How to start doing ecology if you don't know anything about it?

Today we will tell you how to start helping nature. To do this, you do not need to immediately become an eco-activist, disassemble recyclables into fractions. It is worth starting at least with easy steps. And then, if there is a desire and time to support nature / ecology, it will be possible to move on to a more serious and responsible eco-life, introduce sustainable development (sustainability) into your life and, if available, business.

Some of the simplest, but basic things: do not litter, try to use less water and electricity. Install meters to account for the consumed water, electricity, gas - this will clearly show how many resources you spend and will be able to reduce their amount to a comfortable minimum over time.

Tip #1. The main rule.

The main rule, which still not everyone adheres to, is not to litter. I think there is no need to comment on how important this is. The main thing is to throw garbage in the trash, even if it is very far to go to the nearest container. If you want to throw away paper or plastic separately, you can refer to our map to find containers that are specifically designed for this (link to the site and filter with containers included) Or if you are on a picnic, take everything with you, you don’t need to leave anything, hoping that someone else will clean it up. No, it won't. That someone must be you. If there is time and desire, then at least a little collect the garbage that others did not bother to clean up after themselves.

Tip #2. About water.

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth. You do not need it directly during cleaning. A similar tip is when washing dishes by hand - when applying detergent to dishes, you do not need water.

Use the economy settings on your washing machine and dishwasher, which don't use a lot of water or electricity. If you are thinking about buying a new washing machine or dishwasher, then pay attention to its energy class. The most economical classes A+, A++ and A+++

Tip #3. About electricity.

Turn off the lights when leaving the room for a long time. If the control of turning off the “extra light” is difficult, then motion sensors can be used to automatically turn off the light. Use energy saving light bulbs. Use power-saving operating modes when you do not need the maximum performance of your devices. If you like hot drinks, then when boiling water in an electric kettle, use only as much water as you need at the moment. This will help reduce the amount of electricity consumed.

Tip #4. About technology.

Don't throw away old equipment. To get started, try selling it or giving it to those in need. Part of the equipment can be disposed of or sold at a good price. If your equipment is efficient, but there are no people willing to buy it, then you can offer it to various foundations and charitable organizations.

Tip #5. Saving.

Stop wasting money on plastic/polyethylene shopping bags. There is a wonderful alternative - a string bag or a shopper. Taking them with you when you are going to the store is not difficult. And if you notice yourself that you often spontaneously go shopping, carry a couple of shoppers or shopping bags with you in your bag or backpack: they don’t weigh much, they take up little space.

Tip #6. About paper bags.

Never buy paper bags. Alas, it is a myth that they are more beneficial to the environment. Their production takes a lot of water, they are made of wood. And everything else is also short-lived - very quickly torn, unreliable, uncomfortable to wear. Unfortunately, the manufacture of fabric bags, that is, shopping bags and shopping bags, also takes a lot of resources (such as water and electricity), but they can be worn for years. At the same time, if a hole appears somewhere, then it can be easily sewn up, and in case of contamination, washed.

Tip #7. About transport.

Whenever possible, walk to your destination on foot, ride a bike, or ride an electric scooter. As a last resort, use public transport. Try to minimize the use of personal vehicles. And do not assume that the new trend - electric cars - are as environmentally friendly as possible. Yes, they do not emit harmful CO2 emissions into the environment, but the extraction of lithium for the production of lithium-ion batteries is very harmful to nature. And the subsequent processing of these batteries is almost impossible, since this is a complex device that must be disassembled manually. In the case of electric scooters, things are a little simpler.

Tip #8. About clothes and things.

Don't throw away your clothes right after you're tired of them. Give to relatives, friends, maybe someone will like your thing and like it. If not, there are many places to donate it: charities, orphanages and nursing homes, second-hand stores, special containers for collecting clothes, clothes swap parties between participants (swap). If the garment is heavily worn (with holes and stains), it may still be possible to wear it at home if you are not picky about homemade bows. Or maybe you want to take these things to the dacha to dig in the garden - you will still stain it and tear it. However, if a thing from the wardrobe is worn out so that you can’t even put it on in the country, then feel free to tear it into rags that will always come in handy at home, in the car, and anywhere.

Tip #9. About separate garbage collection.

It's not hard to start separating trash. You can start with separate collection of paper and plastic. There are containers throughout the city that will gladly accept your waste for further processing. But do not forget that only plastic should go into the plastic container, and only paper into the paper container! Throwing away a stack of paper in a plastic bag is not the best solution.

Tip #10. About batteries.

Almost every device has a battery, sometimes two or more. Try not to throw batteries into common containers - it will not lead to anything good. A separate collection of batteries is available and is expanding every day. Locate the collection point on the map, collect some and bring your batteries to the collection center for later disposal. If your device uses conventional batteries, then the best option would be to purchase a charger and reusable batteries for it. But keep in mind that batteries must be disposed of in the same way as batteries.

Tip #11. About consumption.

When purchasing fruits and vegetables in the supermarket, in small quantities, do not take a separate plastic bag for them. You will be sure to weigh the required small amount and will be given one price tag, according to which you can make a purchase at the checkout.

Tip #12. For smokers.

Advice for people who have a habit of smoking. If you smoke cigarettes, don't throw your cigarette butts away. They are very difficult to collect, and they also spoil the appearance of the streets very much. Always throw cigarette butts in the trash after extinguishing them. If there is no urn nearby, and the cigarette butt needs to be thrown away, then use a pocket ashtray - they are inexpensive, they are a beautiful accessory and allow you not to litter. If you smoke vapes or disposable electronic cigarettes, then before throwing away a device that has become unusable, remove the battery from the device and dispose of it separately.