At the beginning of October, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that the Earth’s climate will reach a dangerous increase. The proposed year when we hit the point of no return is 2030. Being only 12 years away, this is an issue that impacts everyone, not simply future generations. It truly raises the question, “If not now, when?” Here are some habits you can get into to do your part in decreasing your ecological footprint and contribute to the change we all need to make for our planet.
1. Recycle
This one is the most obvious, and it’s been repeated to me constantly for as long as I can remember. It’s also the easiest way to contribute, since everywhere you go there are at least two separate bins for litter and plastics. At home we’re encouraged to at least separate garbage, paper and boxboard products, and plastic/metal/glass containers. Another super easy and rewarding method of recycling is composting, which prevents your food scraps and waste from taking up space in a landfill and creating methane – a major greenhouse gas – and creates valuable soil for your garden or houseplants!
2. Minimize Litter
Remember in elementary school when they had Litterless Lunch days? Well, just pretend that everyday is a litterless lunch day! By investing in durable containers for your lunch, a reusable straw for your purse, and reusable bags for shopping you not only save all of that garbage from making its way to landfills, but you’re saving so much money on boxes of plastic sandwich baggies and 5¢ – 10¢ per plastic bag at the store. Also, the biggest and most popular one of them all: reusable water bottles. They are super convenient to have and I am honestly lost on campus without mine! But keep in mind, there’s more strategies that can be helpful than just not using a straw. Hygiene products create a big footprint from toothbrushes to disposable razors, and even shampoo bottles! Bamboo toothbrushes like these from Sand Cloud are available at most local superstores, like Walmart, or all over the internet! (Fun fact: a percentage of your purchase from Sand Cloud goes towards organizations preserving marine life!) Another cool find include shampoo bars from Lush that don’t have a container and last as long as 2-3 bottles of shampoo.
3. Minimize Food Waste
According to the Canadian government, “Not only does food loss and waste represent a waste of the natural resources that go into producing food that is never eaten; but as it decomposes in landfills, food waste creates methane” which, as stated before, is a powerful greenhouse gas that is one of the major causes of our warming planet. Minimizing food waste is as simple as reducing your purchase to things that you need, freezing your meats, donating non-perishable foods you won’t consume, and composting your scraps!
4. Reduce Meat and Dairy Intake
You’ve seen it everywhere as “the hot new trend”. Veganism doesn’t just have impact on Instagram but significant environmental impacts as well! I’m not pushing a vegan agenda, since I myself am not vegan, but reducing your red meat and dairy consumption not only reduces extreme feed and water use, but transportation emissions as well. Admittedly, this will be the change I’ll struggle the most with. But finding dairy and meat free options or substitutions are so beneficial that it’s a change you can’t ignore.
This is an all veggie shepherd’s pie with ground mushrooms as a meat substitute.
5. Limit Water Use
Shorter and less frequent showers, flushing only for waste and not excess garbage, and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or your face are just a few easy habits for your everyday bathroom routine. Additionally, many dishwashing machines have an eco-mode, and washing our clothes in cold water makes them brighter and saves energy, and ditching the dryer and opting to use a clothesline in the summer makes them smell that much fresher.
6. Go Paperless
My favourite part of Laurier Brantford is how almost every class is virtually paperless, but there are more steps you can take in your everyday life! Opting to get banking statements online, or filling out government forms and submit them online are a few options for going paperless. Even my dentist sends me a reminder email instead of a letter in the mail like they used to. Our society is becoming more digital and this is a great thing. When you do need paper, use recycled paper. At holidays or birthdays use recyclable brown paper that you can customize for a super cute, personalized look!
7. Get Thrifty
Another cool way to recycle and reduce the environmental influence of the fashion industry (think growing materials, factories, etc.) is to go thrift shopping or do a clothing swap with your friends! You’d be surprised at the great finds for super cheap, and it feels a lot like treasure hunting. The best part is you know that piece is unique to you.
8. Buy Local
We are so fortunate to live in Ontario, especially in the summer! Buying local from farmers markets not only lowers transportation emissions and supports Ontario farmers, but it simply just tastes better – at least to me! Having locally grown food might inspire you to participate in another fun, green activity: growing a garden in your own backyard! Depending on the greenness of your thumb, you can grow anything from tomatoes and cucumbers to pumpkins!
9. Have Conversations
Talk to your friends, your family, your colleagues and your peers about the environmentally conscious efforts you’re making. Normalize the conversation and the efforts being made. Don’t lecture, but converse. If we make it a known change instead of a radical movement, more people will be likely to change their habits as well. You can’t go wrong by trying to create a better world, and this issue is everyone’s issue!
10. Vote for Candidates Who Are Environmentally Conscious
Something to remember as that while you can do all of these things for our planet, the real root of the climate change problem stems from corporations exploiting resources and pushing for ignorance to keep their pockets growing. A few years ago, I heard David Suzuki speak on upcoming elections and our roles as young voters. He said something along the lines of how he wished there wasn’t the need for a Green Party, but instead that environmental issues were every candidate’s concern. This idea has stuck with me ever since because it’s honestly so true. Voting for a candidate that is concerned about climate change will help give power to those who can create influential laws restricting companies to ecological guidelines, and putting a true plan into action.
Hopefully you can incorporate some of these strategies into your daily life to reduce your own ecological footprint! Stay green, Golden Hawks!