10 Easy Ways to Combat Climate Change

 10 Easy Ways to Combat Climate Change

Climate change is an issue that can seem overwhelming at times, but there are numerous easy ways to combat the worldwide threat. According to a Greenpeace report, major greenhouse gas pollution is being caused by inefficient buildings and the reliance on cars in urban areas. The following article will show you 10 simple steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and combat climate change.

There are many ways people can reduce their impact on climate change, including 10 easy things that the average person can do every day.  Reducing our reliance on coal and fuel emissions will help save money as well as help preserve nature for future generations.

1) Walk or Cycle Whenever Possible

One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by walking or cycling whenever possible. Although this seems like a simple task, it can actually go a long way in combating climate change.  It only takes 450g of CO2 to produce one kilometer driven in a car, but you can save up to 1 kg of CO2 by cycling instead.

Cycling and walking have many health benefits as well, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is something that can affect not only our own health but also future generations.

2) Plant a Tree

Another easy way to combat climate change is by planting a tree. Planting trees will not only help save the environment but planting trees is an easy way to improve your health. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, a single tree can absorb up to 10 pounds of CO2 in one year! So planting them is a great way to offset your environmental impact.

Trees protect biodiversity. They also offer shelter to animals, as well as preventing soil erosion and flooding.  About 80% of all species of plants and animals depend on the existence of forests to survive.  When we lose more forests, we risk losing entire species of plants and animals that cannot exist anywhere else.

3) Recycle and Reuse

Recycling and reusing are two of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Americans generate around 4.5 pounds of waste per day and only recycle and compost about a third of it. If we recycled and composted all of our waste just twice a week, we could reduce our carbon footprint by over 50 million metric tons! In addition to recycling, try to reuse items whenever possible. For example, you can use glass jars to store food or clothes instead of buying new containers.

Start with your morning ritual. Plastic toothbrushes are a huge contributor to waste. A  bamboo toothbrush can last for up to 3 months, and it’s biodegradable.

4) Reduce your Energy Consumption

One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by reducing your energy consumption.  It is estimated that American homes are responsible for 20% of the country's CO2 emissions, so lowering this number would be a great start.  Some easy ways to reduce your energy consumption include unplugging electronics when they are not in use, turning off the lights when you leave a room, and using a programmable thermostat.

Installing solar panels in your home is also a great alternative to reduce your energy consumption. In the long run, this could save you a lot of money on your energy bill. Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 years, so you would be making a wise investment.

5) Eat Less Meat

The meat industry contributes to global warming in a variety of ways. A great way to reduce your carbon footprint is by eating less meat. Livestock production is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing your meat consumption can have a big impact. Secondly, cows consume mostly maize and soy, which could be used to feed humans. By consuming less meat, we can free up some land that can then be used to produce crops for human consumption.

Eating less meat is also good for your health! Vegetarians and vegans typically have a lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. If you eat meat, try to make it local and organic. In addition to helping combat climate change, this will also help support your local economy. Try to eat less meat and opt for vegetarian or vegan meals instead.

6) Use Public Transportation

If possible, try using public transportation instead of driving a car. Americans use their cars for an average of 40 minutes per day, which can add up quickly. In addition to helping combat climate change, public transportation is also a great way to get exercise. This will not only offset your environmental impact but will improve your health as well!

7) Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs and Appliances

You can use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances to reduce your carbon footprint. It only takes two 60-watt light bulbs to produce the same amount of light as a single 100-watt bulb.  In addition, try washing your clothes in cold water whenever possible. In an average load of laundry, only 2% is dirt and 98% is water, so you can reduce your energy usage by half if you do this instead of using hot water.

8) Take shorter Showers

Taking shorter showers is another easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.  In the US, the average shower lasts 8 minutes and uses 17 gallons of water.  If you take shorter showers, you can reduce your water usage by half. Why not keep track of the time to see how long your showers are?

9) Line Dry your Clothes

This one is especially important for those in humid areas. Dryers use a lot of energy, so line drying your clothes is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, line drying your clothes will help them last longer! Americans use about 25% of their household energy to dry clothes, which can be reduced significantly by line drying your clothes instead of using a machine. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but also save yourself time and money!

10) Cut back on Heat or Air Conditioning

Try to cut back on your use of heat or air conditioning.  Heating and cooling your home accounts for about 50% of your monthly energy bill, so it's a great place to start when reducing your carbon footprint. Adjust the thermostat by a few degrees in the winter or summer, and see if you can live without using heat or air conditioning altogether some days of the week.

Combatting climate change doesn't have to be difficult. These 10 easy ways will help you get started on the path to reducing your carbon footprint. In addition to helping combat climate change, these tips will also help improve your health and save you money.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you know of any other easy ways to combat climate change, make sure to leave a comment. Remember that every bit helps when it comes to combating climate change, so try implementing as many of these tips as possible in your everyday.

What can you do to promote recycling in your community? You can start by sharing these tips with your friends and family