10 Ways You Can Save the Planet
The climate crisis can feel overwhelming when we’re faced with the unfathomable shift that needs to happen worldwide. But realize this: The biggest changes start off small. They start with you, your daily habits, and your thoughts.
Being conscious and sustainable is an act of rebellion, and you can fight climate change one mindful habit at a time. Although it’s a multilayered issue, focus on being the change you wish to see. Focus on small choices that have big effects on the planet.
The run down
Based on the IPCC climate report, mitigating climate change revolves around reducing our carbon footprint. As a whole, we need to reduce carbon emissions by almost half in the next decade. But what does that mean for you? And how?
To put it simply: We need to reduce/cut the use of fossil fuels and replace them with renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro. We also need to use this renewable energy more efficiently.
I’ve researched for you and created a list of small habits to help you reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle. With small changes like the ones below, you’ll feel better about the role you play in saving the future of Planet Earth.
Let’s get to it!
Start with self-compassion
Changing habits won’t be easy. You’ll undoubtedly have slip-ups and fist-clenching frustration. But it's okay! It’s normal.
You’ll forget your reusable cup when you grab your morning coffee or leave your reusable bags at home when you're checking out at the grocery store. Learn to be kind to yourself and use each slip-up as an opportunity to improve next time.
1. Shop sustainably, or not at all
The key here is to buy only what you need. When you need to buy new clothing, choose ethical, sustainable brands and long-lasting sustainable fabrics that are easy to wash and care for. Opt for clothes that are timeless and can be worn in combination together. This creates the illusion of new looks!
Buy local and second-hand clothing whenever you can. Ordering online (whether it’s local or international) results in wasteful plastic packaging as well as gas and airplane emissions. Stick to your local stores or take public transit to reach your favorite sustainable or thrift clothing stores.
All in all, buy only what you need, choose longevity, and shop locally whenever you can.
2. Reduce meat and dairy consumption
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s honestly the best thing you can do for yourself and the planet. The current state of agriculture is unsustainable, unethical, and unhealthy.
Factory farming is rife with its own ethical issues, not to mention the overwhelming use of antibiotics, growth hormones, and pesticides fed to the animals - and the people who consume them. Beef and cheese produce the most CO2 per serving, so start by cutting those out whenever you can.
Here’s an easy way to start: on Sunday, choose three vegetarian meals from The Minimalist Baker’s blog, and make them during the week. That’s three fewer meals of meat and dairy, that are still nutritious and delicious.
See? It’s not that hard to start. And, you’ll have accomplished something while helping the planet.
3. Eat local, seasonal food
Behind China and the US, food waste is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses. From the rotten food in your fridge to food that's thrown out because of a dent, it all goes to waste.
Eating locally supports your local farmers and de-incentivizes the transport of food from far away countries that have to preserve it and transport it to you. This creates a ton of emissions just to get you one orange in the middle of winter.
If you want to calculate the carbon footprint of all the food you eat, check out this food carbon footprint calculator!
Start here: buy your fresh produce locally, and freeze, pickle, or can it to use it in the future. Try blending and freezing sauces, or canning and pickling for veggies. Buy only what you need and use up all of what you have before heading to the grocery again.
4. Reduce Refrigerants
Here’s a fun fact: The cooling industry accounts for 10% of global CO2 emissions (three times shipping and aviation combined).
So whenever you can, avoid the A/C. And when the time comes to buy a new fridge, choose the most energy-efficient one. Try opting for a smaller fridge as well! There aren’t many workarounds to refrigeration at the moment, but doing the most with what you have is key.
5. Start carpooling, biking, and using public transport
Carpooling and using public transit are great ways to save money and minimize your carbon footprint! If you make regular trips to the grocery, gym, or downtown, why not organize a carpool with coworkers, friends, or neighbors who do the same?
Try this: Join or create a Facebook group for people looking to carpool. Invite all of your friends and neighbors to see what you can arrange. Existing apps like Poparide and Blablacar are also great for joining other riders to common locations. You might even make friends along the way!
6. Make your own stuff
You gotta pick your battles wiht this one. Don’t waste time making things if you don’t want to - If you’re craft and like to make things - this is a perfect habit to pick up. Personally, I like making my own cleaners, shea butter lotion, and the occasional candle for fun. But if you on’t like making things than focus your energy on the other actions you can take to reduce consumption.
If you’re crafty though - make your own cleaners, knick-knacks, candles, lotions, and anything else you’re crafty enough to make at home. This helps you be more self-sufficient and reduces plastic use along with the emissions that come with producing these items and getting them to you.
Buying ingredients in bulk helps reduce your overall carbon footprint and also tailor the things you make to your style. Here are some fun DIY projects to try:
Shampoo bars
Body lotion
Soap
Candles
Dish detergent
Laundry detergent
The ingredients might come in unsustainable packaging, but you can make enough product in bulk to offset the costs of buying these products in new plastic packaging.
7. Compost your organic scraps
Composting helps organic matter decompose and enrich the soil. When organic waste is sent to the landfill, it cannot decompose properly and ends up releasing harmful greenhouse gases.
If you’re an urban dweller like myself, make sure to always separate your organics and place them in the organics bin. This ensures they’re disposed of in the most sustainable and effective way. Find your local composting facility if your complex doesn’t have one.
Check out the diagram below on what you can and can’t compost:
Source:https://alasaw.com/blogs/alabama-sawyers-not-so-secret-diary/how-to-compost-a-definitive-guide
Check out Sharewaste and tap into a community of people looking to either collect your compost or give you theirs! Otherwise, find your nearest community garden and donate all of your food waste weekly.
If you want to compost your own food or there isn’t a composting program in your area, check out these at-home composting machines:
Lomi
Urbalive
Vitamix
Bokashi composter
You can also make your own composter at home if you have a backyard or ample outdoor space. All you need is soil and worms!
8. Grow your own food
I know this is a long shot for most urban dwellers, but there are tons of ways to grow your own herbs and greens without a lush backyard. Based on the amount of light you get in your apartment, start off with the herbs you love, and try to branch out if you can.
Get a wooden flower bed that suits your space, or try to join a community garden if it’s possible for you.
Mushrooms are by far the easiest and trendiest thing to grow at home. Not to mention the most delicious and nutritious! You can order a mushroom growing kit online and have a steady trickle of homemade mushrooms within a few weeks.
To preserve water, keep an eye out for when it rains and leave an empty pail outside to collect rainwater. It’s great for your plants and makes the most of heavy rainfalls!
9. Choose the cold cycle, and air dry
The most energy-intensive part of laundry is heating up the water and air to wash or dry your clothing. By simply opting for cold cycles and getting a drying rack, you can cut the most inefficient parts right out. It’s also more affordable for those who go to the laundromat!
For laundry detergents, plastic-free alternatives like TruEarth and Good Juju pack the same squeaky clean punch without the plastic waste. To give your laundry a lovely scent, dilute some lavender (or your preferred essential oil) with water and spray it onto your drying clothes. You can even add a few drops to your load!
10. Take only what you need, and use all of what you take
The most important thing you can take away from this blog is the change of perspective.
Consider the contribution you make to bettering the earth and yourself with every action you take. From the purchases you make to the daily things you do, here are a couple of things to remember:
Recognize that everything you have is a gift from the earth
Be mindful and grateful of these gifts all around you
Reciprocate and practice gratitude by asking “What can I do to give back?”
Now, it’s up to you
Everything starts with the intention to change. Start with one habit at a time, and slowly introduce more sustainable changes into your lifestyle. Everything starts with you, so talk with family and friends, and spread the word of sustainable living and protecting our beautiful mother earth.
