Protecting New Jersey’s environment: A call to action

New Jersey’s (NJ) temperature is gradually increasing, the sea level is rising, and weather conditions have become extreme. Meanwhile, efforts to ban plastic use in the Garden State have been utterly ineffective. According to a new study by Freedom Group, plastic bag use in NJ has tripled from 53 million pounds in 2020 to 151 million pounds notwithstanding the law enacted four years ago banning plastic shopping bags.

Against that backdrop, there’s an urgent need to take measures to improve the state’s environment. Here are steps we can all take to better our environment. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle

One of the best ways to protect New Jersey’s environment is to reduce our consumption of products that harm it. Reducing consumption saves energy, lowers gas emissions, and improves sustainability.

Take the current plastic bag problem troubling the state. It can be lowered by buying and using fewer plastic bags. You can switch to no-plastic bags, most of which cost the same or less.

If you must use a plastic bag, reuse it. Most shopping bags last years; if properly cared for, you can use the same bag for all your grocery shopping needs. 

Recycling is another option that can help improve our environment. It reduces logging, mining extraction, and processing. It also saves energy and thus lowers the carbon footprint.

Promote local business

People must accept to keep their money circulating in the local economy to grow an area. That means buying groceries from regional farmers. Shop for electronics, furniture, and other items from your local stores.

Likewise, revel at local pubs and casinos. If you’re an avid gambler, consider joining real money casinos in New Jersey. They're licensed, genuine, and safe. Moreover, they provide an extensive list of slots and table games.

Promoting local businesses helps the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions. Local companies don't destroy the environment as much as out-of-state companies do. 

If you order your items online, you could also reduce some of the emissions associated with energy consumption. However, make it a point to promote companies that minimize packaging for the environment.

Opt for public transport

Experts have been asking Americans to drive and fly less for decades. The transport industry is the country's most significant contributor to greenhouse emissions. 

Transportation contributes 28% of greenhouse gas emissions, ranking above electric power, manufacturing, and agriculture. The biggest issue with America's transport industry is that it is highly dependent on petroleum-based fuel

Roughly 94% of all the trucks, cars, buses, planes, ships, and trains in New Jersey are powered by petroleum fuel. For New Jersey to lower its carbon footprint, more people need to opt for public transport, bicycles, and walking.

You might not think that you would make a difference by using the train to work. However, you could reduce your family’s carbon footprint by up to 10%. Beyond protecting the environment, you can also improve your health by walking or cycling to work.

Reduce energy consumption

The energy sector ranks behind transportation among the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the country. Luckily, you can make a few changes to improve your home’s carbon footprint.

The easiest choice is to use less energy. Switch off your home’s lights during the day or when not in use, buy fewer energy-consuming devices, and invest in energy-efficient solutions.

Heating is one of the main sources of emissions in New Jersey, contributing virtually half of our energy bills. Invest in an energy-efficient thermostat and consider reducing your home’s temperature to reduce energy emissions.

For example, buy LED bulbs for your home. When purchasing electronics, prioritize energy savings. Look for devices with an Energy Star accreditation and pay attention to a gadget's exact energy consumption figures.

Another idea that could help you save New Jersey’s environment is to invest in green energy. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also readily available. Besides, solar panels are affordable and can help power your home effectively.

Plant a tree and take care of it

Plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, helping to eliminate green gases from the environment. The best part is that trees also release oxygen into the environment, the primary gas needed to sustain our existence.

Where can you plan trees in New Jersey? For starters, you can volunteer to plant trees. Several Non-Profit Organizations are always looking for volunteers to help plant trees in urban centers. You can also plant trees where you live if you have adequate space. 

That being said, trees need nurturing to grow. They must be watered consistently unless you live in a region that receives rain regularly. 

Use your voice to fight climate change

A prosperous future for New Jersey won’t happen unless we fight climate change as a unit. Think about this. Individually, you can’t do much to end fossil fuel production.

But if we pressured our lawmakers to change environmental laws, they would. So, use your voice to persuade people to take action. Talk to your friends about reusing or avoiding plastic bags. They’re already a significant environmental hazard in NJ. Talk to lawmakers about making impactful green energy laws.

Importantly, voice your opinion about fighting climate change to brands. Most companies are willing to make changes that are supported by their customers.

Conserve water

Water is a scarce resource. In fact, some people have no access to clean drinking water. This could change if well-made efforts are made to conserve water. Consider taking shorter showers, closing the taps when not in use, and generally avoiding wastage.

Your turn

There you have it—some of the steps you can take to improve the environment in New Jersey. Plant a tree and take care of it. Get rid of plastic bags. Alternatively, reuse and recycle bags and other products in your house.

Make changes like buying energy-efficient devices, riding the bus to work, and conserving water in your home. These simple decisions could make New Jersey a better place.