I have just seen Leonardo di Caprio’s documentary Before the Flood and it really shows the current state of affairs on our planet – species disappearing, destruction of rainforests, rising sea levels, icebergs melting, political unwillingness, corporate greed, all the horrific things that we often feel so helpless about. But there’s a lot of hope and alternatives.
I’m not writing this to discuss CO2, argue with sceptics or make people feel guilty for living a certain lifestyle. I believe we can all do something to help the planet one way or another and improve the quality of our own lives in the process. You don’t need to think in terms of carbon footprint, but reducing toxicity, preserving biodiversity and nature for future generations. If the side effects include helping the climate, even better.
I have compiled a list of things you can do without too much effort or investment. It’s up to you how many you choose to adopt. I think it’s important that we feel like it’s doable and compatible with our other life choices. We get enough guilt, fear and shame that it paralyses us instead of prompting action. It gets so overwhelming and we might end up feeling like it’s all futile anyway. When we pick certain areas that we most connect with and focus on those, it’s easier not to slip into depression. When you share information with others, they often get inspired and make changes too:-)
- reduce meat consumption
- explore vegetarian recipes
- eat less processed food
- let food be your main medicine, not pills
- avoid palm oil
- buy organic and fairtrade products
- reduce bottled water
- use public transport
- line-dry clothes more often
- recycle
- use a canvas bag for shopping
- use more natural/organic cosmetics
- use organic and biodegradable hygiene products (diapers, tampons, wipes,…)
- use ecological cleaning products
- clean more often instead of using harsh chemicals later
- dry your hair naturally more often
- support projects like protecting rainforests
- sign petitions to demand less toxic load & improving workers’ conditions
- use your hands more often, instead of using electrical appliances all the time
- buy quality stuff that lasts longer
- support your local beekeeper, buy honey
- skip a cut Christmas tree, decorate a plant, try a small potted tree & plant it later
- avoid GMOs to preserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems
- ask your housing company about the chemicals they use for weed etc.
- teach others about food and cooking
- think about your pet’s diet and include more real food
- use ecological cat litter
- use degradable bags for your dog’s excrement
- support restaurants and cafes that use real dishes
- demand washable or biodegradable cups/plates/forks at festivals
- buy non toxic toys, pencils from sustainable sources
- demand better conditions for animals
- use real cloths for wiping, not just paper towels
- teach kids to take care of stuff so it lasts longer
- read the labels, ask questions, write feedback, complain
- vote with your wallet
- tell others when you find good alternatives
- give thoughtful gifts, try natural, organic, edible
Michaela Kei 