Not everyone realizes that even the most minor things can have a significant impact on the environment. For instance, plastic water bottles and bubble wraps are ubiquitous in most parts of the world. But only a few people know of the harmful consequences of dumping such non-recyclable toxic waste in massive amounts regularly.
So, initiatives such as tetrapack recycling, electric cars, and solar PV systems go a long way to conserve the environment’s health. Here are a couple of vital everyday choices you can make to ensure you do your bit for nature.
Food
Research is ongoing to study how carbon footprint can be reduced in the food system. The following are things you can do to make a difference.
- Try setting a limit to the amount of red meat you eat. Also, when buying fish for consumption, look for those sourced from sustainable fishing.
- Always prefer seasonal and local produce.
- Bring your own shopping bags when out for grocery shopping or other products. This will reduce the use of plastic bags.
- It is wise only to buy the things you need and nothing else. Anything extra is just additional wastage, adding to the environmental damage.
Travel
Travel includes not just choices you make during vacations but also everyday transportation.
- There are countless cars on the roads emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere. Not only is this detrimental to nature, but it is also a significant health risk. Using public transportation or bicycles for daily commute is a safer and more eco-friendly choice.
- Airplanes are notorious for emitting carbon dioxide on a large scale. So, avoid booking flights for trips that you can take on a train or bus.
- Buy a low carbon vehicle for personal use and drive carefully. Accelerating or speeding unnecessarily will cause the car to release more carbon dioxide.
Clothing
Most folks have no idea that the textile industry contributes significantly to the global carbon footprint. But changing what clothes are made of and recycling them can make a massive difference. Here’s what you can do:
- Buy clothes made of recyclable materials by responsible climate-conscious brands. These last longer and are also suitable for daily use.
- Opt for air drying and cold washing cycles to clean clothes.
- When your clothes are too worn out to be donated or sold, consider using them as cleaning clothes or for art projects.
Energy
The following choices you make at home can help preserve the environment.
- Install solar panels and other renewable energy equipment at home.
- Never leave the water running while cleaning the dishes or brushing your teeth.
- Avoid taking super-long showers to prevent water wastage.
Recycle
Recycling is key to reducing carbon emissions globally. Ensure to do the following to help keep this essential movement alive.
- Choose paper and tetra pack recycling, along with other reusable and recyclable materials. However, note that some tetra packs are difficult to recycle as they are made of several materials. So, before you buy, note the labels on the package carefully and pick only the ones you can put in the recycling bin.
- Reduce the number of new things you buy. When you do buy, choose items that have less packaging.
The United Nations estimates that the population worldwide could be well over nine billion by 2050. And growing populations can increase emissions and deplete natural resources quickly. That’s why it is critical to start making the right choices now.
