Environmental Promises We Should All Make For 2021
By: Christine Coomans
Tags: Carbon Emissions, Environment, Activism, Veganism, Carbon Footprint

Environmental Promises We Should All Make For 2021

So the year is ending, but that doesn’t mean that the effects of our actions on the environment are. That’s why, now more than ever, it is time to make a promise for 2021 — a resolution of somewhat — that we can start working towards now. While real solutions will require global action and commitment, there are choices that you can make in your day-to-day life to lessen your impact on the environment.

Okay, but what is Climate Change?

It is natural for temperatures to increase or decrease, but not on the scale we have been experiencing for the past decade. Also known as Global Warming, human actions are causing Greenhouse Gasses, which are heat-trapping gasses that cause the warming of the earth. This then gets accompanied by extreme weather changes — glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, forests are dying, droughts and flooding are more frequent along with wildfires, and wildlife is scrambling to keep pace.

Let me make it clear, it is not getting better. It won’t get better — unless you change, and we all change for the greater good.

Before we start with our 2021 promise, I just want to add that it is best to always stay up-to-date with what environmental scientists are saying.

Promise #1: Reduce My Carbon Footprint

If you didn’t know or wasn’t completely sure, Carbon Footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that come from the lifecycle of a product or service. It includes carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming.

Your Carbon Footprint will usually come from factors such as:

Approximately how much you travel by car, bus, train, and plane.

The energy usage in your home.

How much you spend on shopping.

What your diet consists of.

Start by calculating your Carbon Footprint here.

If you calculated your Carbon Emissions, you will now know where you need to focus to lessen your personal environmental impact.

Traveling and Transportation

Realistically, the best way to cut your emissions from traveling is to ditch the car, and take a train or a bicycle — or walk. But, we cannot all cycle to work or walk to our grandma who lives two towns away.

You will need to drive, so what we can do instead is:

Go easy on your car’s gas/petrol/diesel and brakes.

Regularly service your car.

Try to cut down on air conditioning and intensive city driving.

Use cruise control on long drives.

Don’t weigh your car down with extra things that you don’t need on your trip.

Carpool, and ask others to carpool too.

Take the train or public transport such as a bus more.

When buying a new car, try and opt for electric ones, or cars that are modeled for efficiency.

Avoid flying, but if you can’t, then offset these emissions by making up for them through donations. Check with your airline if they offer these types of opportunities.

Lifestyle & Shopping

Saw a cute shirt that you couldn’t pass down? What about last month, did the same thing happen with a new pair of sneakers? Fast fashion consists of clothes that are produced quickly, cheaply, and unsustainably. As the price of our clothes drops, the environmental (and human) costs increase.

It’s human error, but here are some tips to reduce this in 2021:

Look for a Fairtrade Logo to show that the clothes were made sustainably. To help, look at this transparency index from the organization Fashion Revolution.

Shop vintage, thrift shops might have hidden gems.

Only buy clothes when necessary, and ask yourself if you really do need them.

Ladies — let’s talk about periods. Tampons and Sanitary Pads take years to break down, and will still be here long after you’ve gone. It’s time to make the switch to more sustainable products, saving money in the long run as well. I’m talking about buying a Period Cup.

Consider the fabric. Look at this article from Greenpeace to see the impact of different materials on the environment.

Donate old clothes.

Buy and take a reusable bag when shopping. Say no to plastic!

Skip the packaging.

Invest in quality products and clothing that last.

Reuse plastic bottles and such — use them for useful things such as potting for plants and reusable fly traps!

If you smoke, work hard at quitting. There are more cigarette buds in the ocean than actual straws.

Home and Heating

Winters can get cold — and summers excruciating, but we still need to act responsibly. It doesn’t just start with heating, but also purchasing sustainable appliances and installing eco-alternatives.

Start by focusing on things such as:

Turn down the heat.

Hang your clothes up to dry, instead of using a tumble dryer.

Turn off lights and appliances when you’re not using them.

Stream movies through your TV, not your Xbox or PlayStation.

Buy a laptop, not a desktop computer. Also, switch the computer off when not using it.

Replace lights with energy-efficient alternatives, such as LEDs.

Don’t set your fridge and freezer temperatures lower than necessary, and replace old fridges.

Choose renewables, and reuse, reduce and recycle food, paper, cans, bottles, electronics, and plastic responsibly at local recycling centers.

Look for an Energy Star symbol when buying new products.

Insulate and seal your house annually.

Install skylights, solar panels, and other energy-saving alternatives.

Plant shrubs and trees around your home.

Plant a tree every month. Make your home a forest, or if you don’t like that idea, get more indoor plants!

Diet and Consumption

According to some estimates, beef gives off more than six pounds of carbon dioxide per serving; the amount created per serving by rice, legumes carrots, apples, or potatoes is less than half a pound. Thus the best option for the environment is to cut down on meat and dairy and make the switch to a vegan diet. Try and source your food and eat locally, but remember, what you eat is more important than where it comes from.

Other promises include:

Take stock before running to the store to buy more.

Recycle old food, or donate food you will never use.

Participate in Veganuary!

Be wary of bulk — remember to ask: do you need it, and are you going to use it?

Eat fewer takeaways and more home-cooked meals.

Take a doggie bag if you do eat out.

Reuse and freeze leftovers and fresh veggies appropriately.

Promise #2: Abide Social Distancing and Start Being A Better Activist

Listen to science, and not your distant friend you met on vacation three years ago on Facebook who thinks COVID19 is a hoax. We should all promise to even put a greater effort into social distancing practices, and wear our masks whenever we go out. We take care of each other, and the earth. Never buy single-use masks.

When the voting season comes around, and you are old enough to vote, remember to keep your vote your own, and consider the environment when choosing who you vote for. Don’t let others bully you into making a decision.

Photo by Katie Rodriguez on Unsplash

Here are some other tips:

Know your facts. Understanding the science of climate change will help you talk to your family, friends, and local representatives about the issue with confidence.

Find local climate action groups or meetups in your area.

Join the climate strike online, and encourage others to join.

Speak to your local representative to make changes in your own community.

Use your vote to curb climate change.

Don’t give up on your environmental promise.

Follow the laws. Don’t be too radical that you end up suffering extreme consequences.

Be responsible, and do your research at all times before acting.

Use your voice, your vote and your rights to the fullest potential.

Ready To Sign Your Environmental Promise?

Sign this promise and add your name, making your promise official! Be proud of the person you are becoming, and remember, spread the message because the environment needs us all.

Sign your promise here: http://chng.it/W9BkwhVCK9

Thank you for your dedication, and good luck! ❤