Сlimate change doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. Especially youngsters who worry about their future and the future of their children on this planet. According to a survey, people of 16–25 years of age feel anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions when thinking about deforestation, ablation, or other consequences of our rash actions. Fortunately, youngsters are ready to take action and to change the situation. Below we will discuss simple steps that will make your daily life more conscious and eco-friendly.
1. Use renewable energy
There are many sources of renewable energy: sun, wind, earth heat, plant biomasses, flowing water, and others. They can all reduce the harms of climate change and potentially stop it. However, as a youngster, you might find it difficult or expensive to purchase and install panels or other devices. Instead, pick a utility company wisely. It should generate at least 50 per cent of the power from renewable sources and hold a Green-e Energy certificate.
2. Cut down water waste
The statistics are impressive: if only one out of 100 Americans use water-efficient devices, this would lead to 80,000 tons of pollution reduction or save 100 million kWh a year! Climate crisis can be slowed down if you just take showers wisely and turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
It takes tons of energy to heat and manage water, so when you use it less, you automatically lower carbon pollution. This simple step is all you need to change your routine drastically.
3. Eat the food that you buy
Сlimate change effects are visible with the naked eye. But many people think that they can’t do a thing about it. In reality, small daily steps can make a difference. For example, planning your grocery shopping wisely and consuming everything that you purchase can save lots of resources wasted on production, transportation, and utilization. According to statistics, around 40 per cent of our food ends up in the dump, and we are all to blame. Consume wisely, reduce meat consumption, and the planet will be thankful.
4. Purchase energy-efficient devices
Modern devices are not only high-tech and good-looking. They also help the environment and keep billions of tons of carbon dioxide away. Thanks to the efficiency standards and active tech participation, we have access to washing machines, stoves, refrigerators, and other devices that are friendly to the environment. Before buying them, search for the Energy Star sign.
5. Choose gas-smart cars
If you are planning to buy a car, consider doing it in a more eco-friendly way. Pick fully electric cars or at least hybrids, and you will save not only the ecology but also your money. Global movements have created a great shift towards electric vehicles, and there are more than 10 million electric and 17 million hybrid cars at the moment. The most popular electric and hybrid vehicles are Toyota Corolla, Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius, Honda Clarity, Ford Fusion Energi, and Hyundai Ioniq.
6. Educate others and share relevant information
It is difficult to underestimate the importance of educating others on the topics of climate change. You can tell your parents and siblings over dinner, discuss questions in class or at work. And if you are shy about one-on-one communication, spread the word on social media. This way, you’ll feel more comfortable and can reach a broader audience.
Make sure that the content you share is relevant and interesting. The best way to engage a person is to use pictures and videos with touching stories and powerful special effects. To implement the latter, you don’t need to be a professional in video editing. You can use a simple and free video editor — the main thing is that your message will reach millions.
7. Vote and be active
Another way to fight climate change is to help eco-activists get into the office. During the elections, choose politicians and parties that want to protect the environment and have a working plan of action. Unfortunately, many politicians are paid by corporations and lobby anti-ecology laws just to keep the profits. Knowing whom to vote for helps pass the right laws and fight against huge corporations that are in charge of climate change.
8. Recycle
Recycling gives a second life to the things that we were going to throw into the trash. It eliminates waste and reduces greenhouse gases. It allows producing new items and even heating our apartments without the need to spend resources on brand-new elements. And the best thing is that you can take action right now. Collect and sort paper, plastic, glass, and electronic devices, and then bring them to recycling centres. What can be simpler?
9. Consume less
We shouldn’t take weather and climate for granted because every decision that we make impacts them. One of the simplest ways to save the ecology and improve our lives is to make smart choices and reduce consumption of the things that you don’t really need. Instead of buying a new bag or ordering your third coffee in a plastic cup, spend time outdoors, fix things, communicate, compost, and share.
10. Engage local communities
Every person matters. Regardless of your background, education, skills and age, you can become a part of the local ecology movement. There are groups that gather to clear the garbage, educate pupils, or simply discuss what can be done. You can meet like-minded youths on a course at a local college or organize an event on your own. There is no need to change the world as long as you can do something for the planet locally.
Final thoughts
It is a well-known fact that young climate leaders are not made overnight. You need to gain knowledge, communicate and use the steps offered above. above all, don’t be afraid to step out and lead others. If the burden seems bearable, go for it! But if you’re not ready, that’s ok too. Do it one step at a time, and your contribution will make a difference.
