Climate change is a huge problem facing today and future generations. Here are 20 easy ways to reduce climate change.
While one person alone can’t stop climate change, everybody has to do their bit to ensure the future of this planet.
If everyone around the planet took small and simple steps towards helping the environment, we, the people, could significantly decrease the risk of climate change.
Warmer temperatures over time are disrupting weather patterns and the balance of nature, and it’s mainly down to us – people. We have the power to create destruction, which means we have the power to take it away.
We understand that being sustainable and ecological isn’t always possible. However, let’s take a look at 20 small but effective ways each person can help to reduce climate change in the long run.
20. Use less plastic – takes years to break down
Plastic takes years to decompose. Plastic bags take around 20 years, bottles around 450 years, and other plastic items up to 1000 years.
The extraction and manufacturing of plastics are carbon-intensive activities, so try to avoid buying plastic and go for a more sustainable alternative.
19. Walk or cycle – avoid the car
If you’re able to, walk or cycle to your destination. Transport, including cars, buses and motorbikes, account for around a quarter of co2 emissions around the world. Furthermore, these vehicles account for nearly three-quarters of greenhouse gases emitted from transport.
18. Less meat, more veg – try and cut down
Producing plant-based foods, including fruit and vegetables, generally results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land, and water.
Furthermore, cows and other ruminant animals emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
17. Energy-saving appliances – they make a difference
While this is tough going into winter, most of our houses are powered by coal, oil, and gas. Try switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances; if every household just switched a couple of appliances, it would make a huge difference.
16. Avoid tumble-drying – it’s not necessary
The dryer is generally the most energy-intensive appliance, alongside the fridge and the washing machine. It isn’t as necessary as the other two, though, because you can hang dry your clothes.
15. Cold wash your clothes – small and simple
Another clothing-related way to reduce climate change is by washing your laundry with cold water, as it uses much less energy.
14. Speak up – spread the word
If you care about the planet, get out to rallies and let your voice be heard. Also, write to your local constituents about changes that need to be made to reduce the threat of climate change.
13. Recycle – something everyone can do
Recycling is one of the most simple and easy ways to do your bit. It helps promote sustainable economic growth as less energy is required to manufacture recyclable raw materials.
12. Avoid fast fashion – there are better alternatives
Life is expensive, so instead of going out and buying poorly made clothes that use lots of natural resources, creating greenhouse gas emissions, shop in your local charity shops or shop sustainable-certified clothing brands.
11. Fly less – if you can avoid it
Aircraft emit a range of greenhouse gases throughout different flight stages. These emissions are a significant contributor to climate change. If you can avoid flying, take a different, less problematic mode of transport when possible.
10. Check your tires – less CO2
Ensuring that your car tires are inflated properly can improve gas mileage by over 3%. Every gallon of gasoline you put in your car contributes 20 lbs of CO2 into the atmosphere, so this is a small but effective way to reduce climate change from person to person.
9. Avoid products with lots of packaging – reduce your waste
Try and buy products that use only a small amount of packaging, if any. You can save over 1,200 lbs of CO2 if you reduce what you throw away by 10%.
8. Plant a tree – a lifetime of difference
If you have a garden or a space where you’re allowed to do so, plant a tree. One single tree will absorb a ton of CO2 in its lifetime.
7. Turn off and unplug your devices – even the little things
While turning off switches or unplugging appliances that aren’t in use won’t cut your energy bill in half or save the planet tomorrow, every little counts!
6. Avoid single-use plastic – bring your own
Some countries have banned single-use plastic bags. Avoid buying them at all costs.
5. Biodegradable poop bags – for dog owners
One for dog owners is biodegradable poop bags. While they still take a long time to break down, they leach fewer toxins into the environment.
4. Buy what you need – avoid food waste
Throwing away food means wasting the resources used to grow and make it. So, try to only buy what you need for the week when shopping, or donate it before it goes bad.
3. Electric transport – reduce air pollution
If you need a vehicle for day-to-day life, consider going electric as, although they run on electricity produced by fossil fuels, they help reduce air pollution.
2. Carpool – cost-effective and helpful
In the same breath, if you can’t walk or cycle to where you need to go, carpool with others headed in the same direction to reduce pollution.
1. Spread the word – encourage those around you
Stay informed and encourage your friends and families to take the same small steps you are to reduce climate change.