As we continue to grow and develop in this ever changing society, our attention is being turned more and more towards living a sustainable life. Actions are being taken across the world to conserve our beautiful ecosystem. Each and every action can help in reducing our mark on this earth!

10 ways to reduce your footprint on this earth:

1.Take your drink without a straw

This may sound new if you’re used to always drinking with a straw, but really it’s worth it! The amount of straws being thrown every day is absurd, not to forget that plastic straws are not recyclable, which means they will not go away! Crazy, right?
Many restaurants and clubs, such as The Grand Factory have recently joined the movement of cutting out the straw from their branches around Lebanon.
All it takes is a simple no. #DropTheStraw

2. Carpool

It’s always more fun being in the car with your friends. Develop a system where you pick each other up rather than each taking a car.

3. Switch from plastic to paper

Millions of plastic bags are used every year in Lebanon alone. It takes centuries for a plastic bag to dissolve. By switching to paper products, our footprint can be significantly reduced.
Banque Libano-Française has eliminated in 2015 all plastic cutlery and plastic dishes in all its 3 cafeterias where for example the Bank shifted its usage of plastic cups into paper cups.

4. Take your own bags to stores/supermarkets

Each and every bag you take adds up. Refuse the plastic bag! It will be less hectic for you to dispose of.

 5. Participate in clean-up events around your country!

There are many organizations, such as Recycle Lebanon, Recycle Beirut,… that are always initiating environmentally friendly treks. Participate in one, and the feeling will push you to continue your effort!
BLF has been reusing and recycling paper and electronic waste since 2011 and has recently started recycling metals cans and donating them to L’Ecoute association.

6. Recycle, recycle, recycle!

It doesn’t take much to set aside plastic, metals and paper. You will feel good about it! Some recycling centers you can turn to are L’ecoute, Ganatch, Recycle Beirut, Costa Brava Recycling Center, Sicomo, and more! You can now download the app for “Liveloverecycle” on Android and iPhone, and send your items at the click of a button. And it’s free!

7. Buy reusable products

Tupperwares, mugs, plates, cutlery. Reduce on anything you cannot reuse.
The Bank shifted to reusable cutleries, trays and plates since 2015 in all its 3 cafeterias and internal campaigns were done for employees to opt for reusable items.

8. Buy products in bulk

This way, you can reduce on packaging. It’s a win-win, because you end up with more products for less cost! Try not to impulse buying items. They will be thrown away sooner or later! Try and keep your spending at a minimum: you will benefit!

9. Sort through your clothes on a regular basis 

There is always a person in need of a piece of clothing you’re ready to throw away. Do good and give your old clothes away! Doing good feels good, always.

10. Electronize as much as possible

Go for digital receipts, type notes rather than write them, email documents rather than printing. Each piece of paper counts, try and reduce the amount you dispose of!
BLF added to its ATMs the following statement “Consider the environment before printing” giving its users the option to lose the printed receipt for some transactions in a step to reduce paper use.. Internally, many measures such as the E-banking system and self-service system have enabled employees to cut down on paper usage.

We have thought of 10 ways for a better sustainable life. But what about you? How are you contributing to the environment?

Out of these 10 easy steps above, which one/ones do you practice/or are you willing to follow? And why?

Share with us your input (in the comments section belong), along with the Hashtag #MeetMeAtTheBlog for a chance to win a pass for 2 at one of our partners, IRIS Beach and enjoy nature’s most beautiful summer elements.

The winner will be announced on Monday the 9th of July. Good luck!
P.S. You have to be between 21 and 25 to take part in the competition.