Thanks to Greta Thunberg and all of the marching young students it seems global governments and private industries are FINALLY beginning to realize that we need to change our current policies and actions as we approach the climate tipping point.
We have even begun to see major companies like MARS and Amazon make some major #climatepledges to reduce their impact to become more sustainable for future generations. And, we, as the major public should be making our own steps (giant or small) through climate action pledges.... Therefore I have created a list of the easiest things we can do to reduce our emissions and impacts on the climate. I have also added one unknown jaw dropping impact >>>read on!
#1. REFRAIN FROM DRIVING TO WORK/SCHOOL
Of course this is dependent on where you live and go to work but easy solutions to remove our nasty car emissions from the air is to find a carpool near you, plan out your route using public transportation, or bike and burn a few calories while your at it ;)
This idea does not only save the environment but could save your bank account by reducing money spent on gas $$$ in exchange for a few $ on the subway
Nowadays its too easy to find a carpool website or to download one of the apps to find a rideshare (hello Uber...). Also many big cities are increasing their transportation options with companies like Bird scooters, Jump bikes, citibikes...the list goes on
#2. STOP EATING SO MUCH BEEF!
I am not asking anyone to become a vegan or vegetarian but simply cutting beef out of your diet or at least making a major effort to eat less beef can have a huge impact. This is considering several things:
Cows are the #2 source of methane gas that is released in our environment.
Now methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, is produced by tiny microorganisms in the cows gut which helps them process their food. Unfortunately these little guys produce methane gas which then comes out in their burps (mainly) and farts.
And according to the Environmental Defense Fund, methane gas is responsible for around 25% of man-made global warming.
Mooooooooo!
Secondly, a WHOOPING 80% of deforestation rates (based on pre-Bolsanaro studies) in the Amazon rainforest are driven by Cattle ranching
Rainforest is being clear cut and burned everyday to meet the global beef demand
#3. Become a LOCALIVORE
By making an effort to eat local you are not only supporting local farmers but you are removing the fossil fuel spent to drive/fly/or boat your purchased goods to your supermarket
#localivore Its trendy now anyways to post those local market finds on the INSTA ;)
Its quite amazing to think how benefited we are to have access to fruit from all seasons around the globe...unfortunately our environment is taking the toll
#4. SHOP AT TRIFT-STORES and/or JOIN a friends CLOTHING SWAP
The cotton used to make your clothes has a serious impact on land-use, fertilizer use, pesticides, and of course water-use...
According to WWF, it takes more than 20,000 liters (5,283 gallons) of water to produce just one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cotton, which roughly equals one T-shirt and a pair of jeans!
Please consider stopping into your local thrift store or shop brands that recycle their material. #recycledfashion #thriftshopping
BONUS SURPRISE :
What to do with your body when you die?
Sorry for being morbid but this is an avoidable question that eventually must be answered...all that I ask is that you consider the impacts of your choice on the environment.
FACT: Cremation takes 2-4 hours at temperatures ranging from 1,400 and 2,100 F (or 760 and 1,150 C). Therefore, the estimated energy required to cremate 1 human body is roughly equal to the amount of fuel required to drive 4,800 miles, or 7,725 kilometers.
That is almost the distance from New York to Honolulu!
(if you could drive on water of course)
So as a final note...maybe consider telling your family members that you don't want to be cremated and look into your other options. There is a growing trend for a"green" natural burial with a simple casket and no chemicals.
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