World Environment Day: Five Ways To Help Save The Planet

Happy World Environment Day! Today is a chance for us to analyse the lifestyle choices we make and how they impact the natural world. It's also a time for us to learn how we can do better. 

With the climate crisis ever-looming, it feels as if this eco-conscious approach should be applied all year round. So instead of viewing World Environment Day as 24-hours of eco-friendly living, see it as a starting point for new habits to be born. We can show our support for mother nature every day in our own unique ways, whether it's by using reusable items, walking to work instead of driving, taking the train instead of a plane, or eating plant-based. 

World Environment Day provides us with the ultimate opportunity to educate ourselves. I don't know about you, but I have a steadily rising stack of non-fiction books that I want to read yet never get around to. Use World Environment Day as your motivation! Pick up those informative books lying on your shelf and empower yourself with knowledge. The more you learn, the more you'll want to protect the planet. If you don't want to read, you can learn in any way that you prefer, whether through podcasts or documentaries. Find whatever works for you! 

The topic of diet should not be ignored when discussing sustainability. We have the choice to either eat our way to a greener world or eat our way to a world that fuels the climate crisis. So if you'd prefer the former, then try your best to eat seasonally, organic and plant-based wherever you can. It needn't be an all or nothing approach, as not everyone can go vegan overnight. By simply reducing your meat and dairy intake, you will reduce your carbon footprint in no time. 

Human consumption of natural resources has more than tripled from 1970 to 2010. Fortunately, we can make an effort to reduce this damage by consuming less in our daily lives. Try to cut down on what you purchase each month, whether it's clothing or food. You'll not only reduce your carbon footprint, but it'll be good for your wallet too!

Once you feel informed enough, it's time to spread this newfound knowledge to your community and beyond. To fight the climate crisis, we need as many people on board as possible, which is why World Environment Day exists. 

It can be daunting to speak up about serious topics like the climate crisis. You might be concerned that your family and friends will judge you or not care what you have to say. However, once you push these thoughts to the back of your mind and stop caring what others think, I promise you, you'll feel much happier for it. We have the power to ask brands to be more environmentally conscious and transparent. We have the power to sign and share petitions and to protest peacefully. Speaking up for what you believe in is incredibly important and valuable. Never forget that! 

Nearly all plastics ever made still exist in some form today, and we're continuously adding to this problem by manufacturing more plastic every day. We can combat the rising plastic problem by reducing the amount we purchase and waste. Instead of buying plastic food containers, opt for glass or stainless steel instead. Instead of throwing away your plastic bottles, get creative and turn them into something else, e.g. a planter, bird feeder, or crafting material. There's endless creativity and experimentation in low waste living. So remember to have fun with it and let your creative juices flow!