Climate change is set to dramatically alter life across the planet. The world is predicted to warm by 3.2 degrees this century even if all of the current international carbon-cutting policies were delivered. This will result in unprecedented heatwaves, terrifying storms, and widespread water shortages. Governments across the world will need to go beyond their current pledges and introduce more significant carbon-cutting measures. But we’ll need to change our lifestyles to support this. Read on to find out how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Unplugging unused electrical items
If you’re not using an electrical item, it might switch off onto standby mode. However, they might still be consuming electricity in this state. For instance, a smart TV on standby mode will be using a little electricity to prime itself to be quickly switched on when commanded. As such, you can save energy by unplugging unused electrical items or by switching them off at the mains. Over a year, this will add up and will help you reduce your carbon consumption.
Buying fairtrade items
When you’re buying food, it can be difficult to know which products are best for the environment. There are many factors involved in the carbon production of food sources from distance travelled to the energy used to grow the food. But by buying fair trade items, you can be sure that you’re being eco-friendly. To sell fairtrade products, farmers have to commit to eco-friendly practices such as protecting biodiversity and lowering their energy use. By supporting these products you can lower your carbon consumption too.
Driving less
By changing your driving habits you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Short journeys add up over a year and release a significant amount of carbon into the atmosphere. By pivoting to walking and cycling, you can lower your consumption. Meanwhile, by purchasing a used electric car you can lower your carbon production when you really have to use your car for a journey.
Reuse items
The production of any item usually produces carbon – be it clothes, footwear or toys. Rather than constantly buying new products though, you can save energy and resources by reusing and maintaining your possessions over a long period of time.
Switching to an eco-friendly lifestyle is hard. But by following any of the tips above, you can take the first step toward lowering your carbon consumption.
