As inhabitants of Planet Earth, we all have a duty to protect the natural world from environmental disaster. Climate change is a growing threat that has been looming above our heads for several decades now, yet little progress has been made in the fight to eradicate it. It is ultimately up to the governments and business leaders of the world to make dramatic systemic changes and hope that they aren’t too late to wind back the clock and preserve our planet for future generations.
As individuals, few of us will have the opportunity to make these immediate, drastic changes in our lifetimes, but we still have an essential part to play. Everyone knows that they should be recycling, buying sustainable goods, and conserving energy in their daily lives. Each person’s individual input makes little difference in preventing global warming, but the united efforts of the global population can add up to an enormous impact. If everybody takes part and does their bit to maintain greener lifestyles, they will spread these habits to their children and help to change the world for the better.
But the problem with living environmentally responsible lifestyles is that the sacrifices it requires are too much for most people to accept. People don’t want to stop eating meat or give up international travel because they feel like their sacrifice is not worth the minimal benefit these actions will have on the planet. But it takes everyone to make a significant change for the good, and the same goes in the other direction. If everyone thinks this way, then nothing will stop our rapid trajectory towards disaster.
If you are committed to doing your bit for the planet but aren’t in a position to make the enormous sacrifices needed, there is good news. There are some unique and unexpected habits you can adopt that will be easier to cope with yet still make a big difference in reducing your environmental impact. Here are some ideas.
Go vegan before 6 pm
The meat industry is one of the biggest polluters on the planet, causing 14.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. It’s clear that if everyone were to stop eating meat, then the planet would instantly have a better chance of long-term survival. Yet requesting that people go vegetarian, let alone vegan, is asking too much. But one simple solution that gives you the best of both worlds is to cut out all animal products before 6 o’clock in the evening. Being a part-time vegan is much easier than committing completely, as it still allows you to eat whatever you want for dinner. Cutting out meat, eggs, and dairy for breakfast and lunch alone is a much easier compromise, and it would have an enormous environmental impact if everyone were to follow suit.
Switch up the milk in your morning coffee for oat milk, soy, or any other dairy alternative. Opt for avocado or mushrooms instead of eggs, and prepare yourself some delicious plant-based lunches the night before work. Not only will you be saving the planet, but your health (and wallet) will feel the benefit too.
Ask to work from home
One of our biggest impacts on the natural world is the way in which we travel. Driving and flying are the worst offenders, causing monumental greenhouse gas emissions in a single trip. While no one is asking you to quit using your vehicle entirely, one meaningful action you could take today is cutting out your commute to work. More and more companies worldwide are adopting flexible working patterns, allowing employees to work remotely from home. Having fewer people on the roads will lead to fewer emissions, and there is no reason why most companies couldn’t allow their workers to do the same. Collaboration technology has advanced to the point where people can complete their work just as efficiently from a remote location, without the time-wasters of commuting and sitting through unnecessary meetings.
Just ask your boss if you can work remotely, even if only for a couple of days a week. At worst, they will say no, and at best, you will completely transform your workplace for the better. Your work-life balance will significantly improve, and you will be able to enjoy the responsibility and freedom to work to your own schedule.
Be an eco-friendly pet owner
Humans are not the sole residents of this planet. In fact, we make up a microscopic 0.01% of all life on Earth. It seems staggering then, that humans are doing so much damage to the environment. But it’s not just homo sapiens that are to blame. Our pets are also having an effect. Our furry friends may seem cute and innocent, but they are doing more harm than we realize. As a pet owner, every single decision you make, from which cat food you buy to how you dispose of their waste, has far-reaching planetary consequences. It’s time to start being a more responsible pet owner.
Being more discerning about the pet supplies you buy is the first step. Many kitten and puppy toys, beds, and other items are made from non-sustainable materials. They are often of poor quality and have to be thrown away before long, ending up in landfills, and the plastics they are composed of ultimately remain in the oceans. It is perfectly possible to buy eco-friendly alternatives to all of these products, made from biodegradable materials from sustainable sources. Many brands offer products composed of recycled plastic waste too. Not only will these items help the environment, but they tend to be better quality and more durable, so they will be a lot lighter on your wallet as well as your conscience.
If you want to make a difference in the fight against global warming but feel you’re not doing enough or are unwilling to make huge sacrifices in your life, these are three excellent places to start. All of these habits will improve your life in various ways while also having a real positive impact on the environment.
