Sustainability isn’t merely a trending hashtag that will eventually die down. Looking at the global implications of climate change, it’s a necessity at an individual as well as corporate level.
You may think that in the grand scheme of things, your contributions won’t make any difference. But that’s not true! If each of us did our part and pushed the sustainability agenda, it will gain traction and help create a better world.
Sustainability is an option often associated with the privileged section of the society as it can be an expensive commitment. However, it’s possible to make sustainable changes in your everyday life without breaking the bank. And here’s how you can do that.
1. Switch to Renewable Energy
The energy industry is one of the major contributors of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. While bringing about a significant change in the energy industry is a long road, you can make a difference by switching to a renewable energy plan. Compare gas and electric providers in your area and pick a green energy plan.
2. Reduce Overall Energy Consumption
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, you should make an effort to reduce your overall energy consumption. Turn off lights when not in use, invest in energy-efficient appliances and improve your home’s insulation to prevent energy loss.
3. Eat Plant-Based or Vegan Meals
Did you know livestock as a whole is responsible for an estimated 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions? Producing meat products require far more resources than producing plant-based products. By consuming vegan meals, you will help conserve resources and bring down greenhouse gas emissions. From cheese to meat, veganised options are quite easily available.
4. Avoid Single-Use Plastic
From your morning coffee to grocery shopping, the convenience of single-use plastic has become a part of our everyday life. Did you know a plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to decompose? Make it a mission to eliminate single-use plastic from your life. Take your own bags and coffee cups to grocery stores and coffee shops.
5. Minimise Food Waste
The food on your plate takes up a lot of resources to grow, manufacture and transport. So, every time you throw away food, you are letting all these resources go to waste. In addition to this, all the food waste that goes to landfills increases methane emissions. Try your best to minimise food waste and start composting to lower your carbon footprint.
6. Shop Local
Food and other products transported over long distances increase greenhouse gas emissions in the environment. By shopping locally, you can reduce dependence on long-haul transportation and boost the local economy.
7. Start Carpooling
Instead of driving by yourself to work, start carpooling with your co-workers. This offers dual benefits; you will help the environment while saving fuel costs.
8. Shop from Green Vendors
From food to clothes, with a quick internet search, you can easily find green alternatives to usual manufacturers.
9. Shop Second-Hand
Rather than buying brand new clothes or furniture, explore second-hand options. You can get products at heavily discounted prices!
10. Take Shorter Showers
Start taking shorter hot showers to conserve water and electricity. You can further save water by installing low-flow showerheads and other bathroom fixtures.
11. Keep on Learning
When it comes to sustainability and green living, there is a lot to learn. Join green communities and groups to educate yourself and discover other ways you can help the planet.
The Bottom Line
While your individual efforts matter, alone they are not enough to make a big enough impact. Apart from practising sustainability in your personal life, it’s also crucial to hold the government as well as large corporations accountable. This is the only planet we can call home, let’s do everything we can do to save it.
