It’s no secret by now that climate change is a major problem we’re facing. On the whole, we’re experiencing more and more issues in our natural environment, including droughts, storms, heatwaves, rising sea levels and melting glaciers. While these changes might not be impacting us too much on a day-to-day basis, the situation is only worsening as the years go by.
One piece of good news is that we can make an impact by reducing our carbon footprint. Certain efforts can assist in turning the problem around and hopefully slowly change the trajectory of our global future. Here are some things that you can (and should!) be doing to help.
Reduce Energy Usage
Almost everything we do nowadays burns energy, and the unfortunate fact is that the energy we use is not sustainable. A simple effort you can make in terms of the energy you use at home is to reduce, reduce, reduce. Make sure that lights are switched off when not in use, be mindful of thermostats, air conditioners and water heaters. You could also swap out certain devices and appliances for more energy-efficient options. If you’re in the area, you can click here to take control of your energy bills in the Midwest.
An option that’s more larger-scale but can make an immense difference is to switch over entirely to a clean energy source such as solar energy.
Change How You Eat
Yup, what you’re putting on your plate can make a major difference to your carbon footprint. Some studies show that the meat and dairy industries are responsible for 14,5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – a statistic that can be changed by monitoring our consumption habits. You don’t need to swap over to veganism right away (although there are many benefits to a vegan lifestyle), but simply reducing your consumption of animal products will make an impact.
Shop Smarter
This is a tip that will be helpful for you in more ways than simply saving the world. Choosing to shop smarter and more sustainably will also be kinder to your wallet, the clutter in your home and the labour market.
The change is simple: buy less stuff. When you do buy stuff, try to opt for items of higher quality that will last longer. Another swap to make is to buy recycled and second-hand wherever you can, especially when it comes to clothing (the fashion industry is responsible for a huge amount of waste).
Cut Out Plastic
This is the one you’ve probably heard a million times before, but it’s time you start cutting out single-use plastics wherever possible. Take a reusable bag when you go shopping, opt for a metal straw (or no straw) when you order a drink, take your own containers for takeout and try to avoid buying produce wrapped in plastic wherever possible. This is a good incentive to start shopping at a farmers market, where you’ll get beautiful fresh produce and support the local community at the same time – bonus points.
