01 Mar 2020

As Australia burnt around us this summer, feelings of climate anxiety and angst permeated throughout the nation. We had never seen bushfires at such an gargantuan scale, and they left merciless ripples throughout towns and communities. 

It’s easy to let climate anxiety get the better of us. And as young people, it’s even easier to feel a little bit helpless in situations of disaster because almost everything leads to how much money can be raised. But finding ways to be more environmentally conscious can help you make concrete action in fighting against climate change whilst alleviating feelings of grief and worry. 

Here are just a few of the ways you can pitch in.

 

1. Reduce waste

One of the easiest places to start is with your waste. Try and keep track of how much waste you contribute to in a day and the results will shock you. Use more containers, eat fresher foods, and avoid single use plastic.

2. Travel smarter

Something that may shock you is that flying has a real effect on the world's climate. The Guardian claims that aviation in the UK accounts to 13-15% of all greenhouse gas emissions. If you can avoid a plane, do so. I know Australia is an island and sometimes to see the world, we don't have much other of a choice, but if you’re travelling around Australia, a nice country train ride could be nicer anyway. On a smaller scale, prioritise public transport and bike riding over private car rides.

3. Save water

Saving water is an extremely simple way to start prioritising fighting climate change. Turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth, only wash your clothes in big loads and when you need to. If you’ve got that little someone-someone in your life and you want to save the world together, do little things like showering together! You’ll be able to get jiggy with it whilst also saving the world! Simple! 

4. Keep Cups

My Keep-Cup changed my life, no exaggeration. It’s such a simple and chic way to drink your coffee and you’re not contributing to the waste of coffee cups. (side note: i’ve lost my pink and green one and I loved it more than my family so if you’ve found it PLEASE dm me! xx)

5. Shop Secondhand

Vintage shopping is very in right now, and for good reason. The fashion industry accounts for 10% of the world's carbon emissions so there isn’t really any good enough reason for you to be buying new clothes in excess. Plus, second hand clothes look nicer! You’d be dumb to choose a Kookai dress over a dress with a story to tell. Alternatively, invest in something that will last you years rather than weeks.

6. Try a vegetarian-adjacent lifestyle

Not ready to completely commit to going vego? Try making rules for yourself, like having one or two meat free days a week, or try being fiscally vegetarian, where you avoid paying for meat. These little things will make meat a less essential part of your diet and will help in the fight against what is an extremely toxic industry.

7. Recycle your electronics

Think about how often you’ve replaced your smartphone or laptop in the last two to three years. Chances are, it’s more often than you’d expect. E-waste is becoming a huge problem. And most of our old smartphones and laptops end up in landfill. This causes serious environmental problems because most e-waste contains toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury and arsenic that pollute our soil and water. If you’ve got a box full of old iPhones or laptops, take them to either Apple or Officeworks- they’ll take it off your hands and recycle it the right way (you may even get some cash for your old treasures too).

The world might be burning and crumbling around us and I know, that doesn’t feel great, but there’s ways we can help. Sometimes the simple changes are the most important.