It seems like there’s a record set every year about the rising global temperatures. The bad news is that it looks like it will continue this 2020. The United Nations released a report saying that humans have only a few years to limit the catastrophic effects of climate change. If you want to make changes to your lifestyle right now, here are a few simple ways you can help the environment:
Start at Home
Thanks to government incentives and technology, it’s never been easier and cheaper to have a solar-powered home. There are also several options. You can use solar panels as a secondary source of power. This is especially useful if your area experiences several outages in a year. An alternative is using a home battery. These devices are designed to lower your electricity bill by powering your home during peak hours.
There’s also the option of relying on solar power alone for your house. If you live off the grid, you won’t be affected by outages or price increases. Not only will you help the environment, but you’ll also save money in the long run. It’s a good investment in more ways than one. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, solar energy increases the value of a home by $15,000.
Think Before You Dress
When you shop for clothes, chances are that you think only about their prices, colors, and sizes. Unfortunately, the cheaper a piece of clothing is, the more likely it is to be harmful to the environment. Because to make affordable clothes, manufacturers use materials that pollute natural resources. The garments are also usually produced in developed countries, so they’re flown around the world before reaching a store.
You can help the planet by changing your shopping habits. Instead of buying cheap pants and tops every other week, opt to buy quality clothes every month. You can also try buying from your local vintage shop. You might find a well-made luxury item at a portion of its original price. When buying clothes, it’s important to pay attention to the fabrics used. Look for garbs made of natural fibers such as wool, linen, and silk.
Travel Sustainably
Transportation produces 29% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it’s important to take public transportation as much as you can. But if it’s not a viable option for you, you can still drive your car sustainably. When the time comes for you to replace your car, consider getting an electric car. Whether it be a brand-new vehicle or a used one, it can help reduce your emissions. They are also cheaper to operate.
Apart from everyday transportation, you should also vacation responsibly. Plan ahead of time and avoid visiting the most popular areas during peak months. You should choose your holiday destination carefully. Select sustainable cities where you can do minimal environmental harm.
You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to make a meaningful change to the environment. With some research and planning, you can reduce your carbon footprint as you travel, shop, and more.
