water conservation

Simple Ways To Help Save the Planet

Simple Ways To Help Save the Planet

Reading Time: 3 minutes

There are simple actions that we do each day that are harming the environment. Remember that we only have one planet, if we are not going to take care of it, who else will? The good news is that all of us have the power to if not reverse at least stop further damage to the earth. We only have to do it together. Every action counts. Here are simple ways to help save the planet:

1.Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The best way to save the environment is to reduce the waste being produced. We can do this by reusing items instead of throwing them after a single use. Household items that we can reuse include boxes, containers, glass jars, papers, plastic bags, plastic spoons and forks and many other household items. To recycle means using items for a different purpose instead of discarding them right away. Items that be recycled include clothes, plastic containers, newspapers, steel cans and food wastes.

2.Buy Organic Products

Organic farming benefits the environment. It helps reduce pollution and soil erosion. It also conserves water and increases soil fertility. In addition, organic farming uses 45% less energy compared to regular farms. Thus, by purchasing organic products especially in your local community; you are actually doing your share in helping the planet.

3. Conserve Water and Energy

Conserving water can keep the water pure and clean. It also minimizes the effect of water shortages. It also helps reduce your household expenses. There are many ways to conserve water at home. You can do simple things like:

  • Turning off the water when not in use
  • Checking toilets and faucets for leaks
  • Using dishwashers and washing machines only in full load
  • Watering the plants during cool parts of the day

Likewise, energy conservation is also important for the environment. Reducing energy consumption can help lessen air pollution. There are many ways to reduce energy consumption at home. You can do things like:

  • Turning off lights when not in use
  • Washing clothes in cold water
  • Unplugging unused electronics
  • Using LED lights

4. Go Paperless

Going digital has a lot of advantages. Not only does it improve efficiency, it also saves money. In addition, it also gives you access anytime wherever you may be. An added bonus, it is good for the environment too.

5. Patronize Eco-Friendly Companies

Many companies out there already started with their environmental initiatives. As consumers, you can help the environment by supporting environmentally-friendly and sustainable products. At the same time, boycott brands that are not helping the environment at all.

6. Plant a Tree

Trees give us oxygen. They also purify the air by storing the harmful carbon dioxide. They prevent soil erosion and maintain humidity levels. Trees also provide shelter for wildlife. The human race will not be able to survive without plants and trees. However, it is a fact that there is massive deforestation happening right now. So, we must help by planting a tree. You can plant a tree in your backyard. You can also join tree planting activities. If planting is not your thing, you can just donate and have others plant the tree for you.

7. Segregate Wastes

Poor waste management results in land, air and even water pollution. Combined with hazardous materials, the trash that we throw is not only harmful to the environment but detrimental to our health as well.

8. Use Your Voice

You don’t need to be active in any environmental organization to be an environmentalist. You can actually use your voice to talk and influence your family, friends. neighbors and colleagues. Speak up and make your voice heard by the people around you.


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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Posted by A.L. Jonas in Environmental, 0 comments
Ways to Conserve Water at Home

Ways to Conserve Water at Home

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Water is essential in life. All living things need drinking water to survive. Aside from that, we also use water in many things such as cooking, taking a bath, washing our clothes and keeping our surroundings clean. It is hard to even imagine a day without water. Unfortunately, in some areas of the world, water shortage has become a serious issue. With more and more places around the world struggling for clean water, water conservation is now more important than ever. That is why we all need to do our part in water conservation. Here are some ways to conserve water at home.

1. Close the Tap When Not in Use

It sounds so simple and logical yet many people leave the tap running especially while brushing their teeth, washing their hands, washing dishes and taking a shower. By simply turning off the tap while not in use, you are already helping in the conservation of water.

2. Fix Leaks

Did you know that a single drop of water per second adds up to 5 gallons a day?  That is  approximately 3,000 gallons or 11,356 liters in a year. Imagine all that water and money wasted because of a faucet leaking! Stop the leaks! Check and fix all your broken faucets.

3. Plant Native Plants

Native plants are plants indigenous to a certain area. These plants adapt well to the specific climate and physical conditions of a particular place. Taking care of native plants requires less water.

If you live in a tropical place, use tropical plants for your garden such as ferns, bromeliads and orchids. If you live in the desert, use desert plants like cactus.  For cold climates, use plants that can survive winter.

4. Re-use Towels or Clothes

A small act of reusing towels in your home can help conserve water. Practice this also even outside your home such as in hotels. Apply the same habit to your clothing especially if you have worn it only once and it is still clean. Jeans for example can be re-used a couple of times before washing. However, do this with caution. We also need to adjust to the new normal rules. Our safety should always be a priority.

5. Run your Washing Machine / Dishwasher Only on Full Load

If you have a washing machine or dishwasher at home, make sure that you run them only on full load. Even if you choose the small load settings, you are still using the same amount of water to run a full cycle. So, save water by running them only on full load. This is also one way to save on electricity in your home.

6. Take Shorter Showers

A good way to save water is to take shorter showers. It is also a good way to conserve energy. It adds a few more minutes to your sleep time and it also a way to prevent your skin from becoming dry.

Image Credit: Umass

7. Water Plants in the Morning

The best time to water the plants is in the morning. The cool weather will help the water reach the roots more efficiently without losing too much water due to evaporation. You may also opt to water the plants using the traditional watering pail instead of a hose.

8. Avoid Thawing Meat Using Water

Remember to plant your meals ahead. Remove the meat that you are going to cook  from the freezer and defrost it in the refrigerator the night before. The meat remains safe and of good quality when you are ready to cook it the next day.

9. Convert your Toilet to a Dual Flush

A dual flush toilet uses two buttons to operate the flush, one for the solid waste and the other one for the urine. It helps save water because the flush for the urine uses less water compared to the other one. The Dual Flush toilet uses 45% less water compared to an ordinary toilet.

Also, flush toilets only when necessary. A toilet bowl cleaner tablet will help keep your toilet clean and helps prevent tough stains.

10. Recycle and Reuse Whenever Possible

Any item in your home from your clothes, paper, computers, furniture and appliances consumes water during the manufacturing process. If you can reuse and recycle items as much as you can then you are helping the global community save tons of water.

To be able to make a difference, it needs more than your solo effort. Ask your family, friends and co-workers to join you. Spread the word. Share this article. And together, let’s do our part in conserving water.


Image by Mystic Art Design from Pixabay 

Posted by A.L. Jonas in Environmental, 0 comments