UN Approved Guide to Saving The Environment

The use of fossil fuels is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing climate change. Burning of these fuels to generate electricity and heat results in the release of carbon dioxide.

Common fossil fuels used at home include:

• Coal
• Oil
• Natural gas

Super actionable ways to reduce energy consumption

There are many ways to reduce energy consumption at home to lessen the damage brought about by the use of fossil fuels. Here are some of them:

• Making changes to the way we heat and cool our homes.
• Lowering the thermostat by a few degrees during winter or using fans instead of air conditioning during summer.
• Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. It can save up to 80% on lighting costs and reduce carbon emissions.
• Using energy-efficient appliances that are designed to use less power than their traditional counterparts.
• When shopping for new appliances, looking for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the product meets high energy efficiency standards.
• Washing clothes with cold water instead of hot water is another way to reduce energy use. Around 90% of the energy used by washing machines is used to heat water, so switching to cold water can result in substantial energy savings.
• Opting to hang clothes to dry instead of using a dryer can help reduce energy consumption even further.

Apart from the simple ways mentioned above, here are further energy saving methods you can apply at home.

• Improving the energy efficiency of our homes by installing insulation in walls and attics can help keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
• Replacing an old, inefficient furnace with an electric heat pump can also significantly reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. In fact, upgrading to an electric heat pump can reduce a home’s carbon footprint by up to 900 kilograms of CO2 per year.

There are numerous ways to reduce our energy consumption and lower our carbon footprint. Making small changes such as those listed above is such a huge step in addressing the global climate crisis. Not only will these actions help to reduce our impact on the environment, they can also result in cost savings and a more comfortable home. So let’s all do our part to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Walk, Bike, or Take Public Transport

Transportation is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with vehicles burning fossil fuels such as diesel or gasoline.

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Painless ways to reduce emissions

Here are some simple ways to reduce these damaging emissions that you can easily put your foot in:

• Walking or biking instead of driving a car, which can also benefit our health and fitness because it encourages movement
• Taking public transportation for far distances, such as a train or bus, can significantly reduce our carbon emissions. It can also save time and money compared to driving.
• Carpooling with friends, family, or colleagues whenever possible. This also  promotes social interaction and can save money on gas and parking fees.

Another drastic step is… living car-free!

This lifestyle choice involves relying on alternative modes of transportation such as walking, biking, public transportation, or car-sharing services. This lifestyle can significantly reduce our carbon emissions and improve our quality of life by reducing stress and increasing physical activity.

Transportation is indeed a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but there are ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Adopting alternative modes such as those mentioned above can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier planet. Not only will these actions benefit the environment, but they can also promote a healthier lifestyle and save money on transportation costs. So, let’s all take steps toward more sustainable transportation options.

Eat More Vegetables

Food production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with the livestock industry alone accounting for up to 18% of global emissions.

Efficient ways to reduce our environmental impact

Just like we have with energy consumption and transportation, we also have ways to reduce environmental impact related to our food and diet. Here are some of them:

• Eating more plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are generally more environmentally friendly than animal-based products, as they require less energy, water, and land to produce.
• Consuming less meat and dairy products

A vegetarian diet consists of plant-based foods such as the following:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Seeds

However, to make it a healthy diet, a small portion of some dairy and egg products are allowed.

Another drastic step is… vegan diet!

A vegan diet is also another option to consider. This diet consists of only plant-based foods and eliminates all animal-based products, including dairy and eggs.

Food production has a significant impact on the environment, and adopting a more sustainable diet can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Eating more plant-based foods and reducing our meat and dairy intake can help to lower our environmental impact and promote a healthier planet. Doing small steps such as those mentioned above can already go a long way to contributing to a more sustainable future. So, let’s make conscious decisions about what we eat and promote a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

Consider Your Travel

Air travel is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with airplanes burning large amounts of fossil fuels during flights.

Straightforward ways to reduce carbon footprint

We all love to travel, but we must also consider some other things, especially if it contributes to the growing problems toward carbon footprint. Here are some of the things we can do one step at a time:

• Taking fewer flights. For example, we can choose to meet virtually instead of traveling for business meetings or conferences. Similarly, we can opt for alternative modes of transportation, such as taking a train, bus, or carpooling, instead of flying.

In some cases, we may even consider skipping long-distance trips altogether and instead explore local destinations.

Taking one less long-haul return flight can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, by up to almost 2 tons of CO2e. Hence, reducing our air travel can make a significant difference in our environmental impact.

• Choosing airlines that are committed to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. Some airlines offer carbon offset programs that allow passengers to offset their carbon emissions by supporting sustainable projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.

Air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing our flights is an effective way to reduce our carbon footprint. By taking some of the steps above, we can play our part with enough responsibility. While it may not always be possible to avoid air travel, we can make conscious decisions and support airlines committed to sustainability to minimize our environmental impact. It may be a small step, but together, we can make a difference

Throw Away Less Food

Food waste is a significant issue that not only wastes valuable resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. When food is thrown away, it represents a waste of the resources and energy used to grow, produce, package, and transport it. 

Simple things you can do to reduce methane production

While the best thing is to only cook food that’s enough for the family to avoid waste, here are some other things you can do:

• Using what we buy and being mindful of expiration dates.
• Meal planning and creating a grocery list can also help reduce food waste by ensuring that we only purchase what we need.
• Composting is another effective way to reduce food waste and lower our carbon footprint. Composting involves breaking down organic material, such as food scraps, into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize plants. By composting our food waste, we divert it from landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane.

Additionally, composting can further reduce our carbon footprint by reducing methane emissions from landfills.

Food waste is a significant issue that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and wastes valuable resources. However, we can always take small steps taking small to reduce climate change, such as doing some of the steps above. Let’s all contribute to a better and healthier future.

Reduce, Reuse, Repair & Recycle

Consumer goods, such as electronics, clothes, and other products, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their entire lifecycle, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing and transportation.

Effective ways to utilize the 4 R’s

Utilizing the 4 R’s of waste management can already go a long way in preserving the planet. Here are some effective ways you can do it:

• Buying fewer things and being more mindful of our purchases. Shopping second-hand is an effective way to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. This approach reduces the demand for new products and minimizes the carbon emissions associated with their production and transportation.
• Repairing items instead of replacing them is another effective way to reduce our carbon footprint. Repairing products, such as electronics and appliances, can extend their lifespan, reduce waste, and minimize the need for new products.
• Recycling items at the end of their lifespan can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and promote the reuse of valuable resources.

Textile production, in particular, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with every kilogram of textiles produced generating about 17 kilograms of CO2e. Buying fewer new clothes and other consumer goods are the key.

Consumer goods are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and adopting sustainable consumption practices can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. By buying fewer things, shopping second-hand, repairing items, and recycling, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. Let’s make conscious decisions about what we buy and promote sustainability to create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

Change Your Home’s Source of Energy

The source of energy used to power our homes has a significant impact on our carbon footprint and the environment. The burning of coal, oil, and gas may seem harmless because it powers our homes, but it can lead to climate change.

Efficient ways to change your home’s energy source

Here are some actionable and efficient ways to get you started:

• Contacting our utility company and inquiring about the source of energy used to power our homes. If possible, we can switch to renewable sources such as wind or solar energy. Many utility companies now offer green energy options that allow consumers to switch to renewable sources of energy. By switching to renewable energy sources, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier planet.
• Installing solar panels on our roofs to generate energy for our homes. Solar panels are an effective way to harness the power of the sun and produce clean, renewable energy. Not only do solar panels reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but they can also provide cost savings on energy bills in the long run.

Our homes’ energy source has a considerable effect on the environment and our carbon footprint. However, we should aim for a sustainable future where the younger generations can benefit. You can only do so much if you get started. Some steps listed above are already a good start to promoting healthy energy consumption. Let’s go toward a better future for everyone!

Switch To An Electric Vehicle

As mentioned earlier, transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The good thing, however, is the emergence of electric vehicles which it is healthy for the environment.

Here are some things to consider why EVs are better

With more and cheaper models coming on the market, EVs are becoming an increasingly viable option for many consumers. In many countries, EVs help reduce air pollution and cause significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas or diesel-powered vehicles.

Switching to alternative transportation options such as EVs or hybrid vehicles can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. One way we can do this is by ensuring that the electricity used to power our vehicles comes from a renewable source. Let’s make conscious decisions about our transportation options and promote sustainability to create a healthier planet.

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Make Your Money Count

Our consumer choices have a significant impact on the environment and our carbon footprint. Therefore, we should make conscious decisions about the products and services we support and do business with.

Effective ways to make your money count

When buying products and services, make sure your money counts. Aim for sustainability and protecting the environment. Here are some ways you can do it:

• Choosing products from companies that use resources responsibly and are committed to cutting their greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
• Sustainable investing

Sustainable investing is a growing field that allows individuals to invest in companies that are committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. ESG investing considers a company’s impact on the environment and society and the effectiveness of its governance structure. 

Some things to look for when assessing whether a company is doing sustainable investing:

• Promotes renewable energy
• Energy efficiency
• Sustainable agriculture or
• Other sustainability movements

Investing in environmentally sustainable businesses not only helps to reduce our carbon footprint, but it can also generate significant financial returns. Sustainable investments have shown to perform well in recent years, with many sustainable funds outperforming their traditional counterparts.

Our consumer choices and investments have a significant impact on the environment and our carbon footprint. Let’s make one decision right one step at a time by supporting those companies with the same goals as ours.

Speak Up

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and we all have a role to play in addressing this urgent issue. It’s time to take action and make a difference. Are you ready to join the fight?

We can start by speaking up and getting others involved. Let’s talk to our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family about climate change and the importance of taking action. By raising awareness and encouraging others to join us, we can build a stronger and more united voice for climate action.

It’s also crucial to support businesses that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Let’s show our support for bold changes and sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier planet.

But we can’t stop there. We need to appeal to our local and world leaders to take immediate action to address climate change. This is a task for all of us, and it concerns all of us. Let’s use our voices to call for policy changes and urge our elected officials to prioritize climate action.

We can’t do this alone, but together, we can make a significant impact on climate change. Let’s work together, support each other, and explore new ideas and initiatives to create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

Speaking up and getting others involved is one of the quickest and most effective ways to make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Let’s join forces, raise awareness, and show our support for sustainable practices. With a united effort, we can create a better future for ourselves and the planet. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s take action and make a difference today!