From Guest Blogger Kara Masterson: A Greener Globe–Four Ways Americans Can Promote a Healthier Environment

If you compare how humans and animals interact with their environments it is astonishing. Animals tend to take care of the place they call home whereas land inhabited by humans can easily be left in ruins. Unfortunately, human interactions with different ecosystems throughout the planet has had a negative impact on health in the world and quality of life.

The only way to truly create a healthy environment is for humans to change their habits. Some simple lifestyle changes could improve outdoor air quality, the health of residents within communities, hazardous waste, and climate change. Anyone who wants a greener planet can adopt these four habits to promote a healthier environment:

Install a Green Energy Source in Your Home
Fossil fuels have powered homes and businesses for so long that it is hard to imagine how Americans would survive without them. Since they are not a renewable resource, it is important for Americans to find greener sources of energy to power their home. Check with your utility company to find out what options are available to buy ‘green power’. You may even be able to install solar panels and other units that produce renewable energy on their own.

Driving More Efficiently
One of the biggest sources of pollution is your car. As convenient as driving might be for both personal and business purposes, all of the cars on the road today are emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In fact, the amount of CO2 that is being emitted each day has a huge impact on climate change because each gas-fueled car on the road is producing more pollution than a house.

One way to promote a healthier environment is to be more conscious about driving and transportation in general. By investing in a hybrid vehicle, you can reduce fuel bills and also tons of carbon dioxide. Another option would be to regularly invest in tune-ups or to drive less when it’s not necessary.

Think Green When Planting
When you plant a tree, you are helping to produce oxygen while also soaking up the harmful carbon around the atmosphere. One way to go about promoting health in your environment is to think green when you are planting. Choose plants that don’t require so much care and be smart with your layout.

In addition to placing and plant type, it is crucial to choose the right fertilizers for their trees. Stick with organic fertilizers like those by Nature Safe and similar businesses that won’t pollute agriculture but that still promote healthy growth. These fertilizers help to keep moisture in while keeping out the harmful chemicals.

Aim to Buy Recycled Goods
In a consumer world like America, people are consuming all the time. Products that don’t need replacing are replaced because the newest model is released. This is a huge problem for landfills and conservation efforts. One way to avoid contributing to the problem is to buy items made from recycled goods. These goods are often cheaper and they are becoming much more common.

You don’t have to live as a minimalist who composts their own trash and avoids retail stores altogether to make a difference. Instead, the key to living in a healthier environment is making basic changes and encouraging everyone that you know to do the same.