23 Sep 2019

"People are suffering, people are dying, entire ecosystems are collapsing, we are in the beginning of a mass extinction"... Perhaps today you've seen Greta Thungberg's speech at the UN General Assembly bringing attention to the urgency for climate change action. For me, I felt helpless and defeated when hearing how brutal we've been to mother nature... but also, I felt inspired and ready to start doing my part. And I hope you did too. 

 

I know it can be really overwhelming and you might not quite know where and how to start making positive changes. So here are some things you can do to work towards reducing your carbon footprint. Give mother nature the big hug she deserves. We aren't helpless, we can make the change - let's just all start making more climate-conscious decisions.

1. Do you need to drive all the time???

I know I know, getting your license is gnarly, especially since you can go on Maccas runs whenever you like, but unfortunately, transport makes up 18% of all greenhouse gas pollution in Australia. It's so beneficial to opt for catching the bus or train instead, or even walking or riding your bike if you can to get around. I double dare you to go through the Maccas drive through on your bike lmao.

Public transport is much more sustainable when it comes to air pollution, congestion and cost as well! In an hour, a train line can move 50,000 people whereas a freeway lane can move 2500. If it's possible to get from point A to point B by just walking, go put your comfy shoes on, blast some bangers and with every step remember that you're doing a good deed for the environment. Good on ya.

2. Buy your clothes secondhand

The fast fashion industry is the worlds second-largest polluter, right behind the oil industry. 'Fast fashion’ is cheaply produced and priced garments that mirror the latest trends and get pumped quickly through stores in order to maximise on current trends, 85% of which ends up in a landfill. The world consumes 80 billion pieces of clothing each year... Jee whiz. The environmental detriment of the fashion industry is frazzling, not to mention the moral impact as a lot of fast fashion is produced in sweatshops with horrible, toxic conditions and extremely low pay.

Buying clothes secondhand whether that's online, at funky vintage shops, op shops or markets, is such a fantastic way to avoid contributing to the fast fashion industry. Look for sustainable clothing brands as well and research where your favourite brands make their clothes. Invest in items that may be more expensive but you know you'll get more use out of them. Lastly, always question when you're buying a clothing item...Will you actually wear it?!!

3. Eat a little less meat

Animal agriculture stresses out our land, water, oceans, rainforest, wildlife and humanity… I can't even begin to scrape the surface of how corrupt and environmentally detrimental the meat industry is on poor mother nature but the documentary 'Cowspiracy' will give you the hot goss on this topic.

Look, I’m not saying go completely vegan, but opting for a vego option every now and then, maybe even having a meatless Monday every week is such a nice way to help the environment. 

4. Reuse reuse reuse

At least a million plastic bottles are purchased every minute and it hurts me every time I see someone purchasing one. And don't even get me started on plastic straws...

Re-using your water bottle is so easy and saves you dosh too rather than buying plastic water bottles everywhere you go. These are just one of the many things you can bring with you everywhere to reduce your carbon footprint. Reusable coffee cups, grocery bags, food wrapping and lunch boxes are genius and a great way to reduce your waste.

5. Turn off your dang switches

This is such a simple task that becomes such a habit if you consciously think about it. Turn your switches off when you're not using them. Your light switches, your computers, your chargers... I hardly ever charge things overnight as it's just a waste and I've made a habit of charging my phone and laptop before I go to bed and in the morning. It's so easy and yet it makes a world of difference.

Oh and here are some quick extra tips to help the environment… Have shorter showers and turn the tap off whilst you brush your teeth. Use scrap paper. Use a clothesline rather than a dryer. Recycle, recycle and… did I say recycle? Try to buy things with less packaging... The list goes on and on. Heres a short quiz that works out, if everyone lived like you, how many earths we would need to survive. It will also help you to be more sustainable in areas you may not have considered! 

 

Being sustainable can be difficult. Sometimes you buy an iced coffee that is packaged in plastic, sometimes you can't afford the ethical option, sometimes you need to buy new clothes from fast fashion stores... You don't have to be perfect. But if we all made conscious decisions for our environment, mother nature and the human race would thriiiiive.

In the words of Greta Thunberg, "right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up, and change is coming".