So as you’re all aware, we as humans are constantly dying slowly. (What a happy way to start a post!) The planet however is rapidly dying. Climate change is a massive problem theses days and with less than 15 years for us to do anything before change is irreversible, we really need to start acting fast.
Yes, would could all go Vegan to save the planet and the animals but I know thats difficult for the majority of people for so many different reasons. I’m here to give everyday people ideas of what they could do to help save the planet and the oceans without difficulty or too much change to their schedules.
- Use reusable straws (if you are someone who can)
I always have at least one metal straw in my bag with me. I don’t even use it that much but when you have unexpected visits to Starbucks it comes in handy. Even though Starbucks is so much plastic, having a metal straw makes you feel like you are still helping the planet. There are so many different reusable straws available, made from all different types of materials such as bamboo, metal, silicone, glass and so much more. Each will have its pros and its cons so you’ll need to look into them in more detail, but with the internet being so helpful, its not a very difficult task and you can always buy multiple to keep at different places (such as your bag, your kitchen, a partners place or at work), so you always have one, made out of different materials until you find one the you like the best.
With the internet and online shopping being so useful these days, you can buy reusable straws online for reasonable prices. Of course the postage isn’t ideal for the environment, you could add them to a bigger order or go out to a store and find some. I found mine on amazon for a great price and added them to an order of presents I was buying last year. I got mine in a pack of 4 or 5 and then I gave some out to my family members after we got the conversation going about plastic straws in the oceans. They were people who are a bit older than me and didn’t see the issues and therefore wouldn’t have even thought about straws or other plastics they were using.
Now I know that some people need plastic straws for many health reasons. I agree that they should still be available and people shouldn’t be judged for using them. Not every health issue is visible the might affect others differently so just be respectful when you see people in public. That being said, I do agree that if you don’t specifically need to use a plastic straw and you can use ones made from other materials then you should. Why would you actively want to kill the planet? Especially when straws are so small and easy to carry.
2. Cut down you meat consumption
I have already stated that going vegan isn’t for everyone. The rise in veganism is great and with the recent news that the New Zealand government has encouraged everyone to go vegan it’s gaining more knowledge within everyday culture.
You can save the planet by cutting down you meat consumption without having to go fully vegan or vegetarian. Maybe have one or two days a week where you eat vegetarian meals such as trying ‘Meat-Free Mondays’. I know people who have started this and they love it. They say they feel better and are enjoying new foods. Some of the meat-free versions of meat are actually nicer. The Quorn Nuggets are amazing if you are after a quick meal one night or their sausages go well if you want a vegetarian fry-up. You might even realise that vegans can eat more delicious food than you thought and it isn’t just salad they eat!
3. Buy second-hand
Not everything you own has to be brand new. If you can buy electronic items from places like CEX and you are happy to shop online at EBAY, or using apps such as DEPOP, then you should definitely look at going to charity shops (Thrift shops). Charity shops are so much better for the planet as they don’t need to be transported by cars an even planes to get to your location which cleans the air. All charity shops have unique pieces of clothing that in the modern fashion looks cool and hipster. Every store will have different items which makes the shopping experience more exciting as you never know what you’ll find. It depends where you live but there is often at least one charity store in every town which also makes it easy for people to get to. They are so much cheaper than buying new as well but they items are like new. The only thing you should do is wash them items before wearing them, just to be sure but once you’ve done that, then you can look awesome in your new clothes!
Now, it’s ok to buy new clothes. I’m not saying that you can’t buy anything new ever again, just that you should think about if its really needed in you life at that moment and if you can get is somewhere cheaper where its also better for the environment, why would you not? Saving money and the environment!
4. Reusable coffee cups
I bet I’m not the only person who has to have a tea in the morning before going out, even if I’m running late. Well thankfully to my coffee cup, I can make one to take with me in them situations. Reusable coffee cups are often good sizes for coffee but also easy to store, or carry around with you once you have used it. Like the straws they come in many different materials and a range of companies make them, but you can find them easily online or in person as some coffee shops even sell them. Some coffee shops even give you a deal for bringing your own cup!
It drastically cuts down the plastic and paper being used as a lot of them. can’t be recycled which doesn’t help the planet. They are also just nice to drink out of and don’t burn your hands when you have to hold it!
5. Transport
Can you get to town by walking or do you have to talk the car? Do you have to take the bus or can you ride a bike? Must you take the plane or can you get a train? Finally, the last point for this post is transport.
All these things are important to the environment. Walking places is the most efficient at saving the planet of bad toxins. Yes, it might seem difficult walking 30 minutes to work if you can get there in 10 minutes by car but you will be saving the planet by taking cars off the road with petrol filling the atmosphere as well as getting fitter and healthier. It might also be quicker if you have to stop at lights or for traffic. You could also get a bike which will take less time and still benefit the enviroment.Of course there are better public transport options such as trains or buses as they use a little more petrol but can take many more people and saves cars being on the road. Trains are better than buses but they are still not the best. They are probably the best ‘public’ transport though and they are also quicker although they are sometimes more expensive.
Of course, you can go vegan if you like and there are so many more thing you could do to save the planet, environment and oceans so that my generation can live, but everyone has to start somewhere and making little changes are sometimes easier than changing you whole lifestyle all at once. These were just 5 starting points for people who are thinking about changing but need some ideas or guidance about how to start.
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