Four ways you are harming the environment

without realizing

M A R K C U T H B E R T S O N

D R I V I N G , A N D O N L Y D R I V I N G

A quick and easy way to harm the environment is to use your car or other motorized vehicle in all traveling scenarios. Car usage can become an afterthought during short trips or errands, such as a short trip around the block.

Extenuating circumstances and physical limitations aside, make an effort to cut back your driving time if at all possible. Perhaps use a bike, if walking is entirely out of the question.

N E V E R S H O P P I N G O N L I N E

Online shopping is quite convenient, but it is also an efficient way to save the planet. A study by Carnegie Mellon University linked online shopping to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and ultimately a lesser dependence on energy consumption.

Try your best to keep major shopping excursions to a limit when they are unnecessary–maybe once a month.

I G N O R I N G E X P I R A T I O N D A T E S

Most expiration dates tend to refer to a product’s quality, rather than its safety. There is a difference between the “sell-by” label (the deadline for retailers to sell the product) and “use-by” label (the date when the product starts to lose its quality and flavor.)” Understanding this distinction can help you cut down on unnecessary food disposal and subsequent re- buying (not to mention car emissions spent on trips to the grocery store).

Source: Greatist.com

K E E P I N G F R U I T S A N D V E G E T A B L E S I N T H E

F R I D G E , N O T T H E F R E E Z E R Arguably one of the most surprising ways to increase food-related sustainability is to freeze fruits and vegetables. These foods have been found to survive for up to a year and a half when preserved in this manner, giving you an easy method to cut down on excessive produce shopping.

For best results, you will want to freeze the fruits and vegetables when they are at peak freshness.

Source: Allrecipes.com