Environmentalism for Beginners

If you’re looking to make environmentally conscious changes in your life: congratulations! You’re ready to make a difference, and you’ve come to the right place.

The concept of environmentalism can seem overwhelming. Often times when people think of an environmentalist, they imagine protesters chaining themselves to fences or hippies taking environmentalism to the extreme. Environmentalism doesn’t always look like that. In fact, it usually doesn’t. Anyone taking action to better the environment is an environmentalist. So, if you start making some of these simple changes I’m about to list for you, then you will be an environmentalist! Go you!

Starting out, it’s okay to take it slow and go easy on yourself. If you start out with some light changes, you’ll feel good about your success and your positive impact, making you more likely to stick with it and to find new ways to be eco-friendly. You’ll become more aware of what you consume and waste, and before you know it, you’ll have habits that will benefit you and the environment for the rest of your life.

So, where do you begin? Here are some ideas for you to start out with as a beginner environmentalist:

1. Unplug

Seriously, it’s that easy. Not using it? Unplug it. Even when items are off, they still use small amounts of energy if plugged in. Chargers, electronics, even your washer and dryer can usually be unplugged when not in use. This can save electricity and save you money.

2. Recycle (but go beyond paper and cans)

You have surely heard tons of talk about recycling. Of course, the ideal would be that you don’t have much waste in general. However, when you do, always look for ways to recycle. There are many things people don’t even realize they can recycle. Search online to see if your area does single stream recycling and see what can be recycled. If something can’t be recycled in your bins, search for a center that can recycle it, or look for another use for the item. Check out this list of Things Most People Never Recycle, but Should! for information on how to recycle items beyond what is typically recycled.

Have I said the word ‘recycle’ enough yet?

3. Use a Reusable Water Bottle

This is so easy. No more plastic water bottles from vending machines or store shelves. Having a reusable bottle with you everywhere you go is easy and convenient. If needed, you can also purchase a water filter to use to fill it. Both products will save you money in the long run. If you want something other than water, buy it in bulk and use your reusable bottle to take it with you when you leave the house.

4. Use Reusable Shopping Bags

It has been estimated that 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year, and a healthy portion of those are never recycled. Purchase reusable bags from a store near you or use what you already have to take home groceries, clothing, and other items. Most stores have no problem with this. You just have to remember to bring them with you when you go!

5. Take Shorter Showers

Some people like to get a timer for their showers, but really you can just be more aware of how much time you spend in there. It is likely that you could chop off a few minutes of your shower time and still be just as clean.

While you’re at it, be conscious of your water use in general. Don’t leave the faucet on while you brush your teeth, take showers instead of baths, and use any water that no one will be drinking to water plants. Using a dishwasher rather than washing dishes by hand can also save water.

6. Replace Burnt Out Bulbs with CFLs

CFLs and LEDs use less energy and last longer, saving energy and saving you money. If you currently have something else, use it until it burns out, but be sure to replace it with one of these energy-saving options.

7. Stop Using Paper Plates and Paper Towels

Both of these items are unnecessary. They are often seen as more convenient, but the little bit of extra effort put in to wash towels or dishes is worth the expense of paper items over a lifetime, and allows you to send less waste to the landfill. If you attend an event with paper plates, do your best to avoid using them. Some people even choose to bring cloth napkins with them to events where they know they will be eating to avoid waste.

Need disposable plates or utensils for a large event? Consider getting compostable ones. These will biodegrade into the soil over time and keep you from creating a ton of waste after the event.

There are my 7 ways to ease into living greener! There are plenty more simple ways to be environmentally conscious, such as washing clothes with cold water, carpooling, or biking and walking more often. Simple fixes can make more of an impact than you think.

These suggestions are a great way to get started on the path to environmentalism. Consider these, but also take a look at your lifestyle and see where you could improve. Self-awareness is an important part of environmentalism. Find out which step is easiest for you to accomplish and start from there.

If you’re already taking these steps, great! Stay tuned for more content detailing how you can do even more, and share this article with your friends who may not be as far along as you are. Spreading the word and encouraging others to live more sustainably is one of the best things you can do for the Earth.

If you have any other tips for beginners, leave them in the comments below! Or feel free to leave suggestions for blog posts you would like to see.