Everything you need to know for sustainable living

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, but for most people it is such a huge and distant problem that solving it should be left to politicians and multi-billion dollar corporations. For others, it may seem like they just have too much to do.

The hard truth is that climate change won’t Wait for we to solve all our problems and unite us. Every day, he nibbles a little more of the future that those who will come after us deserve. Forget condemning the past inaction of the generations that preceded us, because it is time that we step in and get others to do the same. In this article, you’ll find seven easy things you could start doing today to make a difference, organized into why you should do it, how to do it, and where to learn more!

1. Avoid plastic

Why? Plastic has been proven to harm marine animals and air circulation in various bodies of water. The amount of plastic used daily around the world is what makes the problem so serious. National Geographic, Passport Ocean and Global Citizen have shown that

  • “There is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way.”
  • “There’s an island of trash twice the size of Texas inside the Pacific Ocean.”
  • “Nearly one million plastic beverage bottles are sold every minute.”
  • “The average duration of using a plastic bag is twelve minutes.” This plastic bag could then take ten to a thousand years to decompose.

In accordance with this, if plastic bags existed in the 16th century, then the one used by Europeans arriving on the shores of the Americas in the 16th century would still be only half of its life today!

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A message shared by the United Nations Environment Program (@unep)

How? There are lots of simple things we could all do to reduce plastic pollution. We can take reusable water bottles everywhere we go instead of buying new plastic cups or bottles. We can bring recycled tote bags when shopping instead of accepting single-use ones. We can avoid using disposable utensils or cups. If we use plastic, then we can recycle it! The list goes on, but keep in mind the well-known three Rs when dealing with plastic: reduce, reuse and recycle!

Where can I find out more? If you want to learn more about the effects of plastic on the environment, this is the place for you. If you want to learn more about other easy ways to reduce your plastic consumption, check this out!

2. Consume less electricity

Why? To understand why we need to consume less electricity, we have to go back to the fundamentals of global warming. The production and use of electricity releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide — nearly 43% of global emissions, according to Planete Energies. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that forms a “blanket” around the world. This blanket allows the sun to do its job of heating the planet and then “trapping” that heat back to earth. This leads to global warming, which results in rising sea levels, disruption of basic ecological systems, and more extreme weather conditions that are harmful to plants, animals, and humans.

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How? There are several ways to reduce your electricity consumption. Cut off any unnecessary time spent on electronics or, at the very least, unplug gadgets or chargers that aren’t in use. Even chargers that aren’t connected to an electronic device continue to consume small amounts of electricity that become significant when you consider how billions of people do the same. Letting your hair air-dry as much as possible, reducing the time spent using an air conditioning unit, spending more time off-screen, and turning off the lights are just a few more ways to help the planet!

Where can I find out more? Seattle Pi is definitely what you need if you’re looking for an amazing and simple explanation of how electricity impacts the world around you.

3. Find alternatives to automobiles

Why? With millions of cars on the road at any one time, pollution of air, noise and natural resources is created. See, according to Penn State, about 33% of air pollutants in the United States are created by automobiles. Oil leaks from cars contaminate water, while noise pollution disrupts various ecological cycles.

How? Where possible, instead of driving in your own car, try walking, biking, carpooling, or commuting – basically anything that leaves even one car on the road. road. While doing so, remember to stay careful and vigilant!

Where can I find out more? Check this out if you want a quick overview of the different ways automobiles are harmful to nature and why you should care!

4. Reduce your water consumption

Why? As we have all experienced at least once in our life, there is a little greater pleasure than taking a long hot shower after a long day or taking a big sip of cold water after exposing yourself to the burning sun. However, according to National Geographic and HuffPost, “663 million people do not have access to safe drinking water” and “less than 1% of the world’s water is fresh water and available for our consumption”. Using excessive amounts takes water away from people and wildlife who need it to survive and quickly depletes what little supply we all have.

How? To reduce the amount of fresh water you use, make sure the tap is turned off when you don’t need it, such as when rubbing soap on your hands or face or brushing your teeth. . Sacrifice private shower gigs and award shows in favor of an efficient five-minute shower. Only flush the toilet when necessary. The list goes on, but the key is whenever you see wasted water, do something about it!

Where can I find out more? If you want to learn more about some ways you’re wasting water without even knowing it, check out this. If you want facts about water in your daily life and how to make the best use of it, then visit this site!

5. Eat wisely

Why? Most people are shocked that it takes about 2500 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef in California. Raising livestock requires a lot more water than we think, in addition to producing excessive waste that pollutes natural resources and is responsible for 90% of deforestation and 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse effect. If the drastic environmental consequences and ethical issues of eating meat aren’t enough, eating meat could also be bad for your health. Among many others, it increases your risk of heart disease and cancer and it is quite difficult to maintain your weight.

How? Consider replacing meat in your diet with grains, fruits and vegetables. Make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of meat you eat and avoid wasting it at all costs. These steps may seem simple, but they are more difficult than they appear. However, remember that it is worth it and it is in the interest of your own body, others and the environment!

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Where can I find out more? The New Organic You is the place to go if you want to know why meat is bad for your health, but PETA tells you why it’s horrible for the environment. If you’ve been convinced and want to try reducing your meat intake, check out this for some tips on how to do it!

6. Pay attention to what you wear

Why? When we think of clothes, we mainly think of fashion, trends and color combinations. We rarely think about how the latest items are produced beyond the world of fashion design. However, these fast facts may be just what you need to get a quick overview of the exact impact the fashion industry has on the environment!

  • Most textile factories are known to dump toxic water into rivers, polluting the water with substances like lead and mercury.
  • The production of a single kilogram of cotton requires up to 20,000 liters of water.
  • Throwing away clothes made of non-biodegradable materials like polyester is like throwing away plastic which, as we already know, takes years to decompose.
  • Laundry uses up to 34.74 thousand gallons of water per year in the United States.

How? You should absolutely support producers of natural fiber clothing in places with strict environmental laws! Prioritize the quality of the fabric and, instead of throwing the clothes away, donate them or reuse them.

Where can I find out more? Harper’s Bazaar tells you all about how to dress not only fashionably, but also sustainably. For a more eco-friendly closet, here are some awesome brands to check out, and here are some not-so-awesome brands you should avoid!

7. Volunteer and fight back!

Why? You will be amazed at how many people know little or nothing about the climate crisis. Without being educated about the problem and what they can do about it, they can spend their whole lives harming nature without even knowing it. While some people may choose to ignore the environment, many others simply haven’t had the opportunity to learn. It’s your turn to use the privilege of your education to make a difference!

How? If you’re already doing all the things I mentioned, that’s amazing! However, your job is not done yet, as there is always more you can do to help. You can raise awareness beyond reposting on your private social media and instead opt to lead a beach cleanup, volunteer for environmental groups, run an environmental club at your school, or contact a local official and urge him to take the necessary steps to save the Earth!

Where can I find out more? Are you so convinced that you are ready to become the last climate activist of this generation? This site provides some amazing tips that would surely come in handy, while this one gives you a few little ways to get started.

In conclusion…

The amazing thing about all of this advice is that, if a significant number of people start applying it, it could make a huge difference in the world, but for each of us individually, it takes nothing more than small changes or small inconveniences in our daily routines! Our environment is the penalty struggle forand it’s time we all started proving it.