If we say that we are the first generation that realised how we are burning our planet and, probably, the last ones who can do anything to contain the damage, then it wouldn’t be wrong.

 

Until 2015, there was 150 million metric tons of plastic in our oceans. This statistic alone should be enough to alarm us!

Below we look at 10 simple things we can all do at home to help save our planet. Let’s dive in!

 

1. Be Informed and Use Your Voice

The simplest way to contribute to saving our planet is by staying informed and spreading the word. In today’s world of social media, you can make a difference by doing something as small as making a tweet. Make use of these platforms and let the message go viral!

2. Switch to Reusables

Our oceans are begging us to switch from single-use plastic to reusables. All you have to do is get organic shopping bags, reusable straws, and reusable bottles, and you’ll cut down sufficiently on your plastic use.

3. Eat Sustainably

Beef and dairy products are responsible for 14.5% of yearly GHG emissions. You can make a difference by eating sustainably. We aren’t asking you to go vegan but reducing your beef intake to once a day could make a significant contribution. Or encourage meat-free days of the week! Also, don’t cook extra or bin the leftovers!

4. Travel Sustainably

Whether you are going to the office or going for a holiday, choose travel options with minimum carbon emissions. You can do this by carpooling, using public transport, cycling, or walking. In terms of holidays, choose to travel via land or sea rather than air.

5. Recycle

Try to keep your waste clean and put it in the recycling bin. One area that is neglected the most in this regard is the bathroom, so hang a bag there to put used skincare and bath products’ bottles in it.

6. Untangle from the Web of Fast Fashion

The fashion industry produces more emissions than air and sea travel combined. It looks like your weekly hauls are doing more damage than just putting a dent in your bank account. You can reduce this environmental impact by shopping from brands that are eco-friendly and use recycled fabrics. Furthermore, avoid going after trends and focus more on classic pieces.

7. Stop Water Wastage

Freshwater is becoming scarce in many parts of the world, and we are contributing further to this misery by wasting it in numerous different ways. You can stop this wastage by reducing shower times and installing water-saving devices, such as ‘save a flush’ toilet devices, and don’t run the tap continuously when teeth brushing.

8. Embrace Minimalism

Eco-friendly living isn’t just limited to sustainable eating and reducing our shopping habits; we need to embrace it in all areas of our life. You can do this by questioning yourself at regular intervals; for instance, have you put all the recyclables in the recycling bin? Do you really need the new Air Force 1s? and so on.

9. Support Eco-conscious Organisations

People throughout the world are trying to contribute to the environment by coming up with small eco-friendly start-ups. You can contribute to their struggle by switching from environmentally hazardous organisations to them or by simply doing as little as liking their social media posts to promote their businesses.

10. Think Change!

Perhaps we have saved the best for last, well a very important point anyway. If we want to change the direction of the planet crises, (and we need to), then it starts with how we think. If we don’t fully understand why we are recycling, reusing or being otherwise sustainable, then it’s a mere action of habit. We need to understand that the planet is dying and if we don’t save it, who will? Don’t we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in a world with clean air, plenty of food and fresh water and the beauty of nature? Of course, we do, but for that to happen, we have to make changes, and now. Think deeply about your actions and don’t change because the guy on TV told you to – change because it is the right thing to do for future generations- they cannot save it if we wreck it- small changes towards big impact. Let’s save the world!