We are three bachelor’s degree students in International Tourism Management and as part of our project activity course, we have done a Cleaning Day at Kirjurinluoto. After evaluating our project, we decided to publish an article about acting responsibly towards nature and just a few basic things that you can do daily.
With just a few small lifestyle changes, you can protect the planet and live healthier lives! A single household or individual can make a big difference: the more people become environmentally conscious, the healthier our planet will be, and we can enjoy our tourist sites and parks in the future.
You can help the environment by picking up trash. Maybe next time when you are visiting Kirjurinluoto for example, you can look around to see if there is any trash that you can pick up and put in nearby trashcans. But be careful when picking up trash; make sure there are no dangerous pieces of trash that might hurt you. Aim to recycle clothes, glass, metal, plastic, and paper as often as possible. If your area offers local recycling points, use them. If your area doesn’t offer recycling points, take a trip to a recycling center near you.
Here are 3 tips on how you can act for a sustainable environment now and in the future:
1. Don’t trash
We are all responsible for our nature and environment. Be responsible and put your trash in trashcans located in the area.
2. Avoid plastic items such as plastic bags, plastic bottles etc.
Instead of buying plastic bags buy paper bags. When you go to the grocery store to buy food, you can also use your own bag, the ideal would then be an eco-friendly canvas bag. Do not buy more plastic bags from the store for carrying. Also you can refill your plastic bottles instead of always buying new ones.
3. Shop at second-hand stores
Producing new goods consumes energy and produces packaging that causes even more trash. Save energy and natural resources by buying second-hand clothes. You can also buy for example a bike that is already used by someone. The second-hand bike can help the environment and impacts your wallet less.
There are so many ways that you can help the environment and make important choices!
Text and pictures: Suzan Haikonen, Matleena Knuutila and Anupama De Silva, first year International Tourism Management students