5 Simple Things You Can Do to Protect the Earth Today
Want to be more environmentally friendly, but not sure where to start? It’s easier than you may think!
Making a few small lifestyle changes can help you reduce waste and live more ” green.” Here are five easy things you can do to live more eco-friendly today!
#1: Limit plastic use
Plastic pollution poses a major threat to our environment. It’s estimated to take hundreds (or even thousands) of years for plastic to break down. Using less plastic is one way to make a difference! Consider switching to reusable grocery bags, water bottles, straws, utensils, and paper towels to reduce your plastic footprint.
Reusable bags from Goodwill
#2: Conserve water
Everyone needs water, but fresh, clean H2O is a limited resource. You can start saving water by making a few small adjustments at home. For example, turn off the faucet as you’re brushing your teeth or washing your face. Take shorter showers. Collect and reuse rainwater to water your plants. You might be surprised at how much water you can save!
#3: Drive green
Changing your driving habits can make a big impact on the environment. Try to combine errands to make fewer trips and avoid idling your car for long periods of time. For short trips, consider walking or riding your bike. You’ll get a little exercise and help the planet at the same time!
Goodwill reuse
#4: Shop wisely
Buying used items is not only a great way to save money; it’s also more environmentally friendly than buying brand new! When you shop at a secondhand store like Goodwill, you give a new life to gently-used clothing, accessories, and home goods and keep them out of landfills.
#5: Donate your gently-used items
There comes a time when you no longer want or need certain items in your home. Maybe it’s out-of-season clothing, unused home décor, or pre-loved books, toys, or games. Instead of tossing those items in the garbage, donate them to Goodwill instead! Each year, Ohio Valley Goodwill diverts millions of pounds of reusable materials from local landfills thanks to donations from the community!
Here’s a quick tip: At the beginning of a new season, turn all your clothes hangers in one direction. When you wear an item, hang it up with the hanger facing the opposite way. By the end of the season, you’ll know exactly which clothes you wear and which ones you should donate to Goodwill.
Donations box
At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we want to make it a little easier for you to live a sustainable lifestyle! With 18 retail stores and donation sites conveniently located in and around Cincinnati, we’re here to help you shop smarter and make a difference.
