I have been trying over the past few years to be aware of my impact on the Earth - and what I can do to help reduce my carbon footprint and reduce the issues effecting climate change. I have always been aware of global warming and I have always taken it seriously and over the past few years global awareness has really grown, which is amazing, and although most people will do what they can to educate themselves about the issues that grow around us every day, it's still important that we share our own tips with each other so that we can all do our bit to help the environment. If we are not aware of how every decision we make can impact the Earth in even a tiny way then we will only continue to make climate change a reality. If we don't change our living and consumption habits then over the next twenty years we will dramatically see the effects of our damage to the Earth more than ever. I thought it would be a good idea to show the little things I'm conscious of everyday when making decisions (or try to be) so that we can all do our part to be the least wasteful and most sustainable we can be.
Although the zero waste lifestyle is the best way to reduce our impact on the Earth - zero waste for those who don't know is a type of lifestyle in which an individual produces little to no waste - it's not always attainable and accessible for all. The lifestyle that I am trying more than I have before is that of minimalism - to only purchase and consume the completely necessary in my life. So here are my tips for helping keep the pollution and waste in our lifestyles at a minimal.
Meat production and consumption is the biggest producer of carbon emissions currently. As well as being harmful to animals - the water wastage, production and cost of land contributes the most to our global emissions. Therefore cutting down on meat consumption lessens the demand for it and reduces the amount being produced and helping to combat these issues. Eating plant based reduces our footprints and is also more sustainable.
This is an issue that is more widely discussed. When we travel by any vehicle we produce many harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. So cars and planes and modes of transport that only carry a few people are the worst for these emissions. It's not possible in this day and age not to use these modes of transport in our everyday life, but using public transport means less individual cars on the road and shares emissions and pollution between people and lessens the amount released into the atmosphere. So if possible use trains, and buses as much as you can. Or even car pool if you can.
- Less fast fashion and unnecessary purchases
Fast fashion is the quick production and turn-over of products in fashion which are low cost and do not last long so therefore get thrown out quickly and increases waste. The conditions and pay of workers who produce these products are often low standard also. To combat this it is necessary to make sure that we will get a lot of use out of clothing items and products before we buy them. Instead of having a mentality of using something once then getting rid of it as it only adds to our emissions as clothing in particular uses a lot of our water resources in production. Buying less equals less waste which is a good thing. I'm not saying that we should stop buying things - only that we should think clearly before we buy anything and the consequences and where each product comes from. As buying things such as local items means that there is less transport involved therefore less emissions also.
This links into the last point, you don't always have to stop shopping but think more sustainably in terms of our shopping. Bringing reusable bags shopping is a very easy way to combat waste - as usually when shopping we get a bag with every purchase in every shop, when it isn't always necessary. Reusable bags are easy to leave in your car for food shopping or fold into a hand bag for any other needs. In terms of more sustainable shopping charity shops have some good options for getting not only cheap clothes - but clothes that can be reused and not thrown away after the original owner is done with it! Admittedly sometimes it is hit or miss as items tend to be one of a kind and only come in the one size available but you can find some really good gems and it's amazing when you find some amazing items at a good price and not at the cost of the environment!
Reduce, Reuse and recycle is the first introduction that kids get into environmental awareness and reducing waste. It is a very important statement as it is simple to remember and encapsulates most of the previous points I've made. Recycling our waste is a way to make sure we remain aware of our earth and not to leave these plastic and other harmful items on the Earth. Not all items can be recycled but being aware of what we can and can't recycle makes it easier to know what kind of things we should be purchasing and where to dispose of them when we can. Each region has a website for their recycling rules! Also bringing things like a reusable cup out means we don't have to waste our used cups and also most places will give a discount for using one!
Starbucks Reusable cups are great as they are only roughly around two euro and last so long and are so sturdy!
Most of all, the main thing which we all need to be conscious of is just how every action that we do affects the planet in some way! And helping each other with tips and spreading awareness of environmental issues is the best way to combat them. As individually we can do our bit but as a collective is the only and best way to save our Earth from a lot of negative consequences that we are currently facing! Especially around this Christmas season where capitalism is at its peak - we have to shop consciously - sometimes less is more!
Does anyone else have any tips on reducing our waste and being more environmentally aware they'd like to share with me and everyone else in the comments?
