We discussed one extreme way to have a positive impact on the environment, and that was by living in an environmentally designed earthship. Though that may be a viable method for some extremist, or people who are really passionate about environmental living, it’s not realistic for most. Most residential zoning laws don’t allow for a lot of the features that make up an earthship, and thus you can only have an earthship in a few select locations throughout the country. So we want to provide solutions that everyday people can put into action to have a positive impact on the environment. Here are some solutions that we practice, and ones that we recommend, but if you have other suggestions please write them below in the comments.

1. Conserve Water – This is one of the most obvious ways to make an impact but one that people still need constant reminding. Water is our most precious resource and one that we all need to be conscious about conserving. Scientist are making scary predictions about future water availability, and how we currently undervalue and waste this precious resource. If we are to see a day of restricted water availability we will be very upset with how we commonly took 30 minute showers. I think everyone can identify ways in which they can reduce their water consumption. It may mean quicker and less frequent showers, and being extremely conscious about running the sink, and making sure we do full loads of clothes and dishes every time we run the machines.
2. Buy Organic – Most people are becoming aware of the organic movement that is being headed by companies like Whole Foods, the Non-GMO Project and others, and the health benefits associated with organic food. People are however not overly informed on the environmental benefits associated with organic food production. With organic food production the food and soil are not exposed to the pesticides that are common with most food production, meaning no chemical run off from the pesticides. Additionally, organic crop rotation and the use of organic soil results in the soil lasting for lifetimes and not becoming drained by the harsh conditions of standard factory farming that typically degrades the land to a point where it can no longer be used.
3. Recycle – Recycling is something that is so easy to do and takes little to no effort on the consumers end.
4. Plastic Water Bottle – Consuming all your water from plastic bottle is not only bad for you, it is also terrible for the environment. The chemicals in plastic bottle leach into the water under extreme heat, which they are almost always exposed to during transportation. And plastic bottle end up in oceans and land fills across the world. A great alternative is to drink out of a glass water bottle that you personally refill.
5. Compost – Starting your own compost pile in your backyard is a great way to reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. There are a ton of good resources online that can show you exactly how to compost properly. Starting a compost might also inspire you to start a garden.
6. Start a garden – Having your own garden is a great way to create a closer bond with nature, get cheaper produce, and reduce carbon emissions associated with shipping produce around the world.
7. Ride a bike – If you can figure out a way to commute to work or to the gym or anywhere else on your bike, then you can do your part in reducing carbon emissions while also giving your body a good workout.
8. Go electric – I know electric cars like Tesla’s are currently fairly expensive for most people, but as prices go down, they are something to consider. The energy used for electricity vs gasoline is a lot less carbon demanding and thus less harmful on the environment. With more manufactures creating electric options, it is something that every car buyer ought to be considering.
9. Buy Local – Purchasing local produce and local goods is not only good for your local economy it is also a great way to reduce carbon emissions from transporting goods across the globe.
10. Carpool – I know the morning commute is nice because you can listen to your preferred radio station and think quietly to yourself about the days plans, but if you work with someone who lives close, carpooling can be a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Just think that if everyone carpooled how many cars it would take off the road. Plus you can use the carpool lane!

Hopefully you found some of these tips on how to make an environmental impact inspiring, and found some you want to take action on. The thing when it comes to the environment is it’s not so much about being an extremist, but rather influencing a bunch of people to take small consistent actions everyday. Going vegan for a month wont change the world, but being mindful of water consumption everyday will.

Go out there and put it to use!