“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” has never rang more true than now. There’s no one person coming to save us, but collectively we can all make a difference and turn this dreary trajectory around to save our great mother. Here are a few simple things we all can do to make a difference.

Educate Yourself.

There are many books and also films available on Netflix for you to absorb more knowledge about our planet and climate change for a Netflix and chill switch up. A Life On Our Planet, a film with David Attenborough goes on to trace his more than 60-year career as a naturalist, mapping how steeply the planet’s biodiversity has degenerated before him. Along with Chasing Coral, A Plastic Ocean and many others can be found by searching “Climate” on Netflix.

Reusable Water Cups

Switching to reusable water bottles is a very powerful way to do your part to help limit the plastic pollution crisis, especially if you have a habit of carrying beverages with you. The temptation to use a plastic bottle, or to purchase a drink in a plastic container can be hard – they are seductively convenient! So having a reusable water bottle will help quell the bait for beverages in plastic. We love the bottles and reusable food containers from Minimal for outdoor activities like hiking, sports and picnics, but also for things like meal prep and storage.

Reusable Straws.

Stainless steel straws are great for the environment and your health because they are BPA-free and easy to clean. When you’re at a restaurant, make sure you ask them not to bring you a straw with your drink. And honestly folks, I think we can all drink from a glass just fine without a straw!

Reusable Bags

Sounds obvious, right? But in an average year, U.S. households use about 100 billion plastic bags, 99 percent of which are never recycled. Make all of your shopping outings BYOB (bring your own bag) and reduce the need for plastic. Public Goods & Boon Supply carry a variety of great reusable bags.

Skip the Red Meat

There’s new world of meat replacement products (not saying they’re much healthier, but they are damn sure better for the planet. Count us in when we’re having a meaty craving. The U.N. reports that the meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce just 1 pound of meat. We suggest eating less or none of it and if you must, opt for pasture-fed, sustainably raised beef, whenever possible.

Start a Garden

It's never been easier (or more fun) to grow your own veggies! Plus, developing your green thumb can save you money and reduce food waste. Something as simple as an herb garden on your windowsill is a great start.

Plant a Tree

Billions of trees are cut down every year to create the things that we use every day. Trees sequester carbon, helping to remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which cools the earth. Planting trees help replenish the Earth. If you don’t want to physically plant a tree, you can do it with your dollar through spending your money with brands that plant a tree with every purchase.

Compost Food Waste

Food waste and other organic trash does not decompose properly at landfills, because it doesn't get enough air and ends up creating methane gas in the process. By simply composting wasted food and other organic matter, methane emissions are significantly reduced. Compost reduces, and in some cases eliminates, the need for chemical fertilizers. Here’s an easy beginners guide to composting if you feel intimidated to start.

Sign Petitions

Petitions mobilize support. They bring together organizational strength and demonstrate the ability for supporters to come together for change. The following are great resources for finding valuable petitions: the Petition Site + EPA + Change.org.

Recycle and Reuse as Much as You Can

Last, but definitely not least … recycle! Recycling is one of the best ways to make a positive impact on the world in which we live. Extracting raw materials from the environment is expensive. It also uses up a lot of water and energy. When we recycle, we extract less, which conserves many of our precious (and finite!) natural resources, including trees, water, oil, and metals. The more we recycle, the more we protect our resources!

Written by Linnea Bevan.

Simple Ways To Help Save the Planet