For many of us, the internet is a big part of our daily lives. Even though it’s only been around for a couple decades, most of us would be lost without it now. Just think of all the information instantly available at our fingertips and the time it saves us every day. Have you ever thought of how it also saves our environment?
- Shop online – Instead of using fossil fuels driving to the store, we can do much of our shopping online. How maddening is it when you get to the store and then not find what you need. You can also compare prices on items online without driving all over town. Those who previously used catalogs to shop from home can save all that wasted paper.
- Reference materials – Another savings on paper and energy are the dictionaries, thesaurus and encyclopedias that are outdated by the time they’re printed. You can look it up on your computer so much easier and the information is constantly up to date.
- Email instead of snail mail – Just think of all the fuel, energy and paper wasted by the post office. The internet has made them practically obsolete. Instead of writing letters or paying bills through the mail, you can communicate instantly with email, facebook or twitter. No more losing your checks in the mail!
- Books – Another tree and energy saver is getting your books online. You don’t have to figure out what to do with it when you’re done reading it either.
- Newspapers – You can now get subscriptions to just about any publication over the internet. More trees are saved plus the energy used to print and deliver them. It won’t be long and the paper boy will be a thing of the past.
- Games – Just think of all the various materials used to make games. The old fashioned board and card games were made of paper, wood and plastic. The newer video games are made of plastic, metal and any number of things unfriendly to the environment. When the game becomes broken or obsolete, then it’s taking up space in a landfill.
- Marketing and advertising – Because of its popularity many companies are choosing to advertise and market their products on the internet instead of other media outlets. This means less ad space in newspapers, roadside billboards, traveling salespeople and other methods less friendly to the environment.
- Find your local recycling center – If you don’t live in an area that picks up your recycling materials at your home, you want to be a responsible person and find out where to take them yourself. The internet is the best way to find your local recycling center.
- Find the best route – When you do have to drive somewhere, think of all the energy you save by finding the best route on the internet first, especially if you don’t have a navigation system in your car.
- Easier to find ways to save the environment – Whether you’re an environmental activists or just want to be more informed about “green” issues, the internet has a wealth of information at your fingertips. There are a multitude of websites with the information you need and ways to connect with like-minded people in your area and all over the planet.
The benefits of the internet seem to be as endless as cyberspace itself. Not only has it enriched our lives in many ways, it also makes it easier to be “green”. Just think of all the ways you save the planet with every click of your mouse.
