Part One: List Ways That You As An Individual ✓ Solved

Part one: List ways that you, as an individual

As promised, here is an extra credit assignment. Please remember to make this a practical list that you may actually start doing. It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us.

Part One: Energy Conservation

1. Unplug electrical devices that are considered energy thieves when they are not in use, such as toaster ovens and chargers.

2. Turn off lights in rooms that are not in use to reduce electricity consumption.

3. Use energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of incandescent lighting.

4. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and a few degrees higher in summer to conserve heating and cooling energy.

5. Utilize natural light by opening curtains during the day instead of relying on artificial lighting.

6. Limit the use of automated devices like smart speakers or timers for unnecessary gadgets.

7. Use a microwave instead of an oven for reheating food to save energy.

8. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full to maximize efficiency.

9. Take shorter showers to reduce hot water usage.

10. Consider using blankets and rugs to insulate your home better, retaining heat in winter and keeping it cool in summer.

Part Two: Reducing Plastic Use

1. Carry a reusable water bottle or thermos instead of purchasing bottled water.

2. Use cloth bags for shopping instead of single-use plastic bags.

3. Avoid buying individually wrapped snacks and opt for bulk items instead.

4. Choose glass or metal containers for food storage to avoid plastic wraps and bags.

5. Bring your own utensils and reusable containers when dining out or ordering takeout.

6. Participate in community clean-up efforts to dispose of plastic waste responsibly.

7. Favor products with minimal packaging when shopping.

8. Use bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles.

9. Recycle plastic items according to local regulations to minimize waste.

10. Be conscious of items made from microplastics, such as certain beauty products, and choose alternatives.

Part Three: DIY Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products

1. Create an all-purpose cleaner using equal parts vinegar and water, effective for most surfaces.

2. Use baking soda as a gentle abrasive cleaner for scrubbing surfaces without scratching them.

3. Combine lemon juice and baking soda to tackle tough stains and eliminate odors, particularly on cutting boards.

4. Make a drain cleaner by pouring baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain and flushing with hot water.

5. Use salt and ice to clean coffee stains from glass coffee pots effectively.

6. Use olive oil mixed with vinegar as a natural furniture polish.

7. Freshen up your carpets by sprinkling baking soda on them, letting it sit, and then vacuuming it up.

8. Mix cornstarch with vinegar and water to create a natural window cleaner.

9. Use essential oils like tea tree oil for added disinfectant properties in homemade cleaners.

10. Utilize newspaper for streak-free glass cleaning by dampening it with your homemade window cleaner.

Conclusion

By implementing practical strategies for energy conservation, reducing plastic usage, and crafting homemade cleaning products, individuals can make a significant contribution to environmental preservation. The responsibility of caring for our planet lies with each of us, and even small changes can lead to substantial impacts when embraced collectively.

References

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Reducing and Reusing Basics. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-and-reusing-basics
  • U.S. Department of Energy. (2020). Energy Saver: Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-saving-money-and-energy-home
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2021). Plastic Pollution. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/plastic-pollution
  • National Park Service. (2021). Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/reduce-reuse-recycle.htm
  • Green America. (2020). DIY Cleaning Products. Retrieved from https://www.greenamerica.org/story/diy-cleaning-products
  • HealthLine. (2019). How to Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/eco-friendly-cleaning-supplies
  • Health.gov. (2020). How to Reduce Plastic Waste. Retrieved from https://health.gov/news/202005/how-reduce-plastic-waste
  • TreeHugger. (2021). Homemade Cleaning Products: 9 Easy Recipes. Retrieved from https://www.treehugger.com/homemade-cleaning-products-5075224
  • Good Housekeeping. (2021). 10 Natural Cleaning Products You Can Make at Home. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a22868593/natural-cleaning-products/
  • EcoWatch. (2021). Plastic Waste: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.ecowatch.com/what-is-plastic-waste-2644936999.html