Practical Solutions

If we all change our mindset, we can collectively improve our planet by taking action. No act is too small! Here are some things that you can easily do to protect our environment.
 

• Plant a tree! Deforestation is responsible for a lot of damage to our planet, from extinction and climate change to poverty. One of the best actions you can take to reduce the negative effects of deforestation is planting trees to replace those that are lost.
   
• Use water wisely! Turn off the tap while you are brushing your teeth.
   
• Use a refillable water bottle! Don’t buy bottled water as this will reduce the plastic packaging you are using and keep it out of landfills.
   
• Eat less meat! A fifth of man-made greenhouse gas emissions are created by the meat industry. By consuming less meat, you will help to reduce this figure, which will lower the negative effects of climate change.
   
• Recycle and compost! Place your recyclable waste in a recycle bin instead of a waste bin. Composting will also reduce the overall volume of waste that you produce, so less space will be taken up in landfills. A bonus is that composting creates a natural fertilizer for gardening and farming.
   
• Reduce your car use! Walking, biking, and public transport are all great ways to reduce overall greenhouse emissions, and these transportation methods will also save you money (and, in the case of walking and biking, make you fitter!). If a car is necessary, then consider carpooling with friends or colleagues.
   
• Shop smart! Bring reusable bags when shopping to reduce your use of plastic. Apart from being careful HOW you shop, you should also be careful of WHAT you shop. For instance, when choosing cleaning products, opt for the most eco-friendly cleaners, or better yet, make your cleaning products at home. Most cleaning products on the market are made of harmful indoor pollutants, which you can avoid by making your cleaners out of natural products that will still get the job done. When it comes to food and beverages, opt for the products that have the least amount of packaging. Opt for paper-based cartons over plastic bottles for products like juice, and try to buy unpackaged produce.
   
• Save electricity! There are many ways to reduce your energy usage, from switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs to the simple act of switching off all electronic appliances when you are not using them. Even taking the plugs out of the sockets can help to save energy. Remember that air conditioning also uses up a lot of energy – use it sparingly and open the windows to get some fresh air whenever possible. In the cold winter months, make sure you wear warm clothes inside and set your thermostat at a lower temperature.