The wonderful landscape of America represents the brilliance and beauty of a nation that was founded on freedom, truth, and the health and security of its citizens. As our nation’s technology evolves, our ecosystem suffers as a result. Industrial parks, cars, and consumer waste products have grown exponentially over the last few decades. It is important that we ensure favorable conditions for the long-term renewability of the country’s splendor.
Here are some ways you can help for $10 or less:
- Do Not Litter: It is just one plastic wrapper, aluminum can, or cigarette butt you toss out the window, so who cares, right? Wrong! The United States has well over 200 million drivers and that adds up to a major litter problem if everyone thinks that way.
- Recycle: Most communities have a recycling program in use, yet many people find it to be a bother. They just toss everything in their garbage bags. It doesn’t take much time to separate your plastics and cardboard and put them in a recycle bin.
- Join the NADF: The National Arbor Day Foundation encourages the growth and preservation of trees, both in residential settings and national forests. Your membership costs $10 and comes with 10 tree seedlings through the mail for you to plant in your community or yard. Donations are accepted as well and are used to plant trees in our forests that have been decimated by insect infestation or fire.
- Save Gasoline: With the price of a gallon of gas, there is no better time to cut down on our usage. This will not only save you some money, but it will help the environment as well. Leave your car behind the garage door and try walking or biking to do your errands, when possible. Not only will you save a few dollars, but you will get in shape and start noticing your community’s natural beauty that you might miss while driving.
- Use Refillable Ink Cartridges: Purchase refill kits instead of new ink cartridges each time your printer runs out. This will save you some money and reduce the resources we use to make new products. Make sure the cartridges you do purchase will accept biodegradable inks.
- Plant a Fruit or Vegetable Garden: Growing a fruit or vegetable garden as a family can be an inexpensive and rewarding experience. It also offers a fresher product for your dinners and helps to increase our national food supply.
- Use Internet Banking: Internet banking is a wonderful way to lessen the amount of paper that runs through theU.S. postal service. Online security has come a long way, making online banking as secure as doing it in person.
Lastly, the best advice I can give you is to pass this list around to your friends and family. The best way to help the environment is to spread an abundance of knowledge. Increased awareness can ensure that the future ofAmericaand its environment is strong and healthy.
Join in the discussion in the comments below and/or share the piece.
Photo credit: 
