The environment is a fragile thing. If it is just a few degrees off, the world hurtles into endless natural disasters. If the world is too hot, the ice caps threaten to melt completely and drop coastal lands under the ocean like Atlantis. If the world is too cold, then the plant life and wildlife start to become extinct. The UN stated that if we don’t pull back on the amount of pollution that we emit every year in twelve years the effects will become irreversible. It is so important, no more than ever, to change our habits and learn to live in harmony with nature rather than oppose it.
1. Use Less Water
Yes, it is so tempting to stand in the warm shower and enjoy just being there. But out rapid water usage adds more and more to the pollution of water bodies and, in some areas, contributes to drought. Try to be more conscientious about the amount of water that you are using. Also, be aware of the temperature of the water that you use. If you are using hot water, it was most likely heated by natural gas. Burning natural gas adds pollutants to the air and increases the amount of CO2 that we have in the environment.
2. Drive Less
A great way to reduce the environmental footprint that you are contributing to is by driving less. Transportation contributes to at least 20% of the emissions. By choosing to walk or to ride your bike instead, you make the point that you’re not willing to add to the problem that we already have. If you have a job that you have to drive, be aware of what type of car you have and when you do need to get a new one, find one that’s already been used. Rather than going out and buying a brand new Porsche, get a used Porsche Cayman 2016. If you can, try and get a car that is more environmentally friendly--something that you feel good about driving. Driving less will also save you money on gas and car repairs.
3. Turn Off the Lights
A good rule of thumb when it comes to lights is that the lights should never be on in the house if you can see outside and the lights should only be on in the room where the people are. When you walk out of a room, turn off the lights. There is no need to illuminate the entire home just to walk from the bathroom to the kitchen. Also, go through your lights in your home and make sure that you’re using more efficient lights that convert electricity to light in a more efficient way. Usually, it’s best to switch to an LED light since they last longer and are better for the environment.
4. Eat Less Meat
The meat industry contributes to a surprising amount of pollution. They contribute to 18% of the greenhouse gas emission issue. It is also the biggest reason for deforestation. By going vegan or vegetarian, you’re saving hundreds of lives of animals as well as saving the environment. The meat industry also pollutes water sources near the farms because of the runoff from manure piles. The meat industry makes a huge impact on the environment that it needs to be pointed out and addressed. If you really want to help the world, then eat less meat.
5. Go Paperless
We don’t have the need for paper as much as they did a hundred years ago, so why don’t we adapt? It’s easy to go paperless and save hundreds of trees every year from being chopped down for the sole use of having something to write with. The best thing that you can do is to recycle the paper products that you have and convert them into the paperless version. There are now apps that can change a paper file into a computer file, so you don’t have to worry about keeping any paper around.
It is so important to protect the environment. We only have one world, and it needs to be taken care of. Make sure to take the necessary steps to make a change.
