What is climate change?
The world is increasingly susceptible to climate change, one of the greatest global challenges today. As a result of changes in Earth's natural climate condition over a period of decades or millions of years, climate change describes the changes in the atmosphere that have occurred. It is caused by a variety of internal and external factors. Over the past few years, climate change has become a major concern for the global environment. A lot of the time with global challenges, we think we can’t do anything to help, but this article is here to let you know different. Below I have listed different realistic changes you can make that can help reduce your negative impact on the climate.
5 realistic ways you can reduce your negative impact on the climate
1. Buying less
Buying sustainable clothes and not contributing to fast fashion is the way forward. A lot of new cheap fast fashion brands, use harmful products and means to create the clothes they sell. An example of shopping my sustainably would be buying vintage/second-hand, thinking about low effect environmental fabric, and donating any old clothes you don’t want, you could even sell them on sites such as DePop.
Using reusable bags or reusing plastic bags when you can, is another way you can create positive environmental changes which can lower your effect on the climate altogether.
2. Small changes can start at home
Try and keep the temperature low in your home.
We’re told from as early as primary school that turning off when not in use, can save a lot of energy and this is very true.
Unplugging any home equipment whilst you are not using them. Keeping your devices on standby still uses a lot of energy.
Turn off taps when not in use. It can be very hard to remember to turn off taps whilst brushing our teeth when we don’t need it but simple actions such as that can really help reduce water waste and cause a positive effect on the climate.
3. How you choose to Travel
A lot of times we're told to not drive and to take public transport or walk etc. but I just never thought that was the best advice to give especially a lot of people have needs for cars so here’s some advice on how you can still drive but efficiently.
Electric cars – There are so many car brands that have in recent years, made electric cars. Electric cars are the future for vehicles as they produce zero tailpipe emissions, dramatically lowering smog and greenhouse gas emissions which lowers one’s carbon footprint.
Keep on top of your tires – strain on low-quality tires can negatively have an impact on your gas mileage and how much fuel is emitted back into the atmosphere.
Move smoothly on the fuel and breaks, alongside that, make use of cruise control if you have it and frequently service your car to make sure that it’s running more than correct.
We’ve all been stuck in the UK for the past 2 years and although travel restrictions are basically non-existent, flying can be on your bucket list. The emissions from aeroplanes are dangerously high and so flying less if possible would really help with being able to reduce your impact on the climate. Staycation anyone?
And finally, how can I not mention other means of travel such as walking, especially in the summer! Or even riding a bike. You can hire a Santander bike. It only costs £2 for unlimited journeys for up to 30 minutes!
4. Create less waste
Creating a grocery list before you go shopping can be really helpful in not overbuying or purchasing things you don’t need, which ultimately go to waste.
Bulk buying isn’t all that it seems. It may seem like a good buy even cheaper but the likelihood that your household is going to finish everything before it goes to waste is very unlikely for the majority
Plan out your food. Meal prep isn’t only for gym or health fanatics. Planning your meals can really help with reducing your shopping and can also help stop you from cooking more than what you need. This ultimately reduces your waste.
Reuse your leftovers! This one is self-explanatory.
A tradition in my household, has always been to freeze your food if you know you won’t need it by its use by date. This really extends the life of your foods and again reduces your waste.
5. Recycling is your best friend
It can seem tedious to hear but recycle your plastics, paper, steel, and tin cans. This can help them to go to the right destination and not end up in the sea or in a landfill that just burns them and emits even more harmful gasses back into the environment.
Donate any old or unused electronics, batteries, printer ink cartridges etc. If you can’t donate, many companies now have ways you can send said items back to them or to specific recycling centres.
It's the little things we can do that can really make an effective change!
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