Climate change is happening and it’s a bit scary. Non-renewable energy is losing its appeal and more people are waking up to the reality that eco-conscious living is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
In the face of all this, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and start scrambling for solutions and ways to make an impact. Fortunately, all it takes is starting with one simple step that will lead you to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Our planet is precious and it’s crucial that we protect it. So In honor of the upcoming Earth Day, here are six simple reminders of how you can live a healthier, more sustainable way of life.
`1. Invest in sustainable beauty & fashion
Fast fashion brands like Zara, Shein, and Temu are so popular because they’re cheap and easy to order from. The ugly underside of these brands are a mess of microplastics, air and water pollution from the clothing factories, and workers making unlivable wages.
Similarly, the cosmetic industry is responsible for heavy wastage and contamination of natural habitats from the disposal of toxic ingredients like formaldehyde and phthalates.
What you can do: Consider switching to sustainable clothing made from organic cotton or recycled materials and take the time to research ingredients in your favorite beauty products. Also, invest in clean, organic beauty brands with clear, easy-to-understand labeling and sustainability certifications (ex: ECOLOGO or Leaping Bunny).
2. Learn to conserve water
A typical American household uses more than 300 gallons of water daily.
With the rise of droughts and a growing world population that will only need more water in the coming years, it is CRUCIAL for you to make smart decisions about your water usage.
What you can do: Learn to save water by reducing your shower time and being mindful about turning the tap off when it’s not in use, like when you’re brushing your teeth. Also, consider investing in plants native to your area plants for your garden or home! Plants meant to live where you live typically use less water and strengthen your local environment.
3. Travel sustainably
Did you know that emissions from the transportation sector make up about 28% of total U.S greenhouse gas emissions? So all the cars and trucks and planes are really not helping this climate situation!
What you can do: To be more sustainable and reduce your carbon footprint, start driving less and instead use public transportation or bike sharing as much as possible. Also, walk wherever you can. It’s good for your health AND the environment!
4. Rethink your AI usage!
Yes, AI is the best thing since sliced bread but did you know that running AI models requires massive amounts of electricity?
According to a study from the University of Massachusetts, training one AI model can emit a whopping 626,000 pounds of carbon dioxide or the equivalent emissions of five average cars.
As demand keeps growing for AI capacity, more energy is needed to support the data centers that run these models. This will only lead to more carbon emissions.
What you can do: While the benefits of AI are undeniable, you shouldn’t immediately run to it for every answer that you need. Put your brain to good use and don’t let your own creativity and problem-solving skills go to waste!
5. Go solar!
Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.
These gases trap too much of the sun’s heat within our atmosphere and exacerbate climate change and are detrimental to the thriving of wildlife and their ecosystems.
The solution? Going solar!
What you can do: Switching to solar energy gives you ownership over your energy production and in the long term, helps you save money AND the planet. It also helps you become less reliant on non-renewable grid energy.
If rooftop solar is not an option for you, community solar is the next best thing. Subscribing to a solar farm gives you access to solar energy and bill credits that help you save thousands of dollars in electricity over the lifetime of a solar project.
6. Be mindful of your waste
Almost 40% of the food grown in America is thrown away.
Landfills are overwhelmed with all sorts of waste from households and manufacturing plants. As these remains accumulate and decompose in a squished, oxygen-deficient environment, they release methane into our atmosphere. Methane isn’t the most abundant greenhouse gas, but it does make the largest negative impact out of the bunch.
What you can do: Reduce, reuse, recycle!
Learn to make from compost leftover paper, vegetables, fruits, and egg shells to use for your garden. Also, get in the habit of recycling and reusing as much as possible as this helps alleviate the waste burden put on landfills.
Sustainable living is a lot simpler than you realize. You just need to make small, eco-conscious decisions every single day. If you want more information on how going solar can help with your sustainability journey, reach out to us and our team will gladly answer any questions that you may have.
Learn how you can help by joining the movement
Written By Alfreda Adote | Edited By Lauren McGregor