Small changes to save the planet

All over the globe, students are striking monthly, demanding government action against climate change. There is no denying that something needs to be done to change the rate at which humans are destroying the planet; this is a matter of urgency. If nothing is done to stop climate change, not only humans are at risk but also animals, plants and every single living organism on the earth. It is terrifying to think that in 20-25 years, the UK may not have enough water to sustain the population. Government action can, without a doubt, slow down global warming and decrease pollution, however it is not the only solution. Every single person on this planet has the ability to change the world and save the environment, if they put their mind to it. And the best thing is, it’s not even that difficult. Of course, you could give everything up and become a hermit living on only fruits and vegetables from your vegetable plot. But it’s really not necessary. So how could we actually reduce waste and emissions just by making tiny every day changes? Here are some ideas:

An image of Elena and her friend at the Fridays for Future strike holding banners reading "If climate change persists you'll need a summer body all year round"

-Eat less red meat(and less animal products overall)

“Livestock farming has a vast environmental footprint. It contributes to land and water degradation, biodiversity loss, acid rain, coral reef degeneration and deforestation.”(https://theconversation.com/five-ways-the-meat-on-your-plate-is-killing-the-planet-76128)

Did you know that the animal industry is the produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all other transport systems put together? Furthermore, the animal industry is the world’s largest user of land resources, according to the FAO, and farming has also been found to use between 70-93% of our freshwater, with nearly one-third of that being related to animal agriculture.

You don’t have to go completely vegan if you don’t want to(although it’s awesome if you do). Scientists have discovered the most environmentally friendly and sustainable diet, the planetary diet.

It consists of lots of veg, fruit, legumes, beans and pulses and nuts but also allows small portions of meat, fish, dairy and eggs. The aim of the diet is to feed more people whilst also minimising greenhouse gas emissions, preventing any species going extinct, having no expansion of farmland, and preserving water.

Say no to plastic bags and bottles

Every year, 1 million marine species die from plastic debris in the ocean, and it is estimated that a staggering 100 million tons of plastic are in the ocean right now. This has such devastating effects, and it’s so easy to avoid. Simply keep fabric bags in your handbag and you’ll never need a plastic bag. You can even get cleverly designed ones that fold up into a tiny little bag.

Furthermore, 22 billion plastic bottles ended up in landfills and incinerators last year- that’s 6 million every day. These end up in our oceans and on our land, destroying habitats and causing death and destruction. This too can be easily solved. Simply carry around a water bottle which you can fill up from nearly anywhere. Seriously, you can pick one up at Wilko’s or WHSmiths for 60p. It’s not only cheaper for you, but it saves lives.

(Re)use reusable straws

An estimated 8.3 billion plastic straws are in the ocean. Sea life choke on them and die, and coral reefs are becoming increasingly endangered. Many countries are considering banning them. And there is a simple solution. Simply replace your plastic straws with metal reusable ones, which is also cost effective. You can get glass straws, silicone straws, even bamboo straws in a variety of colours and patterns.

Get off your butt

Ever been so lazy you get in the car to go to the corner shop? I get it. I live in the UK where it rains practically 24/7, and if it’s not then it’s still cold and windy. But really, the fuels that cars release into the air are terrible for our planet!

Cars are one of the major causes of global warming; emitting greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. They contribute to a fifth of the US’ total pollution! Furthermore, the recommended number of steps per day is 10,000, however according to the NHS, the average British person only walks between 3000 and 4000 steps a day. Avoiding your car may help you on that front

Sometimes getting in your car is inevitable, but really think twice before you do. Could you walk? Cycle? Get the bus or the train? Not only will it help the environment, it should get you in shape!

Take shorter showers

The average UK household of one person uses 149 litres per day- so a family of 5 would use 23 liters of water per day! It’s shocking, but the chief executive of the Environmental society recently said that in around 20-25 years England would reach the “jaws of death – the point at which, unless we take action to change things, we will not have enough water to supply our needs”.

Although dermatologists recommend spending 2 minutes in the shower(when you are not washing your hair), the average man spends 9 minutes in the shower and the average woman 9 and a half! I am certainly guilty of 30 minute full Les Miserables performances whilst in the shower, however try to keep them shorter and save a couple litres of water.

I hope that you found this post informative and not too boring, and I really hope that you can put these into practise in your life. Together, its not that hard to save the planet, if we each do our little bit. As Tescos would say, every little helps.

Have a wonderful week,

Elena xxx

5 Comments

Leave a comment