Reduce your impact on the environment

The climate crisis: what can I do? 

After having seen a lot of the media coverage surrounding the environmental crisis, I realised that the environmental movement could come across to some as being quite exclusive. Although the global climate crisis is in the news and on social media, the language used isn’t accessible to all. For some, it isn’t clear what they can do as an INDIVIDUAL to counter the climate crisis. 

For one, you cannot see the knock-on effects that YOUR actions have further down the line. It is, therefore, difficult for some to imagine how their actions can have negative or unintended consequences. However, we must work together to encourage one another to become more conscious of our daily habits and behaviours. We need to be actively supporting and helping one another. There is so much that I don’t know, but I am developing my understanding every day.

Now, more than ever, we must take steps and measures to reduce our carbon footprint and the damage that we are doing to the environment. Every choice has a consequence, so make conscious decisions to reduce your impact. It is vital to share our knowledge with others; only in doing so will change occur.

Five tops tips to reduce your impact on the environment 

Cut down your meat consumption.

I know that going vegan isn’t a decision some can take, but taking part in ‘Meat Free Mondays’ or limiting your meat consumption to the weekends is one way to transition away from a meat dependent diet. 

Reduce your food waste.

Be inventive with meals, be creative, but, most importantly, use the ingredients that you have in your fridge at home before going to buy more food! If you don’t finish your meal at a restaurant, you can always ask for it to be packaged up so that you can have it for lunch or dinner tomorrow! One-third of food produced across the globe is wasted, according to Friends of the Earth. By utilising what you have in your cupboards and fridge, you can reduce your weekly food shop and reduce your impact on the environment! 

Fast fashion has got to go!

Millions of clothes land up in landfills every year. We have all donated clothes to charity shops but have we actually purchased any clothes from charity shops? We need to move away from the ‘more is better’ mindset. Save money by arranging clothes swaps with friends, shopping in charity shops and handing clothes down to other family members. Even shopping on Depop is a fun way that you can transition away from fast fashion. Second-hand shopping can be fun and exciting! 

How do you get from A to B?

Can you walk, cycle or catch the bus? Walking and cycling is a great way to exercise while still getting from A to B. Be conscious of the decisions you make every day. Simple adjustments to your daily routine can be incredibly effective. 

Switch it off.

Always switch off the light when you leave a room, switch off the television if you’re not watching it and don’t leave appliances on! Make simple choices: choose energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. This is possibly one of the easiest ways to reduce your impact on the environment.

These are just some key tips tips which can help to reduce your impact on the environment. It is essential to understand that YOU do have an IMPACT. Individual choices and decisions have consequences. So be mindful and conscious of the decisions that you take every day. Be making simple changes to our lives we can cultivate a more mindful and appreciative recognition of the sanctity of our planet.

What are some ways you can reduce your impact on the environment? What can you do in your day to day life to lessen your carbon footprint?

Further reading and additional sources:

 There are so many amazing resources out there. Check out YouTube and Netflix to educate yourself on the environmental crisis. Check out Cowspiracy, Forks over Knives, Earthlings and What the Health to gain greater insight and understanding of the impacts of the meat and dairy industry on the environment.

Also, check out The True Cost to appreciate the impact of fast fashion on the environment.

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Written by Charlotte Davies