The world has never been such in a crisis. With the climate crisis ongoing and getting worst, the world is truly becoming a scary place to live now. Experts say that we only have 12 years to avert an irreversible catastrophe that will turn our Earth to an inhospitable place.
Already people are taking action themselves to prevent a catastrophe from taking place. Though the single actions of one person may not be enough, at least something is being done. From using metal straws to using public transport, here are the ways in which you can contribute in making the world a cleaner place.
1. Fly less, or pack less
Flying has become one of the most popular forms of transport today. However, the aviation industry contributes to 4% – 9% of climate change and that number is expected to triple by 2050. The radical may choose to not fly at all, however, there are things that can be done. If there are alternative forms of transport, such as by car, train or bus- take them. Airplanes use more fuel than those other transports, and that contributes significantly to warming the earth.
The second choice would be to pack less. When you’re packing for your journey, think whether you’re going to use all that stuff. The heavier the luggage is, the heavier the plane will be, which in turn will use up more fuel.
2. Use your own shopping bag
While supermarkets now are using biodegradable plastic bags for customers, these plastic bags can still harm the environment. We’ve seen pictures on how animals and marine life have suffered under the hands of plastics, with some even dying from it.
The best thing to do would to not use plastic bags at all. Instead keep them and reuse it whenever you can. Whenever you go shopping (particularly to the market, supermarket, etc), use a jute shopping bag. It saves lots of plastic bags from becoming trash. The best thing about using these shopping bags is you can throw them into a washing machine whenever they are dirty and they can be clean and reusable in no time.
3. Use metal straws
Plastic straws is slowly being banned companies, governments and organizations due to their deadly effects on the environment. While some restaurants are still providing straws, it’s best to phase them out and use metal straws.
Some businesses have even gone further from metal straws by using straws made from bamboo, grass and even paper.
4. Use public transport whenever you can
The considerable usage of private cars causes emissions, traffic jams which in turn pollutes the sky. If people were to collectively use public transport, the traffic jams and emissions would be less.
If public transport provides park and rides facilities, it’s best to utilize it. You’ll be driving as well as riding the train/bus. You’ll be supporting the operators who in turn fund and maintain it.
5. Bring your own devices (BYOD)
A picture on SS15’s bubble street has gone viral online and have caused people to do soul searching on the amount of waste created by bubble tea. Since then, people have been championing for people to bring their own bottles when ordering bubble tea. This is a good move because the waste is reduced, and the bottles can be used over and over again. The Alley, one of the popular bubble tea outlets have encouraged customers to bring their cups.
What are the things that you have done in making this world a cleaner place? Let us know in the comments!
Header Source: Adventure.com | No-Fly | Wisteria | Wikipedia
