10 Easy ways to be Environmental

Words by Maria Gil

 This article is part of PULPCLIMATE week. CLICK HERE to join the facebook group. University of Sydney Students will be marching from Fischer Library at 10:00 AM on the 20th of September.



Are you searching for easy ways to reduce your damage to the environment? Well if you are I have some easy things that you can do that will help! These practices are day to day items and actions that will definitely make you feel better about being eco-friendly… and slightly help...

1

Get a reusable water bottle - This one is a no brainer. Having your own water bottle will mean one less plastic bottle in the ocean, but it is a reminder to stay hydrated. The best water bottles to purchase are stainless steel or glass ones. Plastic ones may be cheaper but in the long run, they are not as healthy for you. Some plastic bottles can leech toxins into your water if you leave them under the blazing sun or if you leave the water there for too long.

2

Reusable bags for groceries - Plastic bags are a menace to the ocean, local wildlife, and the environment. So consider taking your own reusable bags next time your go groceries. The majority of the grocery shops sell reusable bags that you can pick up during your next shopping trip. Or go out a get cute tote bags that promotes a good cause or your favorite fandom. 

3

 Ditch the paper cup use a keep cup - One way to become eco-friendly is by being aware of single-use plastic such as take away cups. There are two versions of keep cups available: the BPA free plastic ones and the glass ones. Go plastic-free and invest in the glass or stainless stell keep cup.

4

Ladies save money and get a menstrual cup - It is no secret that disposable pads and tampons have a ton of chemicals in them. On top of that just because they are “disposable” does not mean they magically go away. Those used products probably end up in a landfill somewhere and can take over 400 years to properly decompose. If the menstrual cup isn’t for you consider using cloth pads or 100% cotton products.

5

Metal straws - Plastic straws are another form of single-use plastic items. Too many sea turtles get straws stuck up their poor nostrils and suffer tremendously. Do it for the turtles. There are even bubble tea metal straws available to purchase.

6

 Eat local and seasonal - Try to go to local farmer's markets for your produce or check what fruits and veggies are in season. You can also sign up to Usyd Food Coop and receive weekly boxes of local produce. Local produce travels less to get to your door!

7

Reusable cutlery - Carrying around your own cutlery set means not having to you the plastic utensils handed out at food trucks or local food markets. The Earth will thank you for yet another reduction in single-use plastic.

8

Cloth napkins - Just like handkerchiefs, there are perfect when you need to dry your hands or wipe your mouth after a meal.

9

Use loose-leaf tea with a strainer - As convenient as tea bags are it actually lives in landfills longer than they do in your tea cup. Most tea bags are made with polyester and plastic which can take several years to decompose. Best to go loose-leaf tea and get yourself a single-serve strainer.

10

Opt-out of junk mail - Not only is junk mail annoying but it actually means more paper waste. Just put a sticker on your mailbox stating “No Junk Mail” and the majority of the time there is a reduction of garbage placed in your mailbox. You can learn more about it on the Aus Post official website!