No matter how many global summits are held every year, real change will come only when every individual takes a pledge to save the environment. Every year, World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June to spread awareness about climate change and how to reverse the damages made to the environment to date.
The theme of World Environment Day 2022 is ‘Only One Earth’, and the slogan says it all! It is high time we should adopt more eco-friendly habits for our own good. Mind you; there is no planet B!
You can start with the following!
1. Reduce your waste
Waste in any form is against the rule of the environment. Have you noticed the size of your trash bag every day you take it out? It clearly shows the amount of waste we produce on daily basis!
The easiest way to reduce waste is by analysing the content of the big bag. If you look at it, you can make out what you waste the most daily. That way, you can work on that front. However, you would see the food items that we waste the most on average.
Now you might think that food is biodegradable and thus not actually bad for the environment. However, it is not true! The waste food emits a significant amount of methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change!
Now think about the pollution we cause by all other waste products, especially the plastic and other nonbiodegradable items that we throw away casually!
2. Research before shop
Taking up eco-friendly habits has become easier nowadays, thanks to several sustainable brands. You will find several new brands which sell environment-friendly products. Especially many cloth and shoe brands now recycle and reuse materials for their products. They also focus on energy-saving and zero-waste packaging to reduce the impact on the earth.
Now what you can do is research the brands and their products before making a shopping decision. You will find ‘vegan’, ‘no cruelty’ and ‘sustainable’ symbols on the products. In case you want to know more about a brand or any particular product, you can email them. They will be glad to answer your query and inform you about their environment-conscious initiatives.
3. Choose plant-based food
Meat and dairy products contribute to 57% of carbon emissions, twice that of plant-based food! Hence, choose more plant-based food if you want to take up more eco-friendly habits and reduce your carbon footprint.
When you cut down on meat consumption, the greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on land and water will reduce. If you are unwilling to give up on meat, you can also try meat alternatives. These food items will have the exact same texture and flavour as meat so that you cannot feel a difference and still is good for the environment and health!
What are the eco-friendly habits you follow in daily life? Share with us in the comments below!
Enjoyed reading this? Then we also suggest you head to 4 Ways to Help Planet Earth!