Climate change is considered by most scientists to be the single biggest existential threat that humankind has ever faced. Due to the human activity of the last two centuries, humans have raised the temperature of the planet to the point where it is now almost at the brink of being uninhabitable. Furthermore, our depletion of the Earth’s natural resources means that there is serious concern about us being able to provide for the ever-expanding global population. While governments and big industries need to lead the way in a new way of living, it is up to all of us to do our part if we stop the damage. There are various things you can do to reduce your impact on the planet and start to live a more environmentally conscious life.
To help guide everyone who is rightfully concerned about our planet, here is the ultimate guide to starting eco-friendly living.
Reduce Your Energy Consumption
The first thing that everyone should do in order to start living a more ecologically friendly life, is to look at ways to reduce daily energy consumption. The burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity is one of the main contributing factors to the various environmental issues which the planet is now facing.
Whilst some governments and countries have made pledges to move towards sustainable sources of energy like solar and wind, there are many industrial powerhouses like the US, China, and India which have been very reluctant to do so. Regardless of where you live, you can take the initiative and do your part by switching off lights when you leave a room and unplugging electrical appliances that you aren’t using. Not only will this help to conserve electricity, but it can also dramatically reduce your utility bills.
Use Eco-Friendly Products
Manufacturing is another major contributor to the harm which we are doing to the planet. From clothing to automobiles to home items, the levels of human consumption are far beyond what we actually need. Many modern products are intentionally designed to break down after a short time so that people have to spend more money to replace them. There are various eco-friendly products available these days which are not only kinder to the environment but are also durable and long-lasting.
There are even products like toothbrushes and other personal hygiene items that are made using no plastics at all. You can click here to see some eco-friendly toilet paper options which are made using recycled paper. This toilet paper is just as soft and effective as regular toilet paper so you don’t need to have any worries about it getting the job done.
Stop Eating Meat
Over the last few years, the impact of meat production on the planet’s resources has become more and more widely known, and there are now many scientists who are advocating for a switch to plant-based diets. The amount of food and fresh water required to produce meat is vastly greater than the resources needed to produce plants. In addition, we are destroying huge swathes of forests in order to grow the food which we feed to our livestock. Many people in developed countries consume far more meat than is even healthy for them and so if you cannot stop eating meat altogether, at least try consuming less by eating one vegetarian meal a day or going vegan on the weekends.
Give Up Your Car
Driving a car is very harmful to the environment as car exhaust fumes contain many harmful gases that pollute the environment. Furthermore, the oil industry which produces the gasoline necessary to power cars is incredibly ecologically harmful. Giving up your car is one of the best things you can do for the environment. If you live in a capital city with good public transport options, taking the bus or subway is often faster and more convenient than driving your own car anyway. If you live close to your work or school, walking or riding a bike is not only great for the environment but it is also good exercise.
Boycott Companies with a Poor Environmental Record
There are so many major companies that are refusing to address their methods which are major contributors to global environmental problems. These companies only care about their profits and so they don’t want to make the switch away from cheap energy and manufacturing. The best way to pressure these companies to change is to boycott them so that their bottom lines are hit. If customers en masse start choosing companies that switch towards more eco-friendly methods then other companies will have to adapt or risk going out of business. Look online at the worst culprits of environmental destruction and change your purchasing habits.
Conserve Water
One of the biggest issues which the world is already facing is a shortage of fresh water. The global population has increased at an alarming rate over the last fifty years and there are huge numbers of people who struggle every day to get access to clean drinking water. We are using more and more water in agriculture whilst climate change is causing major droughts across the world. There are many simple things you can do in your own life to use less water. Take a shower rather than a bath, and use the wastewater after your shower to water your plants. Catch rainwater in a barrel to use in the garden and install a water-reducing toilet to reduce waste. Water is a precious commodity and if we want there to be enough for future generations then we need to act now.
Humankind’s impact on the planet over the last two hundred years has been catastrophic. There is a huge section of the scientific community who believe that the next ten years make or break when it comes to pulling humanity back from the brink of destruction. As well as putting pressure on governments to take the necessary steps, we all need to look at ways to reduce our individual footprints on the planet. Follow this guide and start eco-friendly living today, because tomorrow, it may already be too late.
