5 Steps Towards a Greener Future

Climate Change is a reality that must be accepted despite the naysayers. Experts have recently warned that unless we (and yes, I mean everyone) make dramatic changes in the upcoming decade, the phenomenon will turn into a multidimensional catastrophe (Worland, 2018).

Unfortunately, as individual citizens we have grown used to the idea that our governments, business leaders and science will eventually find a way out. Though their input is important, the idea that the change is in the hands of everyone else but our own is delusional. As the people who will have to live with Climate Change, we are also in a position to make change happen.

Though the task seems daunting, there are a few steps (5, to be exact) we can take to help our planet move towards a greener future.

1. Less meat or go bust. Scientists say that going vegan could very well save us from Climate Change. Reducing the amount of meat we consume by 50% and complementing that with more fruits, nuts and vegetables is a way to go; however, this is not exactly realistic. The best step to take is to reduce intake. In the UK, this is called being a flexitarian or a reducitarian, (Wolfson, 2019). As a flexitarian, you get to consume meat but in smaller doses, and in exchange you consume more fruits in vegetables. This will not only help you actively address issues regarding your health, but will also engage you in a seamless way with other important topics such as animal cruelty.

2. Paper, no plastic. Ecology Center (2019) says that plastics are increasingly littering our oceans, waterways, and cities with a broad variety of chemicals that experts are not required to disclose. It is high time to reduce plastic. One good way to go about eliminating it out of our lives is to opt for the biodegradable packaging such as paper. Having eliminated all the bags, go for other items such as plastic cutlery, straws and so on. Eventually, you will develop the habit of consuming less and less plastic.

3. Sorry Nestle, no palm oil for me. Palm oil has silently found its way into virtually all our food. It is multi-billion dollar business that has shown no remorse into what it is doing. Long-story short, Palm Oil needs land in the rainforest to grow. This means rainforests must be chopped down, releasing tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere and destroying the habitat of endangered species such as the orangutan. Greenpeace argues that almost an area equivalent to 300 football fields of forest land is cleared every hour to make way for palm oil. So what can one do? Easy, stop consuming products with palm oil. Choose products that contain clearly labeled oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, etc.

4. Walk more. In the day and age of Uber, Cabity and all sorts of transportation apps, having your own car is a bit pointless. Though once considered a sign of success, to have your own vehicle has become a thing of the past. It does not provide status and it won’t change anything else in your life except the way you move around. Using public transport, walking more, going to work on a bike, or simple car-sharing with a buddy or through an app is more efficient, less stressful and less expensive. True, some cities do not have enough infrastructures to provide with sufficient (and safe) means of transport but they have cars and you are more than likely to know someone who owns one. Find a way and share the cost.

5. Shop less. Shopping is fun and you definitely deserve a little pampering. The problem is: how much pampering do you need. A quick trip down to the mall will show you everything you don’t have and should though it won’t show you what you need. Our needs change, but they don’t tend to change that much. The best way to do this is to plan what you are going to buy and go for the option with the highest quality. Minimalism will tell you that the less you own, the more peace you will find. Though some may say otherwise, all can agree that shopping for the best product that will last for more than 5 years if not a lifetime is a smart investment. Low-cost living is at the end of the day a cheap treat for a short time. You can do better.