We all want to do what we can for the good of the planet. In recent years, science has advanced and we’re growing increasingly aware of just how detrimental our actions are proving to the planet. The human race is engaging in all sorts of activities that are accelerating climate change, draining fossil fuels, destroying animals’ habitats, wiping out rainforests, polluting the oceans and other waterways and causing all sorts of other havoc.
We’re fast approaching a point that scientists are warning us we’ll pass a point of no return and cause unfixable damage to the environment and ecosystems that provide us with a home. It’s not all too surprising that many of us are starting to feel anxious or a sense of dread around the world situation, especially as we’re seeing the direct impacts of climate change – particularly in poorer countries.
The good news is that there are things you can do as an individual to make a difference in this area. Here are a few changes you can implement in your day to day life that will contribute to you being more eco-friendly and reduce your footprint on the planet.
Reduce plastic use
We use plastic on a daily basis. Our food is wrapped in it, our toiletries are packaged in it, we use plastic bags to carry purchases and dispose of waste – the list goes on. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Plastic is massively detrimental to the environment and there are so many alternatives out there. Invest in eco-friendly alternatives wherever possible, whether that’s a bamboo toothbrush, a multi-use cotton tote bag or reusable food covers.
Go green with your energy
We use a lot of energy; of course, you can reduce your consumption which is always useful. But it’s inevitable that you’ll need to use some amount of energy in your daily life. Make sure to use green sources of energy wherever possible. There are a few ways to go about doing this. Firstly, and perhaps most easy, you can switch to a green energy supplier.
There are plenty out there and it doesn’t take that much time or effort to switch. Simply use a price comparison site and find the best deal for you. Another option is to generate your own energy. This will require a little more time and financial investment, but it will provide you with a completely green source of energy that could also cost you less over time. The most popular option is solar panels. A solar panel company will be able to suggest the best options for you, where they’ll be best placed and can complete installation.
Go vegan or vegetarian
Did you know that one of the biggest changes you can make for the environment is cutting animal products out of your diet? Animal agriculture is one of the leading contributors to environmental damage. Studies have found that vegan diets tend to have a much lower carbon, water and ecological footprint than a diet that includes meat, fish and other animal-derived products.
In fact, removing meat and dairy products from your diet can reduce your carbon footprint from food by a massive 73 per cent! This is due to cutting out the energy used to farm animals and transport them, as well as eliminating the sheer amount of methane produced by livestock. On top of this, you’ll contribute to the reduction in deforestation. When you eat meat and fish, land is used not only to farm the animals themselves, but to grow the food for them to consume.
Instead, we could just grow the plants and eat them directly ourselves. The removal of animal agriculture could reduce farmland use by 75 per cent, freeing up an area equivalent to the size of the USA, China, Australia and the EU combined. Of course, changing your diet is a major lifestyle shift. You don’t have to cut everything out at once – or you don’t have to cut everything out altogether.
Find an option that works for you. This might be meat-free Mondays, Veganuary, the occasional vegan meal, pescatarianism, vegetarianism, only cutting out eggs or diary or full-blown veganism.
Campaign and protest
Of course, the vast majority of pollution and environmental damage worldwide is caused not by individuals, but by major corporations. These companies create astounding amounts of waste, with some brands contributing heavily to landfill and other brands creating environmental disasters, such as oil spills.
There are a number of ways you can object against these issues. You can attend protests in person when major issues arise – such as oil spills – pushing for sanctions against the companies that are causing the damage. There is also a host of other, more ongoing protests. Look into environmental groups in your local area and see what actions they’re taking for change. You can support them in this in a variety of ways.
Donate to environmental charities
There are a huge number of environmental charities out there to whom you can donate. Their work focuses on wide range of areas depending on the charity and their individual objectives. Your donations can help them achieve their goals. Perhaps the most well known eco charity is Greenpeace. They aim to raise awareness globally of environmental issues, as well as staging major protests against the worst perpetrators of environmental damage. You could also donate to charities such the Red Cross, who help victims of environmental disaster and climate change, or the WWF who work to help animals suffering from habitat destruction and climate change.
Volunteer
Of course, if you don’t have the money to donate, you could always volunteer for eco-friendly charities. Your time can be just as valuable as money. Most will offer ways to help and support them. Contact local groups and see what you could do to help them.
These are just a few ways you can help the environment and lead a more eco-friendly existence. Hopefully, some will match your lifestyle and can be implemented easily. Give some a try and see how you get on; the planet will thank you for it!
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