How we can reduce our impact on the planet
- Anna at Holistic Life Delaware LLC
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
We’ve all heard of climate change and how greenhouse gases are contributing to global warming. The very nature of this world’s economy is producing an acceleration of this phenomena. This fast-paced economy comes at a cost. It leaves us with the potential of extreme temperatures and weather events forcing people to migrate elsewhere due to the lack of food and clean water.
You might be thinking “Well I’m just one person. This issue is bigger than just me”. And yes, that is true, but just think if each person on the planet made only one change, what a difference it could make.
Let’s look at some ways we can individually help give back to this amazing planet as well as benefit ourselves in the process:
Ways to reduce our impact on the planet
Choosing a vegan diet – Based on a study published in the journal Science in 2019, reducing or eliminating meat and dairy consumption has the biggest impact on the planet. In addition to greenhouse gases, the depletion of the soil nutrients and reduction in available clean water are impacted by the increase of cattle raised on deforested land. 1
Simply adding vegan days can have a huge impact. The difference in greenhouse gases as measured by person, per year in kilometers is 281 km for vegan diets versus 4377 km for diets with meat and dairy. Not only can you help the planet; you can benefit by consuming a healthier diet.
Reduce, Reuse Recycle – Keeping waste out of landfills by donating clothing, recycling electronics, batteries, glass and plastic bottles. Recycling can also save energy, trees, water and minerals. 2
Composting – Adding food scraps back into the soil helps rebuild the nutrients, reducing the need for pesticides, helps conserve water and helps reduce soil erosion. 2
Energy efficient appliances – Choosing “Energy Star certified products” can help reduce the amount of electricity used. Look at energy efficient heating & cooling, using a smart thermostat, adding insulation to the attic, investing in energy efficient windows using low-emissivity to reduce UV sun damage on floors and furniture. 2
Green products – Choosing cleaning, dishwasher and laundry products free of toxic chemicals means being exposed to less chemicals as well as fewer going down the drain and back into the water supply. 2
Use less water – Less than 1 percent of the water on the planet is available for human consumption. 2 According to the Water Research Foundation: 3
· 24% of household water is flushed down the toilet. Next time you replace your toilets, look at toilets that give you the option to flush 1 and 1½ gallons.
· 20% of water is used in the shower. Look at limiting the time spent in the shower.
· 19% of water is used at the faucet. Turning off the water when brushing your teeth can help save water.
Transportation – Electric and hybrid cars can help lower or eliminate emissions of CO2. 2 Using public transportation, carpooling, riding a bike or limiting errands run during the week can also help.
BYOB – Bring your own reusable canvas bag for groceries. Less bags needed means fewer bags produced and ending up in trash. 4
Reducing trash – Use cloth napkins over paper to reduce the amount of trash. 4
Switch to bamboo – Trees take in CO2 and release oxygen into the air. Save our trees by choosing bamboo paper products. (Toilet paper, tissues, napkins etc.)
Turn off the lights – Unplugging unused electronics and turning off lights when you leave a room can save on energy. Also replacing incandescent bulbs with energy efficient CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) can help lower energy. 4
Ditch the aluminum foil – The production of aluminum products releases perfluorocarbons which can last up to 50,000 years in the atmosphere. Look at using parchment paper or silicone pads instead of aluminum foil. Use personal care products that are aluminum free. You’ll see some health benefits as well.
In summary:
Incorporating even a few of these changes can help reduce the greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere. Implementing changes may seem small but when we can come together and all make some simple changes, the planet and our future children can benefit.
Resources:
3. Source: Water Research Foundation, Residential End uses of water, Version 2. 2016
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