Implementing a Greener Lifestyle

By Allyson Haskins

Almost everyone in this world has heard about climate change at one point or another; whether that is through school, the news, colleagues, or anything else - almost everyone has heard of it. However, how many of those people really think about climate change and the problems it creates for Earth and all of its residents? How many of those who do think about climate change actually implement aspects of a greener lifestyle into their own? While talking about climate change and acknowledging that its presence is always the first step toward finding solutions, these cannot be the only steps that society takes as a whole.

Now, it shouldn't be assumed that anyone who only talks about climate change but doesn't do anything to mitigate it is necessarily against climate action or not knowledgeable enough to discuss the topic - it simply means that they haven't reached the final step. In my own life, I haven’t reached that step either, and I’ve been researching and talking about climate change for a year or so now. It’s surely a journey, but it’s one that is better for this planet and the life that comes after us.

Honestly, I do not believe that there is a set way to complete all the ‘steps’ to a greener life. In my mind, it comes down to whether or not you believe that you have done all that you can. Nevertheless, a few easy ways to start a greener lifestyle are to 1) stop using plastic as best as you can or to at least make sure you are recycling when you do, 2) actually eat the food that you buy (and try to make less of meat), and 3) rethink your mode of transportation.

1) Stop using plastic as best as you can or at least make sure you are recycling when you do. Plastic can stay in the environment for ages as it threatens wildlife and spreads toxins. Most of you may remember the time when everyone on the internet went out and bought metal straws, only to revert to the plastic ones anyways. Please, if you can, do your best to stay away from plastic - metal straws are only around 4-5 dollars on Amazon and they help the Earth - or at least do your best to recycle.

2) Actually eat the food that you buy (and try to consume less meat). Almost 40% of the food that is made in factories ends up right back in the landfill, which leads to a waste of energy. Eating all the food that you buy results in having less of an energy consumption on your conscience and helps the environment. So next time you go to throw out those leftovers, think it through.

Making less of your meat consumption is also extremely beneficial for the environment. I have recently gone vegetarian, and while it is hard to change your diet, think of the planet that you are saving every time you don’t buy meat (or poultry and fish if you go full vegetarian). A vegetarian diet has been proven to require two-and-a-half times less land needed to grow food compared to a meat-based diet, which ultimately means less use of energy. Plus, it’s healthier for you in the end.

3) Rethink your mode of transportation. Rethinking your mode of transportation can mean walking to your destination instead of driving your car, taking the bus, or a train. Ultimately, this means reducing your carbon footprint while also getting exercise and some scenery into your day. This will lead to less driving, less money spent on gas, and less pollution in the air. And with destinations out of walking range, do your best to take a train instead of a plane if you can - planes are a major source of climate pollution.

Even though I only listed three simple solutions to implement a greener lifestyle into your everyday schedule, there are still many things out there that we can and should do as a society. It can be difficult to change your diet, change your routine, etc, but the Earth needs our help. Just make sure to keep yourself safe and healthy as we help the planet to do the same. It can be done.

Collage Credits: Yamila Frej

Background image: Natgirsberger.com

Bus cutout: blog.consumerguide.com

Cooking cutout: pinterest / @sherrieburgess

Cheer cutout: Family handyman.com

Vegetable cutout: chronicallyvintage.com

Bandage cutout: periodpaper.com

Coke cutout: insider.com

Outdoor grill cutout: pinterest / @discobob

Yellowstone cutout: pinterest / @shaggyshaw

Flower cutout: society6.com

Saran Wrap cutout: periodpaper.com