Environment
Did you know:
- 4 pounds of trash is created on average by each of us every day.
- 47,000 trees could be saved if we all swapped out one roll of regular toilet paper for a recyclable roll.
- 200 years – the average amount of time it takes for one plastic straw to decompose.
- 5.25 trillion – the number of pieces of plastic polluting our oceans. Every piece of plastic ever made still exists, and only 9% has ever been recycled.
We must take action now.
How can you take action today?
Waste and pollution aren’t just hard on us – they’re hard on plants and animals, too. Everything from the air we breathe to the water we drink can be affected. Here are a few ways you can reduce waste and pollution where you live:
- Try the “Zero Waste Week Challenge.” Reducing your waste at home is a great way to start giving back to the Earth. Here are some tips to get you started – and who knows? Maybe you’ll be ready for a Zero Waste Month once the week is over.
- Recycle the right way. Did you know dirty items might not get recycled, and that it only takes one contaminated good for the whole bin to get thrown out? Check your local recycling center’s guidelines to ensure you’re recycling correctly.
- Give up plastic straws. It’s important to have products at home that can be used again and again, instead of plastics that can be used once. Start by swapping out plastic straws for ones made with a reusable material, like stainless steel.
- Find a service opportunity near you. Pick an issue or project in your community that speaks to you – and speak up for what matters. Start your search now!
