As the environmental crisis starts becoming a major focus for the globe at large, we must do our own part in preserving the planet. Unfortunately, that call to action is a little harder than it seems to be at first glance. However, there are still things that you can do as a hard working student, athlete, or whatever else you may do. So, here are 10 ways that you can be sustainable in your daily life!

1. Bring a reusable water bottle 

A reusable water bottle may seem mundane, but overall, reusable water bottles are one of the most effective and simple ways to care for the environment. 32% of the plastic waste produced per year ends up in the ocean. 32% translates to a whopping 25 million tons of plastic being distributed into waterways every year. Using a reusable water bottle will help cut carbon emissions from oil plants that produce plastic water bottles and will also keep more plastic out of our oceans! 

2. Use a reusable lunchbox tin + bring your own lunch 

Just like using a reusable water bottle, using reusable food containers and lunch tins can help cut down on plastic waste. Cutting down on plastic waste also cuts down on oil usage and landfill filling. Cutting back on carbon emissions will help further reduce the probability of a global meltdown. 

3.Use refillable and recyclable items 

More and more companies across the world are now contributing to the battle against the environment crisis by releasing items that can be refilled. Others are creating products out of recycled materials. As more companies produce these items, make the conscious decision to try these out! Even if you don’t end up liking the product, it’s still a great idea to try them out!

4. Grocery shopping 

Grocery packaging is one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste in the world. From salads to pizzas, the plastic wrapping on every piece of food you purchase usually ends up in a landfill. In order to try and cut back on this, try shopping with reusable containers at places like whole foods that have reusable friendly food items! If this is not an option for you, you could also begin consciously checking for recyclable packaging and bring your own bags.

5. Coffee Cups

Like a reusable water bottle, using reusable coffee cups while going to get your morning coffee can help to cut back on plastic waste. Most coffee places you go to on a regular basis are ready and willing to make your coffee in a reusable mug at the counter. The only downside to this is that you do have to ask for this in store. However, it is still a fun way to reduce plastic!

6. Staplers 

As weird as it sounds, using fewer staples cuts back on the metal needed to make them, which can then reduce carbon emissions. There are staple free stapler options available that are more environmentally friendly and could also work just that much better than your average stapler. 

7. Donate unused items 

If you just completed your spring/summer/winter/fall cleaning spree and you have a ton of things to get rid of, try donating or giving it away to a friend! Donating not only cuts back on waste, but also gives options for clothing, kitchen items, etc. for those that might need them. 

8.Turn those lights off! 

Before leaving a room, try shutting off all the lights before going out! This cuts down on electricity usage, which cuts down on carbon emission. Your electricity bill will also be thanking you in the long run.

9. Go Paperless (you’re already halfway there!) 

Using iPads at school, while it may be annoying at times, is actually very sustainable! Opting for emails instead of letters or notability for a homework sheet cuts back on paper that probably won’t get recycled otherwise. While this seems difficult on the surface, you’re probably already doing it!

10. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! 

Most of you might already be doing this, but it’s still one of the easiest ways to save our planet! Double check what you’re throwing away at lunch. Try to organize trash and recycling at home. Research what can be recycled. These simple things can help make a difference in the fight against global warming and climate change, even if it seems like it won’t make a dent in the issue at hand. If we can make the change within our own lifestyles, the change will become visible in the long run.

These 10 simple suggestions on sustainability can not only help the environment but can also help you to become more conscientious of the way we live! Being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as this article implies. You can make a difference if you put in the effort!