shovel or pitchfork to let air in and speed up decomposition.

If it looks too dry inside there add some water but not too much. You want it damp like wrung-out sponge not soaked through this helps keep conditions just right for those microorganisms doing all hard work decomposing material down into nutrient-rich humus.

Troubleshooting common issues involves managing moisture, smells, and bugs. The easiest ways to fix these problems include ensuring a good mixture of green and brown materials and covering fresh additions with a thin layer of finished compost or dirt. This approach will cut down on any unpleasant aromas and deter flies along with other unwanted visitors.

4. Cultivating your own food garden

Growing your own organic garden isn't just about fresh produce; it's a step towards sustainable living, saying no to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

You don’t need a green thumb or acres of land to start. A small balcony or windowsill can host pots full of herbs and leafy greens. If you've got a bit more room to play with, setting up elevated plots offers enhanced management of the earth's composition and water runoff, perfectly suiting root vegetables such as carrots and legumes.

Mulching is another hero in the organic gardener's toolkit—it conserves moisture while suppressing weeds naturally so that you spend less time fighting nature and more time enjoying it.

To help you choose what to plant, consider your climate zone and season. There are hundreds of resources on internet to assist you with that. Garden.org offers resources galore for both novices and seasoned growers alike.

5. The benefits of eating organic and seasonal foods

Eating organic isn't just a fancy trend; by choosing foods grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, you're not only dodging those unwelcome chemicals but also supporting farming practices that are kinder to the Earth.

Organic farming methods typically use less energy than conventional ones because they rely heavily on natural processes rather than artificial inputs.

Beyond economics, buying locally significantly reduces transport emissions. When you eat according to what nature provides, you reduce the demand for out-of-season produce which often requires excessive transportation and storage - two culprits behind your carbon footprint sneaking up on you.

So really, each meal becomes an opportunity for environmental advocacy right at your dining table.

6. Supporting eco-friendly enterprises

Every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Opting to back green companies does more than just boost your moral standing; it's an impactful method to help the environment.

To start making more conscious choices, look for certifications like USDA Organic, Fair Trade, or B Corp. These badges signal that a business adheres to strict ecological and societal benchmarks. 

Exploring brands committed to sustainability might just reveal some new favorites that resonate with your ethical standards. Websites like Green America offer directories of green businesses across various sectors.

Think bigger: invest in these companies if you can, advocate for them online, and recommend them to friends and family. Each small action nudges the market towards eco-friendly products, urging enterprises to rethink their ecological footprint.

7. Opt for sustainable transportation options

Walking more than you normally do, biking and using public transportation are simple yet powerful answers to the question of how to help the environment. 

Biking isn't just for fitness enthusiasts anymore. Cities are expanding their bike lanes, making this a viable option for many commuters. Cycling not only slashes carbon footprints but also boosts well-being substantially.

Riding the bus or train, rather than driving alone, stands as a pillar of green commuting practices. By opting for buses or trains over personal vehicles, we significantly cut down on our individual carbon footprints. Many cities have made strides in making public transit more efficient and accessible.

Joining a car-sharing scheme such as Zipcar or Turo can cleverly decrease the total number of vehicles cruising our streets, encouraging a spirit of communal sharing. These services not only lessen traffic congestion but also lower pollution levels overall.

The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) marks a thrilling path forward for eco-friendlier travel options. As charging spots grow in number, the ease of having an electric vehicle is at its peak, inviting a cleaner journey.

Making small changes in how we get around can lead to big improvements in our environment—and our own lives too. So next time you need to go somewhere, consider one of these sustainable transportation methods first.

8. Harnessing renewable energy at home

Ready to take a leap and transform your living space into a model of eco-friendliness?

• Solar panels

Solar panels are powerhouse devices that convert sunlight into electricity. Think of them as your personal little sun harvesters.

Mounting solar panels on your home can dramatically decrease both your ecological impact and those annoying monthly energy costs. A great place to learn more about how solar energy works is through the U.S Department of Energy’s website.

The initial setup cost might give you pause, but tax incentives and decreasing installation prices have made solar more accessible than ever before. Plus, imagine the satisfaction when you watch your meter spin backward because yes, that can happen.

• Wind turbines

If you've got space and live in a windy area, why not consider a wind turbine? These aren't just for farms or fields anymore; smaller models fit snugly into residential areas too. Wind turbines capture breezes and turn them into electrical power - it's like planting a money tree that grows savings every time the wind blows.

9. Practice ecotourism when traveling

Ecotourism is the complete opposite of mass tourism. While in the latter, people travel to popular places without considering the effect it has on the environment and local communities, ecotourism focuses on the observation and enjoyment of natural places while causing the least possible impact.

The essential basis of this type of tourism is that places are visited consciously, respectfully, and in a manner that generates sustainable development, benefiting not only the tourist but also those who receive them.

Ecotourism, as well as rural tourism, play a fundamental role in preserving local traditions and the environment, since the core attraction is to showcase the particular landscapes, gastronomy and values that make that place unique.

Bird watching, hiking in nature reserves, and non-invasive photographic safaris are some examples of the many ecotourism activities.

More on this topic:

• Eco tourism destinations around the world.
• 7 tips to be a more conscious traveler.
• 7 simple ways to become a mindful traveler.
• What is green travel and how can you travel sustainably?
  

10. Learn about how to help the environment by volunteering

A great way to learn about sustainable practices is to be part of a volunteer program, collaborating with hosts that develop different types of environmental projects. 

How to postulate to be part of these projects? In the Worldpackers' platform you can find many volunteering opportunities around the world, in places like permaculture projects, organic farms, eco-villages, sustainable communities and more.

Worldpackers is an online platform that connects travelers with hosts from over 140 countries who need help in various areas, many of them related to sustainable living. You just need to subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.

In the host's page you'll also find pictures, a detailed description of the project, what they expect from the volunteer, and what they give in exchange for your help: accommodation on site is always included, which means that you can travel on a budget while doing a positive impact, learning new skills, and meeting people from different cultures and walks of life (both international volunteers and local hosts).

Volunteering programs around the world that help the environment

Contributing with eco projects through Worldpackers is a very effective way to learn more about environmental protection. You'll gain practical skills in different fields, such as permaculture, bio-construction, organic farming, animal care and more. 

You will be able to apply this acquired knowledge to your everyday life, and why not even starting a career in the field of environmental protection or ecology, with the advantage of some very valuable experience on your back.

You can read these articles to know more about Worldpackers: Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered and What is a work exchange and how does it work?

Now that we know the many benefits of volunteering, let's explore some of the many opportunities in environmental projects that you could participate:

• Canada: O.U.R Ecovillage is a space of 9 acres in Vancouver Island, dedicated to conscious food production, including greenhouses, propagated gardens, food forests, animals areas and grazing space. This is an ideal opportunity to connect with nature and develop new set of skills.
• Hawaii: Would you like live in Hawaii for some time? You can do so by helping with general tasks like cooking, cleaning and land work at this eco-village located in Pahoa.
  
• Mexico: Take part in a reforestation project in Roca Partida, Veracruz. You will be helping them with the maintenance of the space, in the garden and nursery, in which they grow chemical-free local products.
  
• Portugal: Castelo de Vide is a place of natural beauty in Portugal. You can enjoy it and explore its surroundings while volunteering in this permaculture project.
• Italy: Collaborate in a small organic farm in Reggio Emilia, where permaculture, biodynamic, synergistic, and regenerative farming practices are employed, all while respecting nature.
• Peru: What about collaborating with a reforestation, land regeneration, and natural farming project in the cloud forest in Peru? The Guardian Farm is looking for environmental volunteers to help planting seeds and trees, maintaining land, and learning about organic pest management and soil health.
• Australia: Give a hand to a sweet chestnut farm located in a stunning part of Southwestern Australia.

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