Lately I have been trying to find some simple ways to reduce my ecological footprint and help the environment.
Until recently, I have always been focused on “success” and “making it” in the corporate world. And my focus on making money hasn’t often aligned with what’s best for preserving this incredible world in which we live.
Making the move out of Sydney was a catalyst for me. In relocating to the gorgeous lakeside town of Arcadia Vale, I was finally able to see the beauty of the Australian bush. I visited local national parks and found hidden rainforests and stunning waterfalls. The way the sun set on Lake Macquarie in the evenings, it really opened my eyes.
Like most multipotentialites, when I became fascinated, I went crazy researching it all. I managed to find some pretty devastating facts. Instantly, I went google-crazy and became addicted to finding out about everything to do with the environment. The bugs we treat as pests are the backbone of our ecosystem and are dying at a rapid rate. I also managed to stumble upon a brilliant UK podcast, Sustainababble, and googled every question that popped into my head.
So how do we help the environment?
I learned that consumerism, capitalism and the our love of meat is detrimental to our environment, and not just in regard to animal cruelty, but in terms of fossil fuel emissions.
As such, I’ve become more outspoken in voicing my opinions on why it’s so important to help the environment, and have tried to change my habits to reduce my impact.
If you want to make a difference here are five small things you can do that, for little effort, make a huge impact:
1. Search with Ecosia to plant trees
This amazing little search engine is just one of the ways we can help make a difference. Even if you just use it to search for “Google” then get your results there. Every 45 searches means Ecosia will plant a tree on your behalf!
Originally, I just downloaded their chrome extension, but they’ve just launched an iPhone app. Now I can make sure each time I search the internet, I’m doing my small part to help the environment.
I’ve only used Ecosia for 3 months, but with 972 searches under my belt, that’s 21 trees they’ve planted on my behalf 🙂
2. Buy a Keepcup and stop waste!
The first time I realised the amount of coffee cups that are thrown away in Australia was when watching the ABS Series the War on Waste earlier this year. In Episode 3, host Craig Reucassel rode a tram through downtown Melbourne FULL of 50,000 coffee cups. That’s the amount of coffee cups consumed by Australians in just 30 minutes!
From this day on, I made SURE that wherever I went I took my own keepcup with me. For someone who can (ashamedly) drink up to 3 cups a day, I now know that I can save the waste of almost 1000 coffee cups a year, that will definitely help the environment! PLUS I’ve also saved money from the savvy cafes that give me a sweet 50c discount every time I bring in my keepcup.
3. Re-use your bottles to save the ocean
The amount of plastic we use as a global society is terrifying. The Ellen Macarthur Foundation reported that:
“(Without change), the ocean is expected to contain one tonne of plastic for every three tonnes of fish by 2025, and by 2050, more plastics than fish (by weight).”
Yes, you may think – what can I, one person, do to stop this? But if everyone thinks like that – that’s 7 billion bottles every day we’re purchasing Where there is demand in a capitalist world, there will always need to be supply.
One individual may not make a difference but if 7 billion individuals do, we can force change.
4. Eat less meat to stop deforestation
Now, this is a tricky one. As “annoying” as vegetarians and vegans may be to the chicken nugget loving, BBQ grilling and leg of lamb roasting Aussies, we really need to look at our consumption of meat. I’m not yelling at you to cut it out, but just think about reducing it. With so many delicious veggie options out there, it’s getting easier to make the right choice.
The ugly facts: 50 billion animals are raised to be slaughtered globally. Some of the most beautiful places in the world, including the Amazon rainforest, are being destroyed to ensure we can continue our meat addiction. Livestock production is the NUMBER ONE use of land by mankind and the largest driver of deforestation. These deforested areas remove native plants and animals from their homes, and erodes the soil. This is difficult to reverse, and ultimately puts fertile cropland out of use for future generations.
5. Shout about helping the environment!
Last but not least, MAKE SOME BLOODY NOISE ABOUT THE ISSUE! We live in an age where we are literally vilified for caring. Vegans are teased when trying to do their part. They are laughed at when they refuse a meal, seen as difficult when it comes to ordering pizza. But at least they’re trying!
We need to build a more inclusive society, where people are not tortured for trying to do their part. It is important to encourage them to continue on the path that some of us cannot.
I guess I could just say “Environmental Rant Over” but I won’t. I think more of us need to rant and rave about these things. So, my one request is that instead of sitting with your mates talking about the Kardashians, or Married at First Sight, talk about the planet. What are you doing to make sure this amazing earth survives for as long as possible?
Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, will we realise that we cannot eat money.
Leave a Reply