In our culture today it seems to be the
new modern trend and cool lifestyle to “go green,” but how exactly are these
self-proclaimed hipsters actually going green? Is this something that an average,
everyday person can accomplish or is it something that only new age,
environmental hippie can achieve? As a
busy student with limited funds, I often have to be extra creative when it
comes to living a green lifestyle. Lets
be honest, as much as we all would love to ride our bikes to and from work
everyday many of us live in an area that does not allow us to do this, whether
it’s because of the way the city is built or because of the weather conditions. For example, many cities in Florida are spread
out and make it impossible for the average commuter to be able to ride their
bike to school, work or any daily activity.
An easy and possibly cheaper way to go green to get to work or school is
to carpool with friends or coworkers. It
will not only help reduce your weekly gas bill, and produce less cars on the
road, but it may make the morning rush hour traffic a little more bearable with
a buddy to jam out with! Another small, easy and practical way to go green is
try to forego buying that morning cup of coffee, usually about $4 a cup. Instead, bring your own coffee in a reusable,
travel coffee tumbler. If making coffee
is not your thing and you insist on buying that over priced cup o’ joe, bring
your own cup. Many coffee shops reduce
the price if you bring you own cup. This will not only save you money in the
long run but it will also reduce an extreme amount of waste. A reusable coffee
mug will provide about eight years of use for the average daily coffee
drinker. It’s
been documented that 68 million Styrofoam coffee cups are thrown away everyday
in this country! Disposing of these coffee cups contribute directly to the
creation of major greenhouse gases on top of creating a lot of unnecessary
waste. One cup per day results in 23 lbs. of waste by the end of the year, just
from these cups that are thrown away! One last, final and practical way to go
green is a custom that has become quite popular throughout the country-bring
your own reusable bag to the grocery store.
I know this is a very simple concept but it can be very easy not to do. Sometimes I am in such a rush that I run out
the door and completely forget to bring my bags with me. However, I came up with a plan, that as soon
as I’m done unpacking my groceries I put the bags right back in my car and
leave them there. I’m usually on the go
anyway and usually make an impromptu trip to the grocery store on my way home
from school or work and this way I’ll always have the bags with me. You can also be creative with these types of
bags and no longer have to have the plain, boring, and single color bag with
the store logo on it. You can have your
own custom bag that displays your personality.
I have a reusable basket that I bring with me that has a cute design and
a monogram of my initials on it. Whether it’s one of the ways listed above or
another personalized way that you are “going green”, the important aspect is
that you’re trying and doing it for the right reasons. Don’t just do it because it’s a fad or the
“cool-thing” to do, do it with the intention that these are going to be
permanent changes that you believe will help preserve and save our planet for
future generations to enjoy!
Share YOUR fun, easy, cool, or smart ways of "Going Green" on our Facebook page - search "Public Trust Law" and post!
- Courtney Stasi, Legal Intern
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