With every natural disaster it seems that we are helpless to do anything about it. However, humanity has contributed to the change in the climate which means that we can reverse the effects. 

It will not be the creation of big things by the few that will save the planet. Instead, it will be the contribution by many of small things that when added together will make the difference. If you are interested in saving the planet, there are things that you can do starting right now that will help lead to a better tomorrow. 

Inventory

The first step towards saving the planet starts with the items you have today. Do an inventory of all items that you use on a regular basis. Start with the kitchen and look at the appliances that are being used. Are they energy efficient? If not, you may want to consider purchasing appliances that use less energy. 

Next, look at the other rooms in your home starting with those that contain televisions and other electronic equipment. If there are energy efficient counterparts to the items you already own, then you should consider purchasing them if they will save you a significant amount of money over time. 

There is no question that climate change is happening; the only arguable point is what part humans are playing in it. – David Attenborough

Purchase Used or Recycled Items

There are advantages to purchasing older items, especially if new ones do not bring all the advantages that you desire. Purchasing a used car means one less new car is needed. But the same is true for bicycles and many other local products. 

Not only does it mean one less new item has to be made, but it can also save on the packaging as well. Look to secondhand stores, garage sales, and other sources of used items to purchase. In addition to helping the environment, it can help you save money as well. 

Cut Down on Plastic

While plastic bags make things convenient, they are also quite wasteful. Use a recycled bag or bags instead for carrying groceries and other items. But you can go further than that. Do not purchase disposable plastic utensils, straws, and the like. 

This includes bottled water, one of the biggest sources of wasted plastic materials. Instead, purchase a tumbler or container that is filtered so you can enjoy purified water without having to purchase plastic bottles. 

Energy Conservation 

There are many ways you can save on energy which will not only help our planet but cut down on your electrical bills. First, if you have yet to replace old incandescent lights with LEDs, then you should do so right now. They can save you a considerable amount in terms of what you pay on your electricity bill. Other suggestions to save energy include the following. 

• Turn Off Lights When Not in Room 
• Adjust Thermostat: Higher in the summer and lower in the winter
• Use Rechargeable Batteries
• Turn Off Computer at Night 

Just these tips alone will help you save energy. You can also save gas by car pooling and combining trips rather than doing them one at a time. 

The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for. – Ernest Hemingway, Author

Go Digital

This may seem counterintuitive at first but having all your reading material on digital platforms saves on paper production. It also reduces potential landfill waste. The same is true with your receipts. By having them sent to you via the email, you can help prevent paper waste whenever possible. 

Think about backing up old family photos and important documents digitally. This will help cut down on new photos and documents that do not need to be printed. 

Minimize Waste

With landfills running out of space, the less you waste, the less you contribute to this problem. Start by repairing items instead of buying new ones unless there is no other option. Darning socks instead of buying new ones helps as well. 

One of the best ways you can minimize waste is by using dish towels instead of paper towels to dry your dishes and clean up messes. Do an inventory of what you have and look at minimizing the disposable items that are part of your household. Even cutting back a little can save a lot. 

Help with Cleaning Up the Community

Volunteer a little of your time to clean up roadsides, parks, and other parts of your community. By getting rid of the trash, you can do quite a bit to help make your community a better place. And use this time to teach others what you have learned. This will also help spread the word is a positive way, so that the planet can become healthier. 

If your community does not have an organized clean-up crew, then start one yourself. Begin in your neighborhood and get rid of the trash. Set an example for others to follow. 

Save More Water

Water is the most precious of all resources on our world. You can do your part to preserve the water we have by doing a few small things. First, when you brush your teeth, only turn on the water to rinse off your toothbrush. By not leaving the water running, you may save gallons of water per day. Imagine if everyone did the same thing? 

There are other things you can do such as fixing a leaking faucet, taking one or two fewer minutes in the shower, or going with the professional automated car wash instead of doing it yourself. All these actions save a considerable amount of water. 

Learn Every Day

Become informed about all new ways to help save our planet. You do not have to use all the new methods that come to light. But it pays to be informed about what is happening so you can make the best-informed decision.

Quite often, you may not have to purchase anything new or make significant changes to your lifestyle. But it pays to be informed so that you know. And teach your children as well the value of conserving energy and buying products that are not disposable by nature. This can go a long way towards saving our planet. 

You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.. – Dr Jane Goodall, Scientist & Activist