Scientific evidence has increasingly shown that our planet is now at a tipping point. As humans continue to exploit nature and its resources to fuel economic development, it is more important than ever to relook the ways we live.
While a zero-carbon future might not quite materialise in the near future, nevertheless you can change your lifestyle today to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and your carbon footprint. Taking a holistic approach towards changing your lifestyle can do a lot for the climate crisis. These include changing our energy consumption, mode of transportation, and even diet.
Below are some easy ways to help you lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Consume less meat
Doing so means there would be less intensive farming and agricultural carbon emissions, which negatively impact our climate. For example, cows are known to be a livestock that not only contribute to methane gases but also drives massive deforestation to make way for soya bean production, which is used as animal feed. Also, relook how you buy meat: Choose those from a local butcher or organic stores instead of purchasing from a supermarket to minimise food wastage.
Reduce household energy use
The burning of coal and other fossil fuels is one of the biggest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, one of the main culprits of global warming. Reduce household energy use such as switching off lights when not in use, or using more energy-efficient bulbs such as compact fluorescent lights. Alternatively, whenever possible, opt for clean energy – hydropower, solar and wind – that reduces your household’s overall carbon footprint, improving general air and water quality.