At one time, people didn’t think too much about the way they lived - it was all about convenience and value for money. Nowadays, things have changed thanks to new technologies and the pressures of living in the age of climate change. Sustainability is now the world of the day, and most people think, at least a little bit, about where they buy their clothes and what food they eat.
Reduce Energy Consumption
The planet is quickly changing due to human climate change; this is creating a warmer planet that’s affecting habitats, threatening animal species, endangering the atmosphere, and creating many social and cultural challenges. It’s important to reduce energy usage to meet targets.
At the moment, global targets for climate change are 1.5 degrees by mid-century, which would limit peak greenhouse gas emissions and create a sustainable world, help to achieve this by switching to Tri Gas & Oil, turning off standby devices, and limiting heating where possible.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Meat might taste nice to some people, but it’s also a major cause of climate change. Meat creates greenhouse gases in two ways; first, it contributes to 40% of greenhouse gas emissions through transportation and land clearing for cattle. Secondly, the animals produce methane.
Methane is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases; this gas is highly effective at trapping heat in the lower atmosphere and warming the planet; that’s why it’s best to reduce the amount of meat consumed and produced. The are many sustainable and tasty alternatives in the shops.
Switch to Renewables
These days energy providers get their power from fossil fuel sources like coal, gas, and oil, along with renewable sources like wind, wave, and solar. While most energy plans are a combination of energy types, it’s possible to switch to a plan focused on renewables.
Not only does renewable energy help the planet, but it can also save you money as oil prices rise and fossil fuels become more expensive. Another alternative is to opt for a biomass boiler that gives you a sustainable and efficient way to heat your home in the cold winter months.
Recycle and Upcycle
Recycling helps the planet by taking pressure off the economy and preventing toxic materials from entering the environment; when you recycle in the correct containers, it means that plastic, glass, and paper can be made into new products that you buy sustainably on the high street.
Upcycling is another excellent way to put your DIY skills into action and create products that prevent materials from going into the waste cycle. The circular economy is the future, so why not spend some time thinking about some creative ways to turn old things into new things.
Reduce Water Consumption
It seems as though water is everywhere, but in reality, there is very little fresh water on the planet for drinking and sustaining agriculture. In fact, out of the 3% of freshwater available on the planet, only 1% of it is available to use; that’s not a lot considering the planet’s population.
Furthermore, as the world becomes hotter, freshwater will start to dry up, causing water supply issues and raising the cost of various commodities. Reducing your water consumption will also reduce carbon in the atmosphere supporting more sustainability, so useless and recycle water.
Buy Fair Trade Products
Whether it is clothing, food, coffee, or other commercial products, it’s a good idea to check if they have been sustainably produced before you invest in them. Most fair trade products have a label that tells you where they/ve been produced along with information about the supply chain.
If you’re interested in creating a fairer and more sustainable world, then support products that use ethical supply chains. Although it might not feel as though you are making any significant difference, the bottom line is that your money is better spent in the direction of ethical goods.
Grow Some Vegetables
If you care about your health and wellbeing and that of your family, it’s best to eat fruits and vegetables that have fewer toxins and don’t pollute the atmosphere or the soil. Unfortunately, even the fresh food in the stores isn’t free from pesticides and comes with a carbon footprint.
Conversely, the food grown in your back garden is fresh and free from pesticides and contaminants; not only that, it has a positive carbon footprint because th leaves will absorb carbon and produce oxygen while the food doesn't require any transportation costs at all.
Shop Second Hand
Fast fashion is a major contributor to pollution and carbon emissions on the planet. Here are the facts: fast fashion produces 10% of humanity's carbon emissions, and 85% of the textiles produced every year goes to landfill. Not only that, this clothing puts microplastics into oceans.
One way to reduce fast fashion and live more sustainably is to shop second-hand. Second-hand clothes shopping has become more popular in recent years thanks to the reaction to fast fashion; it’s also more creative and usually cheaper to buy clothing from second-hand shops.
Use Public Transport
Transport accounts for one-fifth of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor overall. Transport includes private cars, international flights, and public transport such as buses and trains, but you can slash your carbon footprint by changing the way you travel in general.
Most people don’t think twice about jumping in their car and heading to the shops, but if you think about it for a second, there are probably some benefits to walking, cycling, or waiting until you’re in the areas. Public transport is an emitter, but it’s better to use for a sustainable lifestyle.
Use Sustainable Products
Again, you might not think too much about picking the cheapest or most popular cleaning product from the supermarket shelves, but a quick look at the ingredients should tell you all you need to know about its potential effects on the environment. Instead, opt for cleaning products made from natural ingredients that aren’t going to pollute the soil and get into the food chain.
