The environmental challenges our earth faces today can be overwhelming.
It’s easy to assume that an average person like you and me can’t improve the situation.
That is where we’re wrong. No matter how young or old you are, the smallest action can have a lasting impact.
We are the cause of climate change. Let us be part of the solution too.
1. Green your commute
The amount of cars in Malaysia is accumulating faster than the population.
In 2014, Malaysia came third in the world for Highest Rate Of Car Ownership ‘Award’.
That’s not something to be proud of.
You can reduce transportation emissions by cycling or walking.
Walking for just one mile a day is equivalent to planting four trees and letting them grow for 10 years!
Carpooling and commuting with public transport are also an option if the weather is unbearable to walk.
These sustainable transportation will make you healthier, happier and save you some cash.
2. Recycle Wisely
Some things you should never throw in the recycling bin:
You might think that you’re helping the environment by disposing everything in the recycling bin.
However, it is a misconception that all glass, plastics, paper and metal can be recycled.
Your good intentions might be doing more harm than good to the environment.
3 facts you may not know about recycling:
Excess food waste can contaminate other rubbish in the truck and render them non-recyclable. Make sure to wash out food remnants before recycling them.
Plastic bags that clog the recycling machinery can cost over $10,000 to replace.
Most coffee cups have a thin layer of plastic inside, making it impossible to recycle unless each plastic is removed by hand.
3. Use Reusable Cup
If you’re a huge fan for takeaway coffee but not a huge fan of killing our planet, it’s time to invest in a reusable cup.
You can use a reusable cup thousands of times, but you can only use a takeaway cup once.
You’re helping the environment by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the landfills, destroying ocean and oceans.
Not only that, you’ll always have hot coffee to drink anytime of day as reusable cups are insulated.
You also don’t have to worry about your coffee spilling with proper sealed covers. The best part is, most cafes provide discount for using your own cup!
4. Use Reusable Bags
Believe it or not, we use more than 1 trillion plastic bags every year.
Have you ever wondered what happened to your plastic bags after you’ve thrown it away?
Your plastic bags have either ended up at the landfill or the ocean.
It is likely that your plastic bags have been carried by the wind at the landfill and blown into a river, making its way to the ocean.
Sea creatures often mistake plastic bags for food and feed on them, leading to suffocation and unnecessary deaths.
It might take over 1000 years for plastic to fully degrade. Your plastic bag will still be floating in the ocean and killing sea life (if we’re lucky enough to have any by then).
As you know, a single plastic bag can bring death to many animals. If you want to save the animals from extinction, invest in a reusable bag.
Your small action can help reduce unnecessary waste and give animals and future generations a sustainable home to live in.
5. Change to a Low-Carbon Diet
You can save our planet simply by changing what’s on your plate.
Did you know you can reduce greenhouse gases by changing to a low-carbon diet? Not only will a low-carbon diet help our earth, but also improve your health.
A small, but significant change you can make is to avoid processed food as much as possible.
Not only does processed food damage your health, but also slowly destroys Earth with greenhouse gases.
Eating organic food is a smarter choice for your body and environment.
Organic food emit less carbon dioxide than industrial farms as organic farms contain more carbon in the soil.
Buying local food can also save greenhouse gases released from transportation.
Livestock produce far more greenhouse gas emissions than plant foods.
You can reduce global emissions by making vegetables and fruits a bigger part of your diet and consuming less meat.
By doing so, you’re contributing towards a healthier planet.
6. Plant a Tree
Trees are our secret weapon to fight against climate change. By planting a single tree, you’re providing oxygen for four people to breath fresh air.
They absorb carbon dioxide and harmful gases emitted by our factories and vehicles, before it gets trapped in the upper atmosphere.
Planting trees can beautify your community as well as save energy on air conditioning.
Just by planting trees around your house, you can lower your air conditioning cost by 50%.
They act as a natural air conditioner, cleaning and cooling your surroundings, and at the same time shielding you from harmful ultraviolet rays.
A simple act of planting a tree can extend time to save our dying earth.
7. Spread The Word
Tell your friends and family about climate change. Let them know how you’re contributing to combat that biggest environmental threat faced today.
Your actions will encourage people around you to work towards a healthier planet.
No matter how young you are, your voice has the power to save the earth.
The slightest changes in your lifestyle can have a huge impact on humanity’s future.
By practising these sustainable actions while influencing others to do the same, you are contributing to a healthier planet!
Your actions are needed to combat climate change.
Can you think of other things to do? Share your ideas with us.
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