It can be pretty scary to think of all the dangers of climate change. In the past, we’ve learned together why we should care, but today let’s find out how to be proactive about the situation. We’ll learn simple some ways we can help in reversing climate change right now!
One way to help against climate change is to drive less when you can. Rather than using your own personal car, try to carpool or use public transportation. If your destination is close enough, maybe even consider walking or riding a bike. Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a major contributor to climate change and vehicles are a large portion of the CO2 humanity produces. In fact, it’s estimated that for every 2-mile car trip you take, 2 pounds of CO2 are put into the atmosphere.
You can also help out by recycling and reusing things when you can. Rather than throwing things away, see if you can find another use for them or donate them to charity if the product is still good. Recycling helps fight climate change because it takes less energy to make a product from recycled products than starting from scratch. Also consider buying things with less packaging in the first place or items that use recyclable packaging.
This next one might be a little scary to everyone who has taken part in a war for the thermostat, but I challenge you to try and let your homes be a little warmer in the summer and a little colder in the winter, even if it’s just by a few degrees. Moving your thermostat up 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the winter could eliminate an estimated 2,000 pounds of CO2 a year!
Your diet can also play a part in the climate change battle. Consider eating less meat when you can, as the animal agriculture industries emit a large amount of greenhouse gases. The livestock sector, which includes things like feed production and transport, is responsible for around 14 percent of all the greenhouse gas emissions around the globe. I’m not necessarily saying you need to go vegetarian or vegan, but maybe try things like Meatless Mondays or pick a plant-based option for even just one meal when you could have had meat. Every little bit helps! I know that salad looks scary but you can do it!
It should be noted, however, that it might not be as simple as all plants are better for the environment than all meats when taking everything into account such as the energy required to produce the food. Overall though, plant-based diets seem to be better for the fight against climate change than meat-based ones.
Another thing you can do is inspire others to join in the fight against climate change. This can be simply talking to your friends and family about the issues or organizing groups and events in your local community. You can even contact your government officials and urge them to take action and have policies that lead to a healthier, greener future.
So go forth and let’s try and make this world a better, more sustainable place together!
