Want to do your part to save the environment, although you are a city dweller? After a search on the internet, surprisingly, there are many things you can do. Here are eight small ways to start.
How Can A City Dweller Save The Environment?
Plant a tree.
You can do this in a number of ways. One way is to contact a local environmental organization in your area and ask if they do tree planting. Sign up and prepare to get dirty!
Watch Your Food Waste.
A phenomenal amount of food waste still occurs in the Singapore. How do you cut back on your own food waste? Look for items with minimal packaging; this is the first step. Bring your own bags for shopping (look for washable ones, and do wash them to keep them sanitized). Secondly, plan your meals. Eat leftovers, or buy less. You will be surprised at how much you will save by cooking in, which is one bonus; the second is that by planning, and eating what you have, you will stop wasting so much food.
Education.
Many people are simply unaware of small things they can do to help; educate yourself and then become an advocate to teach others. Join a local city environmental group and volunteer your time.
Reuse and recycle.
Rather than buy new, can you purchase what you need at a flea market, yard sale, or carousell? Then there is recycling. Some cities make it easier than others . . . does yours have a recycling program? If so, are you using it? Can you volunteer time to assist at your local recycling center? It is hard, dirty work, and often volunteers are needed.
Public transportation.
Do you use public transportation, or are you still insisting on driving everywhere? You may find that it is much more convenient than anticipated; it is worth a try. You may also wish to try bicycling, or walking, more, rather than calling an Uber or grabtaxi. This has the added benefit of better health.
Support your local farmer’s market.
Farmer’s markets are not only fun to attend but can be inspirational. You may try eating something new; you may find a great bargain on a food you love. Most importantly, you will be supporting local farmers, and the food you buy is fresher and has not been transported a long way.
Join a CSA.
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. You can purchase a box of locally grown produce and it is a lot of fun. Think of the show “Chopped” – you will sometimes receive produce you didn’t know existed! It is a great learning experience and another super way to support local farmers and improve your cooking skills.
Participate in clean-up days.
Help to clean a stream, clean up a vacant lot, pick up litter at a park . . . in short, get out and volunteer to help beautify your neighborhood and city. Volunteering is beneficial not only for your city, but it will make you feel good, too, and you will meet like-minded people who also want to make a difference.
The best thing you can do is simply start. Look at the above list and see what is most appealing — and go for it!