With the number of news articles all over the internet about climate change and how it is affecting our earth, it is easy to feel as though you can’t make a difference at all. However, this is not true. As an individual, you hold a substantial amount of power. Here are some lifestyle changes that you can make, big and small, to do your share in saving the environment. 

1. Reduce Your Consumption of Red Meat

Livestock accounts for almost 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The methane that is produced in raising ruminant animals such as cows and sheep is about 25 times more potent to the atmosphere than CO2 is. But for many people, reducing meat consumption is not as simple as it sounds. Meat and meat by-products are a large part of people’s lives, and it is not easy to avoid them. Yet you don’t have to become vegan or vegetarian to cut down: If you eat meat more than once a day, just by choosing to have meat for only one meal every day, you are making a difference.

2. Consciously Reduce Your Use of Plastic

Plastic does not decompose. Therefore, every single piece of plastic that has ever been produced since 1869, when it was first created, still exists. As a result of this horrifying fact, many scientists believe that by 2050, there will be more plastic waste in our oceans than fish. Avoiding single-use plastics is essential when making a change. Stop using plastic water bottles and buy a reusable one. Bring a reusable shopping bag with you instead of using single-use plastic bags. By consciously producing less plastic waste in our day-to-day lives, we can make a difference.

3.Rethink Transportation

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, cars and trucks account for nearly one-fifth of all emissions in the US. By taking public transportation such as trains or buses, or by taking your bike instead of a car, you are reducing your CO2 emissions. With this small choice, you are having less impact on the environment.

4. Reduce Food Waste

By carefully thinking about the food that you purchase and the expiry dates that are plastered on them, not only are you saving money, you are also helping reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. Food waste that ends up in landfills produces large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. There is nothing positive about wasting food, so why are people still doing it?

Our generation and the generations to come will inhabit this earth for a long time. We must take action and make small changes in our lives that will help save the environment in the long run. Although conveniences like reusable plastics are beneficial in the moment, when long-term impacts are understood, every little effort counts. Let’s do what we can to sustain this magnificent planet for the generations to come. We only have one earth.