Climate change "refers to any significant variation in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from: natural factors, such as changes in the Sun's intensity or slow changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun; and human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and clearing of forests." 

Public awareness about climate change has increased in recent years because global warming effects have become more evident worldwide. However, despite this growing concern, many people still do not understand how they can help fight against climate change to reduce its impact on their everyday lives.

This article discusses ten suggestions that individuals can apply in their daily lives to combat climate change.

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by changing light bulbs with fluorescent lamps (CFL). Incandescent light bulbs are the least effective type of lighting because they emit 90% of their energy as heat up into the ceiling. At the same time, CFLs emit only 5% of their energy as heat is producing far fewer greenhouse gases in the process.

2. Drive Less or Carpool

By carpooling or utilizing public transportation, you can reduce your gas consumption by 50%. When stuck with taking solo drives, try to combine errands to avoid making unnecessary trips. Also, consider biking or walking to nearby places if practical for you.

3. Plant Trees

Although planting just one tree may not significantly impact climate change, it is still an easy way to improve ecosystems and reduce carbon dioxide levels. One ton of carbon dioxide is removed from the air for every seven trees planted.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure on your car can improve gas mileage by 2%. Driving at low pressures can reduce a car's fuel economy by nearly 10%, which means more greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Consider getting a free tire pressure gauge to keep in your glove box.

5. Use Less Water

By taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and turning off the water while brushing teeth, you can save 1,000 gallons of water per year. In addition, consider using rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater for indoor use, such as flushing toilets and washing dishes/clothes, rather than purchasing water from a water company.

6. Recycle

By recycling paper, plastic, and glass, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as conserve natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals. Americans throw away enough office paper every year to build a 12-foot-high wall of a report from New York City to Los Angeles.

7. Reduce Consumption

Consider purchasing only those necessary and avoid buying or using products with excess packaging, which places an additional burden on landfills and the environment.

8. Pressure Your Politicians

One of the most effective ways to help fight climate change is through supporting politicians who support environmental issues, so speak up by writing letters/emails/faxes to your local representatives about environmental issues that concern you.

9. Reduce Meat Intake

Today, there is a strong link between meat production and greenhouse gas emissions. This means that by reducing your consumption of meat, you will be directly reducing the number of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and indirectly saving natural resources such as water and forests for future generations.

10. Get Involved

Become an active member of a group or organization committed to protecting the environment. Several organizations are working to protect endangered species from extinction, conserve natural habitats, and educate people about humans' impact on climate change. We should all participate by providing meaningful contributions towards such organization. 

Some of the activities we can participate in, includes planting trees, educating our peers about the importance of preserving our natural habitats and environments in general. We can also put more focus on climate change investment research to find more ways to make the climate safe for everyone. 

Closing Thoughts

As seen above, we can easily make a positive difference in fighting climate change through our daily habits, which will benefit everyone around us. Although climate change is a daunting challenge, it's not too late to make a difference. By taking small steps in our daily lives, we can all do our part to slow the process of global warming and help restore the planet for future generations.

Written by Tracie Johnson

 

About the Author

Tracie Johnson is a New Jersey native and an alum of Penn State University. She is passionate about writing, reading, and living a healthy lifestyle. She feels happiest when around a campfire surrounded by friends, family, and her Dachshund named Rufus.

 

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