5 ways everyone can help the environment

You've heard the saying "no one can do everything, but everyone can do something," well this month it's time to take that saying to heart. Every day millions of people are continuing to pollute and damage our environment from throwing plastic bottles into the ocean to wasting thousands of gallons of water. At milk + honey we're doing our part to protect the environment from our safe and environmentally friendly treatments to our own apiary located in Bee Caves. To celebrate Earth Month, we're sharing with you 5 easy ways you can help the environment.

Recycle & Reuse

This may seem like an easy one, but less than 35% of households and 10% of business recycle. And, if the 75% of the US population could recycle, the effects would be similar to removing 50 million cars off the road! While many of us know what items we can recycle, cans, bottles, plastic, and cardboard (for an official list go here), did you know that you can recycle way more than just household items? Your gently used clothing items can be recycled as well — and many local Austin stores and thrift shops will pay you money for your items. Have an old electronic device that you don't use, recycle it. By throwing it in the trash you are actually emitting harmful toxins into the environment, instead, find an e-Steward — they create a safe and green way for you to recycle all of your old electronics. Recycle your electronics here: InCycle Electronics , Recycling Center Austin Recycle your clothes here: Buffalo Exchange , Uptown Cheapskate , Goodwill

Build a forest.

The greatest positive impact we can have our environment is by planting trees. Each year millions of trees will be cut down or lost fire — remember the Bastrop County Complex fire in 2011 we lost over thirty-two thousand acres of forest. Not only do trees provide shade, reduce the need for heating and cooling, and improve the air quality, but an average tree can up to 330 pounds of carbon dioxide! To help the environment try this fun activity — for every member of your immediate family plant a tree each year! Organizations that plant trees in Austin: TreeFolks Organizations that plant trees in Houston: Trees for Houston  

Clean your plate.

The amount of food we waste is incredible —Americans waste up to 50% of their food. What's even more astounding is that amount of food wasted globally could feed up to one billion people. To help curtail food waste start shopping smart, plan your meals ahead of time and set a budget for yourself at the grocery store; buy what you need, don't buy a five-pound bag of grapes if all you're family is going to eat is just a couple of ounces; store your food correctly, you'll be surprised which foods you can store outside of the fridge; switch up your dinner with food you already have in your house, apps like Handpick provide recipes for you using the ingredients you already have. For more ways to help reduce food waste look here: Greatist , Mashable  

April Showers.

While 71% of the Earth's surface may be covered in water, only less than 2% is considered potable for humans. The average American will use two thousands gallons of water a day while a family in Africa will use only five. As you can see water waste is a huge problem with developed nations, in fact, developed countries use most of the world's fresh water sources. To ensure fresh drinking water for future generations, use ice cubes to water plants; take shorter showers, by shorting your showers by one or two minutes you could save up to 150 gallons per month; soak pots and pans instead of letting the run when cleaning them. For more ways to cut water waste go here: Water Use It Wisely , American Water & Energy

Food for your garden.

Instead of throwing away orange peels, banana peels, and food scraps — start a compost. Composting nature's process of breaking down organic material like egg shells, plants, fruits, leaves, and will be transformed into a natural fertilizer. Because composting creates natural fertilizers, you won't have to worry about hurting the environment with toxic chemicals, or have to worry about the pH of soil changing in the future. By composting you are significantly reducing pest problems and the use of pesticides; improving soil moisture retention; and saving money — when you compost your plants and will get beneficial nutrients from the decomposing material, making soil conditioners a thing of the past. For more information about compost check out these websites: Eartheasy , Planet Natural   Photo Credit: Embracing the World University of Tennesse Trees for Houston Modern Farmer Water — Use it Wisely Washington Post