In July, the Supreme Court of the United States made a ruling that limits the EPA’s ability to fight climate change. But if you’re environmentally concise, this shouldn’t stop you from protecting the environment at a local level.

You can do many things locally to reduce your environmental impact and lower your carbon footprint.

To help get you kickstarted, we put together a handful of easy things you can start doing today to protect the environment.

Eat Less Meat

One of the best things you can do for the environment is to cut down on meat consumption. Meat production is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions, and it takes a lot of energy and water to produce just one pound of beef.

So, try going meatless one day a week, or even better, switch to a plant-based diet. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also better for your health.

A great, sustainable alternative to meat is NoBull Burger, which are made from non-GMO, plant-based ingredients that are mouth-wateringly delicious.

Stop Wasting Food

According to the EPA, food waste is one of the largest components of solid waste in landfills. And when food rots in landfills, it emits methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas.

So, do your part to reduce food waste by only buying what you need and composting your food scraps. If you don’t have a compost bin, some cities offer them for free.

And when it comes to leftovers, get creative and turn them into a new meal. There are tons of recipes online for dishes made with leftovers. Plus, you’ll save a ton of money on groceries.

Use Less Energy

You can save energy and money by making simple changes in your daily routine, like turning off the lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when you’re not using them, and investing in energy-efficient appliances.

Another great way to save energy is to use natural light whenever possible. Open up the blinds and let the sunshine in. Not only will you save energy, but you’ll also get your daily dose of vitamin D.

If you want to take it a step further, you can install solar panels on your home. Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that can help reduce your carbon footprint.

In the winter, set your thermostat lower and wear more layers. And in the hot summer, you can wear less clothing and keep the thermostat set higher.

These are just a few of the many things you can do to protect the environment at a local level. Every little bit counts, so do your part and start making changes today.

Recycle

This one is a no-brainer. By recycling, you’re not only helping to reduce landfill waste, but you’re also conserving energy and resources. So, how do you get started? If your municipality doesn’t have a recycling program, call them and ask about starting one.

You can also recycle items that usually can’t be recycled, such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronics. For more information on how to recycle these items, check out Recyclebank.com.

In the United States, we recycle about 34% of our waste, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement.
Walk, Bike, or Rideshare

When you walk, bike, or carpool instead of driving, you save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint. So, leave the car at home whenever possible and walk, bike, or take public transportation instead.

Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise. And who doesn’t love a good workout?

Help Prevent Climate Change

Climate change is a real and pressing problem. But there’s still time to take action and prevent the worst from happening.

Start making changes in your daily routine to reduce your carbon footprint, and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can make a difference and protect our planet for future generations.