This April, we want you to think about how your lifestyle affects both the environment and your health. In celebration of Earth Day, we’re challenging you to develop four eco-friendly habits that will help you protect the environment while saving money and achieving better health. Check them out!
WEEK ONE: CHOOSE AND USE A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Choose a reusable water bottle instead of a single-use bottle in order to reduce plastic waste. Americans used about 50 million plastic water bottles last year but only recycled 23% of them. Buying a reusable water bottle will not only reduce waste but will also cut the cost of buying plastic water bottles. You may also be more inclined to drink more water throughout the day, which will keep you hydrated.
Rule of thumb: Convert your weight in pounds to kilograms. That number is how many ounces of water you should try to drink every day. (To convert pounds to kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2).
WEEK TWO: SHOP WITH A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG
The U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually! When this type of plastic breaks down, it photodegrades, which is when the materials break down into smaller and smaller fragments which then contaminate soil, waterways, and animals upon digestion. Plastic bags are also on the list of top 10 trash items constantly collected off our beaches. Cut down on plastic waste by bringing reusable grocery bags into the store with you. Keep them folded in your trunk so they are always on hand!
WEEK THREE: CUT OUT ONE CAR TRIP PER DAY
Carpooling with a co-worker can save you both gas money and mileage while removing one car from those busy roads! Added bonuses are reducing commute-related stress, saving time by utilizing the high occupancy vehicle lanes, and reducing parking-related costs depending on where you work. For non-work-related driving, consolidate your errands into efficient clusters so you drive less.
WEEK FOUR: REDUCE SHOWER TIME BY ONE MINUTE
The average American uses 17.2 gallons of water in an 8.2-minute shower. See how long your showers are by timing them. Once you know your baseline time, subtract a minute from that when you shower. If cutting down on shower time is not feasible for you, you can still save water by turning off the water while you wash your hair or shave and turn it back on when you are ready to rinse off. You can also consider investing in a water-efficient shower head.
