What can I do about climate change is a question a lot people ask themselves.
Well, the United Nations has a list of 10 things you can do about climate change.
Here they are summarized below. Add your ideas to the comments.
Reduce Energy Usage at Home
Cutting down on your energy usage at home can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. You can achieve this by using LED light bulbs, energy-efficient appliances, and washing clothes with cold water.
Additionally, consider insulating your home and replacing your fossil fuel-powered furnace with an electric heat pump to reduce CO2e emissions by up to 900 kilograms per year.
Minimize Driving
Choosing alternative modes of transportation such as walking, biking, or public transportation instead of driving can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Read: Bicycle is the slow death of the planet.
Carpooling is also a great option. A car-free lifestyle can help you reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2 tons of CO2e per year. Commute by ebike.
Embrace Plant-Based Eating
Plant-based foods require fewer resources and energy to produce than meat and dairy. By eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds and less meat and dairy, you can significantly lower your environmental impact.
Transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan diet can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 900 kilograms or 500 kilograms of CO2e per year, respectively. Read more about the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Reduce Air Travel
Flying is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Consider virtual meetings or taking a train instead of flying. Even skipping one long-distance return flight can reduce your carbon footprint by almost 2 tons of CO2e.
Limit Food Waste
Throwing away food not only wastes resources but also produces methane gas in landfills. Reduce food waste by composting leftovers and using what you buy. Cutting your food waste can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 300 kilograms of CO2e per year. Below is one compost machine alternative to Lomi and FoodCycler.
Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle
Buying fewer things, shopping second-hand, repairing items, and recycling can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Every kilogram of textiles produced generates about 17 kilograms of CO2e. Opting for these sustainable practices can reduce waste and emissions.
Use Renewable Energy
Ask your utility company about switching to renewable sources such as wind or solar. Alternatively, consider installing solar panels on your roof. Switching to renewable energy can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 1.5 tons of CO2e per year.
Switch to Electric Vehicles
Electric cars produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas or diesel-powered vehicles. Switching from a gasoline or diesel-powered car to an electric vehicle can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2 tons of CO2e per year. Hybrid cars can also save up to 700 kilograms of CO2e per year.
Choose Environmentally Sustainable Products
Choose products from companies that use renewable resources and are committed to reducing gas emissions and waste. If you have invested money, ensure that it is supporting environmentally sustainable businesses.
Gaia Guy is a great online zero waste shop to help you out in this regard.
Advocate for Climate Action
Speak up and encourage others to join in taking action. This is one of the most effective ways to make a difference. Talk to your colleagues, friends, and family, and appeal to local and world leaders to act now. Climate action is everyone's responsibility, and collective action is key to achieving a sustainable future.
Need another 8 ideas check out UC Davis and their blog post about 18 things you can do about climate change.