Global temperature is rising, oceans are warming, ice sheets are shrinking, there’s glacial retreat, decreased snow cover, sea level rise, declining arctic sea, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification. The scientific evidence of global warming driven by emissions of greenhouse gases and resulting climate change is abundant. According to NASA Global Climate Change, evidence found from coral reef, sediments, and tree rings reveals that current warming is occurring ten times faster than the average warming that occurs during ice-age-recovery, and carbon dioxide from human activity is increasing more than 250 times faster than it did from natural sources after the last Ice Age.
Fortunately, there are strategies to combat these effects and care for our planet, such as: renewable, clean energy, soil regeneration, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly living practices.
Eco-friendly living requires a commitment to reducing waste, using non-toxic products, reusing and recycling, and reducing the carbon footprint.
· Support organic, sustainable farming and ranching practices. Soil restoration, crop rotations, and organic agriculture practices can be difficult to implement on a large scale. Organic, pasture-raised and free-range purchases can be a little more expensive, so savvy shopping is key. Choosing to buy mostly along the edges of the grocery store for fresh produce and decreasing consumption of animal proteins will not only save money, it’s important for your health.
· Reuse and recycle. Make the switch to reusable and compostable grocery and produce bags and bring them to the store with you every time. This lowers the need for recycling demands and decreases waste. Also, consider the use of recycled paper products, silicone reusable bags instead of plastic bags, beeswax paper instead of plastic wrap, and natural sponges. Decrease consumption of packaged foods and shop for bulk items using reusable bags as a money saving, eco-friendly alternative.
· Grow plants and compost using organic gardening practices. The desertification of once fertile land that becomes degraded and depleted from agricultural practices, drought, and deforestation is one contributing factor to climate change, but there are regenerative agricultural practices that can rebuild the soil and pull carbon from the atmosphere. This is one example of how plants and healthy dirt play a major role. Consider green architecture. For example, build a plant wall or rooftop garden to get creative with the space you’re in and the space around you. Relying on a small amount of produce from your own garden can save you money and is better for the planet by decreasing agricultural demands and impact of transport. If you have a yard, a compost bin or pile is an easy solution to food waste and helps feed your garden.
· Switch to clean products. There are clean cleaning products that can be purchased that reduce the amount of chemicals introduced to our waterways and our bodies. Staples for making your own cleaning products include vinegar and baking soda. There are natural soaps, face, hair, and body care products that can be found at natural grocers or even home-made. The base of most body products are oils, like coconut, avocado, or olive oil, and different essential oils and herbs can be infused into them depending on the desired effect. As a caution, essential oils require a lot of plant material and should be used conservatively. If bought in a product, make sure the company is eco-conscious and sustainable sourcing.
· Reduce your carbon footprint. Consider purchasing a clean energy vehicle, reduce your travel, carpool, walk, take the bus, or bike. There are now energy efficient bulbs that can be used in your home emitting less than 10 watts. Another great way to reduce electricity use is to unplug your devices when fully charged. You can ask your utility provider to switch to renewable power sources from solar and wind.
There are approximately 7.9 billion people on this planet, which is pretty amazing if you think about that staggering statistic. Most of the damage that has been done to our planet by human activity is due to ignorance and has become apparent from emergent science. But now that you know some simple things you can do, what are you going to do to help our planet? Every little bit counts toward a brighter tomorrow.
References:
· https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
· https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/how-growing-your-own-food-can-benefit-the-planet/
· Bordessa, K. (2020). Simple Sustainability, A Modern Take on Self-Reliant Living. National Geographic. ISSN 2160-7141