Simple Ways you can do to protect the environment

Making a difference in the world is already challenging to most people but helping the environment and saving up on resources is a whole new ball game especially for us Malaysians. There are several ways that anyone can do oh yes I'm talking bout you can help protect this planet we call Earth.

All this minor changes will make a big difference! Need proof? You can head online to calculate your environmental footprint to see how much impact just one person has one the world’s resources, and adjust accordingly.

Here are the few ways you can do to help out Mother Earth for a change:



1. Use Reusable Bags:
And yes, stop paying 20 sen for your plastic bag and get a good pretty reusable bag. You can actually get some for free when you shop at supermarkets. whether you are shopping for food, clothes or books, use a reusable bag. This cuts down on litter and prevents animals from getting a hold of them. Plastic grocery-type bags that get thrown out end up in landfills or in other parts of the environment. These can suffocate animals who get stuck in them or may mistake them for food. Also, it takes a while for the bags to decompose.

These reusable bags are also useful for other things besides for shopping as well, most people in Malaysia can opt to using them as their daily to-go to carry-on.

If you forget your bags at home, buy a new one. Better yet, have a few bags in your car's storage so you never leave home without them (as long as you remember to use them)!

However, if you really need up in a situation where you need to use the plastic bags, reuse them the next time you go shopping, or use them for something else like using it to throw your trash. Just remember to not be quick to throw them out! Using reusable bags helps the environment AND your budget!



2. Save Electricity!
Use energy-efficient light bulbs instead of regular bulbs. They last longer, which will save you a bit of money (every little bit helps on a college budget, right?). Make sure you turn off lights, the TV, and other appliances when you are not using them.

Lower your air conditioning or heat when it’s not necessary. This is especially true for between seasons. Open your windows in the early fall or layering your clothes in the early fall.



3. Save Water
Water is definitely one of nature's resources that we waste the most. Turn off the faucet as you are brushing your teeth. Don’t turn your shower on until you’re ready to get in and wash your hair. Limit your water usage as you wash dishes. Changing old habits will be good for both the environment and your wallet!

4. Carpool When Possible
Smoke emitted by cars are harmful to the environment. Taking public transportation, walking, or riding a bike to class are better options that help the environment and your budget, as well as filling up the step stats into your fitbit or any other fitness watch.

If you really need to use your car, compare your schedules and places of residency with your family, friends or colleagues. You can always offer to split the petrol cost or maybe have alternating schedules on who to drive. With this you can also save a lot of money while doing your part to save the environment!



5. Recycle!
It saddens me to say that so many people don’t actually recycle despite being easy. Many garbage disposal companies offer recycling services, so check with the company you use to see if they can help you get started! It is as simple as getting a bin and putting it out with your trash cans for free!

Another way to recycle is to look for recycling cans around your area. Instead of throwing recyclables in the trash with your non-recyclables, stand your ground to take an extra step to use recycling cans.



6. Compost!
You don't need to be a farmer or have a house with a backyard to be eco-friendly and efficient with their trash. Composting requires recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, which keeps leftover or unwanted food waste out of landfills and waterways but ending up enriching the soil. There are several communities in Malaysia that have local composting programs, so look and ask around to learn how to get involved with yours. You can also do compost indoors and we promise they won't stink up your home.



7. Use recyclable beverage containers
Instead of purchasing individually-packaged drinks, consider getting a bulk container with water or buying a reusable water bottle. Not only will this help out the environment, it also helps you save money.

Many campuses or workplaces have designated water fountains for drinking as well as for refilling reusable water bottles. Just make full use of these facilities and everything is set.

Besides, many restaurants and cafes sell reusable drink bottles. If you're a regular, you can consider getting one of these containers to help minimise waste.

A lot of coffee shops even offer discounts or subsidies to customers who use reusable water bottles for their drinks. For example, Starbucks offers a small discounts for customers who do this. Saving the environment and money? Instant win!



8. Go meatless!
Can going vegetarian for at least a day a week help out mother earth? No, we’re not telling everyone to adopt a plant-based diet tomorrow. But we all must develop a consciousness and cut down the level of meat onto our dinner table. The problems like climate change, soil, air and water pollution, ocean dead zones, and myriad other caused by industrial livestock farms can be eradicated by shifting to more plant-based foods is essential. If we decide to eat fewer meals with meat or dairy each week, we can have a huge impact on our collective health and the health of the planet.

Consuming less meat also made a significant difference in lowering greenhouse gas emissions between people who the researchers dubbed high meat consumers versus people considered low meat consumers.

Some of the ways you can commit to lower your meat and dairy intake by a few meals per week and spread the awareness to your friends about your choice to find alternative proteins, this might be annoying to some people but hey, it's worth a shot. Moreover, strive to have fresh fruits and vegetables to play a bigger role of your diet and only purchase sustainable or organic fresh produce at all times.