7 Billion Little Things to Save Our Environment

Humans are causing damage to the environment that could threaten our very existence. We often look to the big sources of pollution and waste, but it's truly the actions of every individual added up together that has caused the damage. This blog's purpose is to draw attention to all the many ways that the Earth is being damaged and the ways we can stop it. Some of them seem small, but they are actually powerful. #number posts archive eco-friendly tips image posts are quick and catchy reminders to read and share !idea posts share larger ideas for improving the future Message or ask with any ideas, comments, feedback or questions you have at all. Please note: This blog's purpose is environmentalism and not popularity or profit. Ideas and images in the blog may be from the author or from another source. Ideas sent to the blog will not be credited to the sender.

[7billionlittlethings]

#31: Take care of your device batteries

The batteries in your laptops, phones, and other mobile devices can have an expanded lifetime if you care for them properly, requiring you to replace them left often (and saving a lot of environmental damage).

Batteries have changed, so old rules like “draining the battery regularly” or “charging to 100%” aren't usually advisable anymore. Most batteries now will have a longer life if you keep them between 40% and 80% charge, without letting them get to 0%. Laptops are best charged when not in use, because the excess heat of using them while charging can ware on the battery.

Save yourself battery and device replacements; read up about the batteries in your devices and treat them well!

[7billionlittlethings]

Message to followers:

Over a thousand people have followed this blog and I’m really grateful for the interest! It has been mostly inactive because it is a spare-time project for me that I haven’t had a whole lot of time to add to. I want everyone who has sent messages with ideas and information to know that I’ve seen your messages and I’d love to incorporate your tips when and if I get time. Sorry that I haven’t reciprocated your help so far.

[7billionlittlethings]

#30: Ask for things you need as birthday/Christmas/other gifts

-A lot of resources go into gifts that people receive and either don’t want at all or don’t end up using. +Ask for things you need (like soap, food, spices, clothes, and other necessities) when special occasions come up. It’ll save you money and save a lot of unnecessary novelty buying!

[7billionlittlethings]

#29: Adopt pets, don’t buy them from stores and mills

The sad truth is that every domestic animal that is cared for adds to humanity’s carbon footprint. More importantly, thousands of animals await a loving home every day in shelters or from owners who can’t keep them anymore. When you are looking for a pet, consider adopting an animal in need instead of supporting mills and breeders.

[7billionlittlethings]

[7billionlittlethings]

#28: Surf the net on your mobile device instead of your computer

Smart phones and tablets use less energy than your laptops and desktop computers. Your computer is a much more effective tool for working on tasks and playing games, but if you have a tablet or smart phone then you can use it for your more casual online activities to save energy.

[7billionlittlethings]

#27: Unplug appliances before you go on vacation

-Appliances use up energy just from being plugged in

+When you are going to be away from home for a while, your TV’s, kitchen appliances, and other electronics can be unplugged to save energy

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#26: Unplug infrequently used appliances

-A small amount of electricity is used by appliances just by being plugged in

+If you have an appliance you don’t use frequently, like a toaster, coffee maker, or an extra TV, unplug it until you use it again to save energy and money.

[7billionlittlethings]

#25: Buy ugly produce

-Ugly fruits and vegetables often get avoided in the grocery store, eventually being disposed of because they won’t sell

+By learning how to tell an ugly veggie from one that’s gone bad, you can help make use of perfectly good but slightly unattractive produce!

[7billionlittlethings]

#24: Spend more time in nature

Research has shown that spending time in natural places like forests makes people more conscious of the environment. Make time for nature walks and hanging out in the park every week to stay mindful of the natural world. Bring a friend with you so they can feel it too!

[7billionlittlethings]

[7billionlittlethings]

#23: Make your calendar

-As fun as they are to have, calendars take a lot of paper and ink to make, in addition to the plastic they are wrapped in when you buy them.

+Make a simple calendar with scrap paper, or use both sides of a fresh piece, and fit more months into each page. Feel free to make it pretty!

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#22: Don’t be afraid to re-gift!

Re-gifting has become taboo for fear of seeming cheap or apathetic. But if you have a brand new item that is not being used, giving it to someone who will use it is a great way to buy less and reuse more. Just re-gift thoughtfully!

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#21: Bring a mug when you’re getting coffee

-Billions of coffee cups go in the garbage every year after brief use.

+If you know you’re buying a coffee, bring a reusable mug with you. Regular coffee drinkers save a lot of paper fast when they use mugs instead.

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Grass can be a good thing, but most pristine lawns are kept using electricity, pesticides, and obscene amounts of water, all the while reducing species variety. Many of these pristine lawns sit unused. Find a new way to use extra space on your property, whether it’s growing food to eat or hosting a diverse range of native plants.

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#20: Keep track of what you throw in the garbage

-People create more waste when they aren’t aware of it. +Try writing down every item you throw out for a day, a week or a month. You might notice if you are creating more waste than necessary, and you can research recycling options for items you often throw out.

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#19: Take an inventory of your school and office supplies

-Many forgotten pens, pencils, glue sticks and other supplies sit unused while new ones are bought when they are needed. +By simply taking note of what stationary you have put away, and perhaps digging some out of hiding, you can avoid buying what you have already.