Lexie Boardman
With the latest self-care trends and wellbeing habits always of interest, we’re often focused on our own health. And, as important as looking after yourself is, it’s also important to care for the health of the planet we call home. Unfortunately, the climate crisis is a reality that affects us all, and it is our duty to take action, make a difference, and protect our planet. We can all contribute to solving the climate crisis, and even small changes can have a big impact.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We’ve all heard the mantra ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’, but it is a great way to get started. Reducing the amount of waste we produce, reusing and repurposing items where possible, and recycling responsibly are all important steps in the right direction.
A top tip to reduce waste production is to shop mindfully and pick up only as much as you need. And, when you find yourself with leftovers, take advantage of your freezer and save them for later rather than throwing them away. Invest in some reliable Tupperware to store and reheat leftovers in to eat at home, work, university, or even on a picnic. Besides food, you can minimise your waste by upcycling old clothes and sheets, and decrease your reliance on single-use plastics by using reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and shopping bags.
Shop local and seasonal
Another great way to care for our planet is to buy local and seasonal produce when we shop. By going local, we cut the amount of energy used and pollution caused when transporting foods from far away places. Choosing foods that are in season means they’re more likely to come from a completely local source and have a lower carbon footprint overall (it really helps you feel in touch with nature and the seasons, too). Plus, it’s a great way to support local farmers and businesses in your area.
Support climate crisis action
Showing your support for organisations that are fighting climate change is another way to make a difference. By donating to or volunteering with a climate action organisation, we can put pressure on powerful organisations that are in positions to incite change. Organisations work with major brands and corporations to encourage them to be more mindful of their impact on the planet, make more sustainable choices, and reduce their carbon footprint.
On a smaller scale, it can help to get involved in local environmental initiatives. Plant trees, join a beach or public space clean-up, or even organise your own awareness fundraising event! Not only does this help the planet, but it’s also a great way to meet like-minded people and feel part of a community – all working together to heal the planet.
Eat less meat
Reducing your meat consumption is another great way to help the climate crisis. The meat industry is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing this can have a positive effect on the environment. Of course, dietary requirements mean not even can eat a fully plant-based diet, but making small changes to your meals can make a big difference.
Committing to a vegetarian or vegan diet can be difficult, but starting off with one or two days per week can be a great way to ease yourself in. A good habit to adopt is ‘meat-free Monday’: for a whole day, each meal contains zero meat. Opting for meat copycats like Quorn or substituting with beans and pulses makes for a great, healthy meal (for both you and the planet). Not only can this help reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also significantly decrease your grocery bill. Ultimately, it is about finding balance, so find what works for you and remember that every small change helps!
Take climate crisis action at home
There are many small changes we can make at home to create a healthier planet. Simple actions like switching to energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when we leave a room, or unplugging electronics when not in use can help reduce our energy consumption.
Conclusion
It’s up to us to take action and make a difference against climate change. Feel free to take on board some, or all, of the above tips; or take action in your own way. Small steps can add up to big results, and the clock is only continuing to tick. So, let’s all work together to create a better future, and remember to look after the health of our planet as well as our own.
Image courtesy of Li-An Lim on Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.
Lexie Boardman
I am a 21-year-old journalism graduate studying MSc Media Psychology, passionate about music, sports (especially motorsport), sustainability and wellbeing.