4 STEPS TO AN ECO-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE

The way I see it, we live on this beautiful planet for free, so we should be doing everything we can to sustain it. If we want to enjoy the natural fruits and veggies, the sunrises and sunsets, the mountains and oceans; looking after this planet is the least we can do. Climate change and its negative effects has been of great concern over the last years and when you start to understand what is going on, it can be a bit overwhelming. In today’s age, we all need to get involved in positive action, as climate change is global, influencing all of us. So, if you’re feeling a bit clueless but want to help, here’s a beginners guide to being more eco-friendly!

1. LEARN

In order to make a change it is essential you open yourself up to the facts of what is happening to our planet. We must be educated in order to see and make a positive impact. Let’s be real, the current global status is a total catastrophe which, will ultimately affect us, our children and grandchildren. But we are the ones with the power and resources to stop climate change!

If you are interested in getting informed about the damaging affects we as humans are having and the ways we can stop climate change in its tracks, here are some very useful sources: Australian Academy of Science, WWF and Earth Day Network.

2. TAKE INDIVIDUAL ACTION

Climate change is an ever-increasing global threat and thus, requires global reforms which, can only be implemented by international governments. For the majority, individuals can be responsible for their demeanour, however, governments hold the control to introduce laws and legislations which, require companies and individuals to act sustainably.

Our current efforts are ultimately not enough to meet our target of 1.5C of warming. We need to do more. We need to treat our daily actions as little things adding up which, either contributes to supporting positive change or which, continues on our current catastrophic trajectory.

"By reducing your consumption of animal protein by half, you can cut your diet's carbon footprint by more than 40%"

3. CREATE A RIPPLE EFFECT

Creating positive change in our current state is vital. All of us have the power to influence those around us. It can be as simple as bringing your reusable coffee ‘keep cup’ to work or uni, as an act as simple as this can inspire those around you to purchase one too. In simple, we must lead by example, be proud of your sustainable swaps! Share your knowledge with friends and family, making them aware of the easy daily changes they can make in creating a positive future for us all. It doesn’t matter where you start, we are all in this together and it is crucial we take care of this beautiful planet.

4. LET'S GET POLITICAL

Individual action is pivotal as one of the most effective methods to slow down climate change is to help those who will fight against it in the parliamentary sector. By doing this it shows politicians we can and want to change. This may mean voting for politicians and legislation which, aid against the harmful and somewhat life threatening effects of climate change. Getting involved politically can be as simple as signing a petition. You can get in involved in changes in your local area i.e supporting campaigns to introduce composting bins. If policies change then that leads to larger scale positive impacts to support the planet. Major corporations who produce the majority of our waste and pollution have to make switches and become more accountable for their actions.

Every single one of us needs to take positive action as we are vastly running out of time - support the change and embrace the inconvenience! It doesn’t matter how big or small your action is, what matters is that your taking on positive action.