Maybe you let the water run before you hop into the shower. You might leave a light on downstairs anytime you leave the house. Or perhaps you stock your fridge with plastic water bottles so you can grab one on your way out each morning. These are decisions you could make every day, which become habitual over time.
Unfortunately, these habits and numerous others aren’t great choices for the environment. Buying a bottle of water every now and again isn’t a huge deal, but doing so on the regular can be detrimental.
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg is a global leader in challenging climate change. From a young age, she has led an environmentally supportive lifestyle, adopting habits that benefit the globe. Through her dedication to these practices, she has become a well-known leader in the climate activist community.
Whether your environmental impact is top of mind or not, there are always ways to live a bit greener. Adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle may not always be the cheapest or easiest choice. However, as your new choices become habits, you’ll soon forget that carrying a reusable water bottle wasn’t always a part of your normal routine. Below are five ways that you can help combat climate change — all Thunberg approved.
1. Opt for Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy is a reliable alternative to fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and oil. As inexhaustible sources of energy, renewables like wind, water, and sun can power many parts of the planet. There are numerous benefits to using renewable energy, from improved public health to stable energy prices to fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
If you’re looking to upgrade your current home, an easy way to do good for the environment is opting for solar power. Solar power works by converting the sun’s immense power into electricity. Buying solar panels can be expensive and may be out of the question for many homeowners. Fortunately, if you’re interested in solar installation, you can look into leasing the panels. Through this model, you’re able to tap into this renewable source without the upfront cost of buying them yourself.
2. Travel Smarter
How you get from place A to place B can make a significant impact on the environment. Think about how often you pull out of your driveway on a weekly basis. Instead of making multiple trips to run errands, try to combine them as much as possible. When going to the grocery store, make a stop at the library along the way to return a book, for instance. If you’re commuting to the office, see whether you can carpool with another colleague.
Thunberg encourages individuals to choose greener modes of transportation during vacation times as well. Instead of renting a gas-guzzling SUV, select an electric vehicle. Even if they are a bit pricier to rent upfront, you will likely save based on the current price of gas. An even better option is to use public transportation, as taking a train, bus, or tram reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 45%.
3. Reduce Single-Use Plastic Usage
Take a look at your pantry and fridge. How many items are wrapped in non-recyclable plastic materials? Cutting your single-use plastic usage can help reduce your overall carbon footprint. Reducing your usage means rethinking some of your daily habits. Rather than buying pre-cut vegetables in a plastic tub from the grocery store, go to the farmer’s market. Place the items in a reusable canvas bag instead of using the disposable produce bags.
When grabbing takeout, avoid picking up plastic silverware. Keep a reusable option at your office desk or use your own silverware at home. The same goes for plastic straws; buying a glass or metal option is a greener alternative. And those plastic sandwich baggies you use to pack your kid’s lunch and snacks can be replaced with silicone ones.
4. Eat More Plants
Research shows that those who choose a vegan lifestyle over an omnivore’s diet reduce their water pollution, land usage, and emissions impact significantly. As an animal lover, Thunberg has been vegan for over 10 years. Not that this means you need to go fully vegan to make a positive difference to the environment. Choosing to eat vegetarian at least one meal every day is a good place to start.
Find new plant-based recipes that excite you and stimulate your palate. There are millions of veggie-dominant recipes online, or let the farmers market inspire your meal plan. Get your family involved, educating them on why you’re having a meatless dinner. You may just find a new favorite meal through your plant-forward journey of discovery!
Takeaways
As Thunberg once said herself, “There are thousands of ways to take action.” Whether you plant trees or buy a carbon offset on your next flight, you’re benefiting the environment. Thunberg didn’t become a climate activist overnight. She simply started to make more sustainable choices for herself, her family, and the overall planet.
The problem of climate change is massive, but even small acts can make a difference. Reducing wasted resources, using renewable energy sources, and recycling all add up. By incorporating any of these tips into your daily life, you are doing your part to help Mother Earth. No one person has the power to combat climate change alone. But together, we can all make a difference in how future generations live.
