If you’re not a politician, scientist, or influencer, but want to make a difference in preserving our planet, then this article is for you! There are many small lifestyle changes you can make that can help the environment and fight climate change. Read on for more info!
Dietary Changes
According to Green America, cutting out meat from your diet – especially red meat and large predatory fish – can lower your greenhouse gas emissions. Why? Because beef production, the raising of livestock, and commercial fishing result in gas emissions believed to contribute to global warming.
The most energy-efficient diets are vegetarian, but if you do eat meat, try replacing your steak for chicken and your larger fish for simple species such as anchovies, sardines, and mackerel, which live near the coast and require less energy-intensive trips to harvest.
It also helps to buy local, which reduces the emissions needed for transportation. Encourage your friends and family to do the same if you want to amplify your impact.
Reconsider Your Consumption
How do you act as a consumer? Do you buy in bulk, or do you order individual items as you need them? More online shopping means more delivery trucks on the road, which means more pollution! Buying fewer things online is one way to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also look for bulk shipment options such as Your Prime Delivery Day, if available.
Invest in Companies With Green Values
Supporting brands and companies with eco-friendly values like sustainability and green energy allows them to continue doing more. It also doesn’t hurt to make others aware of brands with non-eco-friendly practices. If a company is engaging in practices that harm the planet, a meaningful tweet or well-worded post might be enough to make their leadership consider change.
Plant trees
Our favorite company to do this with? One Tree Planted. One tree, one dollar! Simple as that!
Talk to Local Governments
The politicians we elect for our towns and cities are meant to represent us, our values, and our well-being. Talking to local officials about climate change can alert them to what is important to their voters and encourage them to take action.
You can get the attention of your local officials in multiple ways, including writing letters, staging peaceful protests, hosting marches, or circulating petitions. Get informed about environmental policies you’d like to see implemented in your area and bring that information to your leaders’ attention. If you have the passion and desire to make changes, consider running for office yourself!
Talk to Anyone Who Will Listen
It may seem like the people around you don’t care about climate change – but that they just may not know enough about it. Bringing up the topic and politely informing your network about the issues and how they can help is a huge step toward change. Inform them about organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Greenpeace, where they can gain more information.
Even one individual can make changes that contribute to preserving the earth. Take these tips to heart and put them to action. It’s time we save our planet!