As a 24-year-old, I’ve seen climate change go from distant worry to global warming to a full-blown threat that we’re living through in my lifetime. And it’s quite daunting. In fact, it feels inevitable and hopeless most of the time. After all, only 100 companies are responsible for 71% of the world’s carbon emissions. If this is the case then all of our efforts seem futile.
But I’m here to remind you that your actions are powerful. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or scared I wanted to give you this list of 5 tangible and powerful things you can start doing to make a change.
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Things you can do to combat climate change:
1. Eat less meat and dairy
Factory farms produce a lot of carbon emissions and fossil fuels. By cutting meat and dairy from your diet you could reduce your personal carbon footprint by about 71%. You don’t have to go completely vegan to make a difference, but reducing your animal intake will help significantly and is an attainable thing you can start doing.
2. Reduce your consumption
Everything ever made has a footprint. From the sourcing of the materials to the production to transportation. Every item has been on a journey and racked up a carbon footprint along the way. The less that we consume, not only the less we’ll waste, but the less demand there is for these items and therefore, fewer emissions.
3. Make your voice heard
One of the biggest ways you can make a difference is by making your voice heard. Write, email and call your local congressmen and women and demand that action be taken to combat climate change. Demand that corporations be held responsible. Start by simply asking what they’re doing and planning to do about the climate crisis. Too many people talk about wanting things to change without speaking to those in power. And unfortunately, the government won’t make changes without accountability.
4. Walk more
Transportation accounts for 24% of emissions here in Canada so it stands to reason that those who can or those who live in big cities should consider using their cars less. Walk, bike or take public transportation significantly help combat climate change!
5. Grow your own food
Food also has a carbon footprint. ANd a lot of food isn’t locally grown and has to travel quite far in order to get onto your supermarket shelves. But whether you live in an apartment, townhouse or have many acres, you can grow some of your own food! Read my post about regrowing your own food scraps here and check out this book to help you learn how to garden in any space!
I know the big picture effects of climate change are daunting. But there is power in your choices and actions and you can make a difference. These are just 5 simple ways to combat climate change. Simple enough that you can hopefully incorporate them into your daily life!
Now go forth and make a change!
Related reading:
Why compostable and biodegradable plastics won’t help the pollution problem
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