Surface temperatures in the 48 contiguous states have risen by about 0.16 degrees Fahrenheit every decade since 1901.
The effects of climate change are already being felt by humans and the natural world. Climate change is expected to cause more frequent and more intense extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, heavy downpours, floods, and droughts.
While the causes of climate change are primarily human activities, everyone can help reduce its effects. Below are six things you can do to help make a sustainable environment.
Sustainable Living: Definition
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s first get a clear understanding of what sustainable living is. Simply put, sustainable living is a lifestyle that prioritizes the prudent use of natural resources and renewable energy sources. It aims to sidestep conventional energy sources that deplete the earth’s resources and generate excessive waste.
In doing so, we, humans, can maintain optimum conditions where both humans and nature can co-exist in productive harmony. It also ensures that the world has enough resources and a sustainable environment to support both current and future generations.
-
Save Energy Whenever You Can
The more energy you save, the fewer greenhouse gases these energy sources produce. There are tons of ways you can save energy at home.
For starters, you can turn off the lights when they don’t need to be on. Also, switch off any standby electrical appliances when not in use. There’s no point in having the TV on when there’s no one watching it.
Unplug your phone from the charger when the battery fills up and hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. Doing the above will not only save the environment but also save you a bundle in energy costs.
-
Do Away With Plastics
No matter where you go, it almost seems like you can’t get away from plastic. Plastic is everywhere and has covered around 40% of our ocean’s surfaces. Plastics are not biodegradable, which means they don’t break down like organic matter and stay around longer than they should.
Plastic is responsible for the deaths of millions of aquatic animals and birds every year. Cut down on plastic use or do away with it completely. You can start by using reusable shopping bags and water bottles and avoiding straws unless they’re reusable.
It can be difficult to avoid plastics entirely, but limiting their use is the best option. Also, make sure you recycle plastic products instead of tossing them in the trash.
-
Cut Down on Your Driving
Smoke from our cars’ exhausts contains greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and environmental deterioration. That’s why you should consider cutting down on how much you drive your car. Consider taking the subway or riding a bike to work or school.
Also, try to be super selective with your car shopping. Avoid four-wheel-drive gas guzzlers in favor of more charming hybrid vehicles. Get a fully electric car like a Tesla or BMW iX if you can afford one.
-
Switch to renewable Energy Sources
Ditching fossil fuels for renewable sources of energy is one of the best ways to facilitate a sustainable environment. Doing so helps reduce climate change and is crucial to saving wildlife and their habitats. Remember, fossil fuels are the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions to the environment.
Consider switching to renewable sources of energy like solar and wind energy. While it’s hard to install a turbine, buying solar panels is as easy as talking to your residential solar provider. Do the environment a huge solid and switch to solar energy today.
-
Reduce How Much Meat You Eat
Most people can’t go a day without stuffing their faces with chicken wings or a juicy burger. It’s no secret that meat is delicious, but it’s also bad for the environment. Meat producers are responsible for a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions that accelerates global warming.
Eating lots of meat promotes these industries that are slowly killing our precious planet. Take the sustainable route and eat fresh organic produce from farm to fork.
-
Use and Drink Water Wisely
Bottled water companies are making a killing from giving tap water a bad wrap. This is despite the fact that tap water has passed all state quality and taste tests. Plus, tap water doesn’t cost a dime.
The main problem with bottled water is the container that holds the water. Bottled water comes in plastic bottles that are harmful to the environment. What’s more, the method by which these water companies extract their water is questionable, to say the least.
Also, water conservation is becoming an increasingly crucial concern as unprecedented droughts ravage the globe. Water wastage is a luxury that most people can no longer afford. Here are a couple of steps you can take to avoid water wastage:
- Take much shorter showers
- Don’t leave the faucet open while brushing your teeth
- Fix any leaks in your toilets
- Install water-saving showerheads
- Water your lawn only when it needs watering
Employ the above to reduce the amount of water you use every day and preserve our natural water sources. Just because there’s plenty of water, doesn’t mean you should waste it without remorse.
A More Sustainable Environment Starts With You
Only you can create a more sustainable environment by adopting habits that conserve the environment and its resources. The information above should help you live more sustainably for the good of the planet.
For more informative content, check out the other posts on the site.