The fight against climate change is daunting but necessary for the planet and humanity’s future. When we take care in preserving our natural resources, we are taking care of our future, a future that right now needs all the help it can get.
Why are natural resources important?
Before we get into how we as individuals and as households can conserve natural resources, let’s talk about what they are.
Natural resources are materials that naturally exist without human intervention, like oil, water, coal, etc. Some are renewable, like solar power, and are naturally replenishable. Others are nonrenewable, like fossil fuels, and are being used quicker than they naturally replenish. That is why conservation is so essential. Humans depend on diminishing resources; for our preservation as well as the Earth’s, we must take the necessary steps to protect our natural resources.
Simple ways you can conserve natural resources
Buy produce and meats from local farms: by buying food in season and from local farms, you reduce your environmental impact. Grocery stores house produce and meats from all over the country and world, which need long plane and truck runs to transport, contributing to carbon emissions and pollution. These long trips also contribute to the large amounts of wasted food as the imported food goes bad during transportation. In addition, most local farmers also stray away from toxins and pesticides which harm the soil and air. Overall, sourcing food locally cuts down on carbon emissions and food waste (Not to mention all the health benefits)!a
Thrift Shop: Fast fashion is a major contributing factor to the world’s carbon emissions and water use. By buying clothes second-hand, you not only save money but extend clothing’s longevity and keep it out of landfills, further preserving our natural resources.
Conserve water and electricity: Reduce the water waste in your home when brushing your teeth, washing dishes, and showering. Reduce electricity by turning on lights and electronics when not needed, and hang clothes to dry in the summer. You can also switch to energy-efficient light bulbs!
Donate: Donate your clothing to prevent clothing from ending up in landfills! If you can, you can also donate to local or national climate organizations.
Compost: Composting is beneficial in many ways. Composting food scraps, brown paper towels, and more recycles organic materials and keeps landfills empty. Composting also enriches your home garden by providing soil that retains water, improving water runoff and soil erosion, and helpful microorganisms (no need for chemical fertilizer!).
Use more reusable: Try your best to use reusables and avoid single-use plastic as much as possible. Avoiding single-use things is a great way to keep more out of the trash, especially plastic. Use reusable water bottles, avoid disposable straws and utensils, wear fabric masks, and bring reusable bags to shop!
Recycle: Recycling allows us to reuse materials we have already used, requiring less natural resources and reducing waste! Recycle cardboard, certain plastics, glass, and technology!!!
a greener tomorrow 