We all know about the Earth rapidly moving towards its sixth mass extinction period. Time to time we hear about how we need to save the environment but most of us just read the news and forget about it. For us, extinction is not that important but celebrity gossips are. Some of us do want to protect the environment but feel/think that what could a single person do? How would an individual contribution lead to helping the environment? The fact is every small contribution we make; can help save the environment.

If you are looking for ways to save the environment then you have landed on the right page. We bring 13 simple ways to save the environment.

#1 Compost

Create a compost heap in your garden or use a compost bin. This helps recycle food waste and other biodegradable materials. It doesn’t have to be a big one, just a small area should do. If you’re living in a society complex, ask authorities if you can start one.

#2 Eco-Bags

When you go shopping, make it a habit to bring your own eco-bags. Meanwhile, say ‘no’ to plastic bags as much as possible. Have a bag made of cloth, and keep it as your designated shopping bag. Not only will it help save the environment, but it will also save the poor little stray animals who eat everything in sight, plastic included. Try disposing waste in eco-friendly bags.

#3 Tree Planting Drives

Join as many tree planting drives as you can, this is an easy way to save the environment. In fact, you can even do this sitting at home nowadays. Just go online and look for organizations that can plant saplings on your behalf or run such drives. You may be able to sow 100 saplings for as low as 200 rupees!

#4 Car Pooling

If possible, try carpooling to work, business presentations, events, or even to run errands. Think of ways you can reduce the number of trips you make using your car. This will not only help you conserve petrol, but also help with air and noise pollution. Not to forget, it’ll reduce traffic on the roads too.

#5 Use Car Only When Required

Reduce emissions from cars by walking or cycling. These are not just great alternatives to driving, they also help a great deal in burning calories, and keeping you fit.

#6 Use Public Transport

Use public transport, when you can, for everyday travel. If you don’t have plans elsewhere after work, isn’t it easier to just take the metro? You’d also cut down your travel time by at least half if home is far off.

#7 Recycle

Send your discarded bottles, papers, used oil, old batteries and used tyres to a depot for recycling or safe disposal. All these cause very serious pollution.

#8 Stop Wastage of Oil

Do not pour chemicals and waste oil on to the ground or into drains leading. These will eventually mix with the water bodies and will cause water pollution.

#9 Solar Energy

Use solar energy. While we understand setting up solar energy can be a costly affair; it will be quite economical in long run! Plus you will be conserving the environment.

#10 Save Natural Resources

Did you know 2.3 billion food is wasted every year and yet many children die of starvation? Don’t get greedy and take only as much as you can eat.

#11 Save Electricity

Turn off any lights and electronics when they are not being used. It will take you all of 20 seconds to just double-check everything before you leave home. Leaving devices plugged in, such as laptop chargers or toasters, can use “phantom” energy. Because even when an appliance is turned off, it may still use power. Just imagine by checking before leaving the house that will hardly take 2 minutes. This 2 minutes can actually save the environment.

#12 Sharing is Caring

Borrow, rent or share infrequently used items like party decorations, extra chairs, tables for large gatherings, specialised tools, sports equipment. Make use of rent all business where you can get the equipment and furniture you need for short interval, instead of buying on your own.

#13 Save Water Now, we don’t need to tell the role of water in our lives. Just few precautions and we can save water. For example: ensure you close the taps and fix any leaky taps or store water but ensure it is covered properly.

Simple, right? And yet so effective. Protect your environment and join the drive to save the environment.