Whether you believe in climate change or not, there has been a drastic change in the environment over the past decade. The weather has been acting differently; temperatures and UV indexes have increased. More trash has been found in the ocean within the past year than ever before. The changes in our environment have caught the attention of many young people who look for ways to help. The most publicized eco-friendly tool is the reusable straw, but in what other ways can you help?Â
Plastic has completely invaded our oceans and the beauty that inhabits it.
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One of the most used sources of plastic are straws; this led to the metal straw demand. While you should adopt a metal straw or two, it’s single-use plastic that you should leave behind altogether. Such things like toothbrushes and plastic use only contribute to plastic waste in our oceans. You can substitute these items for reusable and biodegradable ones. Bamboo toothbrushes are a great substitution for the cheap, plastic ones you grab on a whim.
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Most everyone is aware of the plastic water bottle waste; what about to-go cups? You never truly realize how much waste you make when you get an iced coffee every day. If you’re a coffee-lover, consider purchasing a reusable cup from your favorite coffee shop. They might even offer discounted coffee.Â
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Being eco-friendly can be affordable. There was always a negative stigma about buying clothes from thrift stores; times have changed though. Thrifting has become a new wave of clothes shopping. Buying donated clothes decreases the demand for new clothes which ultimately slows the fast fashion industry and their air/landfill pollution. Thrift shops hold some hidden gems and you’ll never know what you’ll find.
One person’s old skirt might be the one skirt you’re looking for.
These are just a few simple ways that you can change your lifestyle to be more environmentally conscious. Just a simple change to our daily lives can make an impact on the environment we call home.