6 Easy Actions To Fight Climate Change Right Now
Climate change is a proven fact. Global warming has caused serious changes to the planet, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, deforestation, the disappearance of species... But as individuals, we can slow down global warming by implementing small more sustainable actions within our community.
Today, we are sharing 6 easy ways you can make a difference!
1. Reduce emissions: Use your car less whenever possible, instead use sustainable transportation, such as bicycling, or use public transportation more often. In the case of long-distance travel, trains are more sustainable than airplanes, which cause a great deal of the CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. If you're into cars, remember that every 1 mile per hour increase in speed will considerably increase CO2 emissions and expenses. Each gallon of fuel that your car uses, equals 22 pounds of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere.
2. Save energy: Take a look at the labels on your appliances, and never leave them on standby. Always adjust the thermostat for heating and air conditioning. By being mindful of how we use home appliances, we can save energy and of course money at the end of the month.
3. Put the 3 R's of sustainability into practice: Reduce - consume less, more efficiently. Reuse - take advantage of second-hand markets, to give new life to items that you don't use anymore or find something that someone else has gotten rid of that you need. You'll be saving money and reducing your consumption. Recycle - packaging, waste from electronics, etc. Did you know that you can save over 1500 pounds of CO2 each year just by recycling half of the garbage produced at home?
4. Start a low-carbon diet: Reduce your meat consumption (livestock is one of the biggest contaminators of the atmosphere) and increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Eat food that is locally grown and in season. Avoid imports which creates more emissions due to transportation. Avoid excessive packaging and processed foods as much as possible.
5. Act against forest loss: Try to use less tree-based products. Do you really need to print that page? Paper waste is one of the biggest contributors to deforestation. Choose wooden products made from reclaimed materials. Plant a tree! On average, one acre of new forest can sequester about 2.5 tons of carbon annually.
6. Make demands from state and federal government: Demand measures towards a more sustainable life, any way that you can: promote renewable energy, regulatory measures such as properly labeling products (fishing method used, labels that specify product origins, whether or not they are transgenic, etc.), promote more sustainable public transportation, promote the use of bicycles and other non-polluting transportation methods in your city, correctly manage waste through recycling programs, etc’.
Your actions are imperative in the fight against climate change. Can you think of any other actions you can take? Share them with us!