Tired Of Rising Mercury? Here’s What You Could Be Doing To Save Your Planet
Image: Shutterstock
We get it, saving the environment might not be as glamorous a topic as the Met Gala, but it’s a necessity that we can no longer afford to ignore. Not to sound all “doom andgloom” but across the planet, many people are making unconventional choices such as not opting to have children because they no longer believe that there is a worthwhile future for the coming generations on this planet (1).
And though that is one way of looking at the problem, the way of mitigating the damage, we believe in the power of the human spirit. That’s right, if all of us start being a little kinder to our environment, it will not only give it a new lease of life, but it will also give a brighter future to our coming generations. And as the current inhabitants of the planet, we owe it to them to do so.
And in that spirit, we have compiled a list of small ways in which you can help in saving the planet. Here they are:
In This Article
1. Buy Locally Produced Products As Much As Possible
That delicious dragonfruit that you love so much, costs the planet a lot more than it costs you! When you consume exotic produce, brought from faraway countries, you add to the pollution and fuel use (we’re referring to the process of its transportation). Therefore, it would be a better idea to satisfy your taste buds with locally available produce.
2. Skip Using That Fancy Screensaver
That dreamy screen saver of Chris Evans might be the highlight of your normal work day, but that little luxury is a huge pain for the planet. In fact, the more graphics-heavy a screensaver is, the more energy it is going to consume. You didn’t know that, did you? Therefore, if you plan to be away from your desk for long, it will be best if you put your system on sleep mode.
3. Carry Your Own Bags When You Go Shopping
If you are thinking that those paper bags that almost every store now offers have reduced the burden on the planet, you’re wrong. In fact, the manufacturing of those paper bags uses a lot more resources. Instead, why don’t you consider taking a carry bag from home for ferrying your purchases? It will be more cost-efficient, and it will also help save the planet.
4. Unplug The Appliances, When You’re Not Using Them
Contrary to the popular belief, switching off the appliances when not using them doesn’t actually stop its consumption of electricity. Even if the appliance is switched off, the appliance is still consuming electricity in the standby mode. So, if you are done using the appliance, it would be better if you take them off the plug.
5. Invest In Green Companies
If you are looking to invest some money, maybe through a SIP plan (Systematic Investment Plan). We would ask you to invest in companies which are innovating in the fields of green energy, or those who are known for their environment-friendly ways. That way you can literally sponsor the efforts of those who are working to save the environment.
6. Buy Cheap Chinaware
We all are guilty of doing this— using disposable Styrofoam cutlery to save our more precious china, especially when we throw a wild party! Convenient as it is, it is also causing a lot of grief to the planet. The better alternative would be to buy chinaware from the cent or 99 Rs store, which will be more environment-friendly in the long run.
7. While Buying Products, Look For Environment-Friendly Options
A lot of ingredients present in everyday products such as perfumes, hairsprays are detrimental for the health of the planet due to their astronomically long decomposition times. Therefore, do your research while buying these products and make sure you buy those alternatives which make use of environment-friendly ingredients. Even though they might cost you a little more, it’s a small price to pay for the planet!
8. Cruise At An Optimum Speed, Instead Of Being Fast And Furious
Though it feels really great to have the wind ruffle your hair, as you race through the highways at great speeds, this joyride increases your fuel consumption by a lot. A car cruising at 80 miles per hour ends up using 10 percent more fuel than a car cruising at 70 miles per hour (2). A reduced fuel bill is a great incentive for saving the planet, isn’t it?
9. While Traveling, Use E-Tickets
This is true not only for travel but for other functions also. They include banking, ordering groceries, invoices for items bought or ordered. Doing so will not only reduce paper wastage, but it will also be convenient for your archiving and storage purposes.
10. Recycle Electronic Appliances And Mobile Phone
Usually, when you get rid of old cell phones or appliances, you dump them in your dustbin, from where they go to garbage landfill sites. While you end up being successful in removing them from out of your sight, they end up polluting the soil in the landfill sites. A better, eco-friendly alternative would be to disposethem off at a dedicated electronic disposal facility.
And of course, you should plant more trees. Following these simple tips will help you give the greatest gift to the next generation — a healthier planet. And, while teens across the world are marching to urge their governments to commit to the cause of climate change, let’s support them by doing our bit as well.
What steps have you taken to save the planet? Share your tips and suggestions with us in the comments section.
