Environmental pollution results in part from ordinary day-to-day actions. Although this is a huge problem with a big industrial component, making small changes to your daily lifestyle can add up to significant environmental benefit. By learning how to reduce your personal contribution to pollution, you can improve the future of this planet and its inhabitants.

Photo by Lukasz Wierzbowski.

Reduce Your Personal Waste

The average person creates 4.4 pounds of waste on every day, which amounts to 2,000 pounds of waste per year. Not only does this mean needlessly consuming our natural resources, but it also contributes directly to environmental pollution. Although recycling has been the go to mentality when it comes to waste reduction, it is important to visualize the waste not directly connected to trash day. This waste comes from transportation, electricity usage and product replacement. Actions such as buying produce from a local farmers market, riding a bike or taking public transportation and buying used instead of new can all prevent waste and the usage of resources to produce new products. According to the Government of Canada, “Any time that people conserve water or energy, they prevent pollution. Cutting down on water use leads to a reduction in the amount of effluent that must be treated at a sewage treatment plant, which requires energy. Cutting down on energy use can reduce the burning of fossil fuels, either in combustion engines or in coal-fired electric generators.”

Get Involved in Local Projects

Many communities have local groups entirely devoted to preventing environmental pollution. If such a group does not yet exist, take the time to create one. Leading by example is one of the best ways to truly make your actions count. Speak with friends, co-workers and and relatives about steps for living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Posted by Mark Contorno