10 things you can do about Climate Change

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing people, wildlife, and the planet. From warming temperatures to more extreme weather, people and communities around the world are already feeling the impacts.

Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it is happening right now and we have the power to make a difference. But not for long. We already have the knowledge and the tools to stop climate change. We just need to use them.

1. Eat less meat. This is the single most impactful lifestyle change you can make to help the planet. Industrialised agriculture is responsible for 15% of global carbon emissions, and contributes to water pollution and land use. Commit to reducing your meat consumption by a few meals per week. Start with meat-free Mondays, and gradually move to eat meat only once or twice a week

2. Be water wise. With much of rural Australia (and the world) experiencing severe droughts, we need to consider out water use. Simple habits like turning off the tap while you brush your teeth and the shower while you soap up can save thousands of liters a year. Have shorter showers. Fix leaks, even it’s a minor drip. Keep a bucket in your shower to collect runoff water to use on your indoor plants. Water your garden less, or create a garden using drought-resistant plants.

3. Reduce food waste. Roughly one-third of all food produced for human consumption around the world goes to waste. Environmentally, it accounts for about 8% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, 24% of the freshwater and 28 million tonnes of the fertilisers and pesticides used in agriculture. If food waste was a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the USA and China! Some tips to help you waste less food. Meal plan, write a shopping list and stick to it. Freeze leftovers or food about to go off. Get creative with meals and use leftovers. Share meals with neighbours.

4. Recycle. Something we’re taught from a fairly young age which has a significant impact on reducing waste going to landfill.

5. Repair. There’s one key way to combat buying more stuff, learn how to fix or update the old. You don’t necessarily need to whip up a handbag from an old pair of jeans, but it’s a fun way of creating ‘new’ stuff that’s unique.

6. Buy local. Food grown and purchased locally has less distance to travel, which means fewer emissions, reducing your carbon footprint and supporting your local farmers. If you don’t live near a farmer’s market, try searching for online stores that grow and deliver produce in your region.

7. Reduce plastic. Nearly half of all ocean pollution comes from activities that take place on land. Plastic pollution is an environmental catastrophe and we need to do something about it now.

8. Air dry. Ditch the dryer aka the power sucker and hang your clothes on the line. You’ll save energy, benefit from less creased clothes and, the antibacterial properties of the sun. UV kills bacteria so hanging clothes on the line goes hand in hand with cold washing.

9. Donate. NGO’s rely on donations to help keep them in operation. Even small donations of $2 can help.

10. Create change in your workplace. Resources, energy use, waste, indoor air quality, these are all areas that can be improved upon for a sustainable workplace. If you see areas that can be improved, speak to your boss about evaluating and addressing your workplaces environmental impact.