By Maysam Najjar
Our climate is the most essential part of our existence and it not even in the top 5 things that people think about on the daily. Weather conditions in Sydney are only becoming more severe and erratic, and climate scientists have made it clear that this isn’t unrelated to our increasing climate pollution and resource consumption.
It is so essential that we protect and nurture the environment we live in.
“From more extreme weather to increasing food prices, to recreation and decreased opportunities to appreciate the natural world, people everywhere will feel its effects,” says the WWF.
Every contribution you can make to reducing emissions and waste is invaluable. We all have the capacity to enact lifestyle changes or make choices that benefit our planet, and the onus is on us to try.
Here are five ways you can reduce your individual carbon footprint.
1: Reduce food waste
Food waste not only wastes money, but also depletes energy, water and other resources used in the production of food. You can reduce your food waste by planning your meals, knowing your food usage, using shopping lists, planning portions, learning to store food correctly and using leftovers! Try to choose reusable and/or ecofriendly packing, utensils and kitchenware. Donations, charity and food recycling are another good way to manage food excess.
2: Reduce energy usage
We’ve all maybe left on a light for longer than we needed or had that really long shower that we feel guilty about, and while it’s important to reduce unnecessary consumption, you could also consider other ways that you’re using resources. Checking star ratings on appliances and choosing more energy-efficient options is a good way to start.
You could also explore alternative ways of insulating your space and ways of managing heating and cooling that don’t drain energy, like using blackout curtains, installing external shutters or shading if possible, or even adjusting the thermostat by one or two degrees.
Switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient electric appliances, washing your laundry with cold water or hanging things to dry instead of using a dryer are other environmentally conscious adjustments you could make.
3: Walk, cycle or take public transport
Living car-free can reduce your carbon footprint by up to two tonnes of CO2e per year compared to a lifestyle using a car.
Our roads are filled with cars, trucks and other vehicles that emit air pollution and greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. They also deplete resources during production, recycling and disposal, and that’s not to mention the large costs of fuel consumption associated with cars and other automobiles.
Walk to closer locations, take the train or a bus for longer trips and carpool wherever possible.
4: Consume mindfully and ethically
Be mindful of the choices you make around your consumption of goods and services. Consider whether there is any consumption that is excessive or wasteful and choose people and brands that prioritise responsible resource usage and are committed to cutting waste and emissions.
Supporting businesses that are environmentally sustainable is essential to curb the excess consumption and resource wastage that occurs with increasing consumerism and fast-paced trend cycling.
5: Speak up and advocate
It is essential to take the time to educate yourself about climate change action and stay up to date with the latest news and resources. You have the capacity to encourage others to act and contribute to positive and meaningful change within your community.
Speak about it wherever possible. Support your local business and organisations and empower them to make sustainable choices. Connect with your local council and see if there are any initiatives or causes you can take part in. Encourage conversation about environmental sustainability and don’t stop talking about it.
Each individual choice, decision and action can make a difference, it’s just important that you try.
Featured image: Taken during a lovely walk beside Parramatta Lake. Photo: Maysam Najjar
