Climate change is real. The science is inarguable. So rather than waste time on the politics of it all, I've assembled a list of easy steps people can take right now to better the planet. I just finished watching the National Geographic documentary Before the Flood with Leonardo DiCaprio and am truly shaken by the urgency of this issue. I already do everything I possibly can to reduce my carbon footprint, but it's gonna take a lot more than driving a hybrid car to fix our broken world.
1. Watch Before the Flood
Those who still disagree with the science are probably uneducated on the topic, and even those who are can learn a thing or two on how it's already impacted different populations. I'm a pretty green person as is and was given such a wake-up call from watching Leo travel the world and spread the message.
2. Eat Less Meat
Y'all knew this was coming. The same amount of methane used to fill my gas tank is used to produce one half-pound hamburger. Studies have found that vegetarians and vegans have significantly lower carbon footprints than omnivores (we eat more than just lettuce and tofu). If life truly doesn't feel complete without a hamburger (although we have some pretty stellar replacements), switching to chicken can significantly reduced the amount of methane entering our atmosphere. Even baby steps, like meatless Mondays can make a difference.
3. Vote for Candidates Who Support Environmentally Friendly Policies
One that believes in climate change would be ideal. More specifically, leaders that will end fossil fuel subsidies, invest in renewable energy sources, and support a carbon tax. Vote to continue the progress that was made in the Paris agreements.
4. Be a Conscious Shopper
Fair trade and ethically sourced food items and products make all the difference to the environment and the workers that harvest them. Bonus: bring a reusable shopping bag to cut down on waste (shameless plug: I wrote an entire article on the benefits of reusable bags and where to find them).
5. Drive a Hybrid Car or Carpool
Driving a hybrid isn't always accessible to everyone, but when the time comes to buy a new car, look into the milage and the external benefits of driving green. Even cutting down on gas by carpooling can make a difference.
6. Don't be Wasteful
Perhaps the easiest things one can do: turn off the lights when leaving a room, don't leave the television on all night, take shorter showers, make sure the sink isn't running, use less toilet paper, cut down on paper products in general, eliminate food waste (leftovers are the best), donate unwanted clothes, I could go on for days here.
If you won't listen to me, listen to Leo: "You are the last best hope of Earth."
