The earliest memory I have about being made aware of climate change dates back to elementary school. My teachers would stress the fact that recycling is so important; the three R's were emphasized: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
The statistical factors and the effects of climate change in a scientific manner are too complex for the brain of any five-year-old brain to fathom. Yet as I grew older and learned that the effects of climate change are not only withering the planet away but also affecting my own health (as well as my loved ones around me), I've researched to see how I can make a difference regardless of how small it may be.
Here are ten small things that you can implement in your day-to-day life to make a difference in climate change.
Save Energy
There's an abundance of easy ways to save energy that won't cost you much! These can include:
1) Washing your clothes in cold water saves energy, because it takes much more energy to render hot water.
2) Unplug your devices when not in use, such as phone chargers, toasters, coffee machines, or lamps.
3) Lower your thermostat by a few degrees! Not only will that lower your energy use, but also your energy bill.
4) Cut down on water usage when you are able. The less water you use, the more energy you can save.
Reduce Carbon Emissions
6) Public transportation for some can be hard to come by, based on regional areas. Yet when possible, try to walk or bike to somewhere that you typically commute to—or even carpool when possible.
7) Lower your carbon emissions by selecting slower shipping options when shopping online. Choosing the faster shipping option means more trips made by delivery trucks.
Double-Check Your Personal Products
8) Some chemical products that are found in personal care products, as well as cleaning supplies and even paint, contribute to air pollution. 25% of volatile organic compound emissions come from chemical products. Conduct some deeper research into your personal care products and see if there are potentially healthier alternatives for yourself and the environment.
Educate Yourself
9) Knowledge is power. Taking an online assessment to calculate where the majority of the carbon emissions you create come from is a great way to promote self-awareness, as well as find potential areas where you can save a few dollars. It could be transportation costs or saving a few hundred dollars on water and energy bills...you might be pleasantly surprised by the results.
10) Do research on how you can personally make a difference through voting. There are many local elections that you can take part in to make a difference. Local elections are often neglected, yet they have a larger impact on climate change politics.
Read more in this series:
Climate Change and Sustainability: Why Should You Care?
Hala Khabir, the Climate Change and Sustainability Editor for Wandering Educators, is a Biology major at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is passionate about the study of medicine as well as advocating for climate change awareness.