The rise in temperatures, extreme atmospheric phenomena, the melting of the polar caps, with the consequent rise in sea level, deforestation or the disappearance of species, are just the symptoms of a disease that afflicts the planet, of that the scientific community has been warning for some time,
In the fight against climate change, borders do not exist. The solutions have to come from the entire international community. According to different institutions and organizations, such as the Global Compact, stopping climate change is still possible, but action must be taken now.
Putting a stop to it is everyone’s job, which is why small actions, those that people can carry out individually, also count.
Today, from Energía en Positivo, we propose ten small actions that you can put into practice in your daily life, to help mitigate the effects of climate change and advance on the path towards more sustainable development.
What can you do to stop climate change?
1. Reduce emissions
On short distances, use the car less, and use more sustainable means of transport, such as bicycles or public services. In the case of long distances, the most sustainable is the train, over the plane, which causes a large part of the CO2 emissions emitted into the atmosphere. If a private car is used, it is
It is important to remember that the greater the increase in speed, the greater the increase in CO2. Consequently, at less speed, less pollution and more safety and savings for your pocket.
2. Save energy at home
With small gestures you can save energy and money. Do not leave the television and computer on stand-by. A television that remains on for three hours a day (the average Europeans watch TV) and on stand-by for the remaining 21 hours will consume 40 percent of the total energy in standby mode. Do not leave the mobile charger plugged in all the time – even if it is not connected to the phone – because it will continue to consume electricity. Always adjust the thermostat, both for heating and air conditioning.
3. Be careful with appliances
When cooking, covering the pan is a way to save energy. Even better if you use pressure cookers and steamers, which save 70% energy. Use the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. It is not necessary to set a high temperature, detergents are effective even when it is low. Remember that if the refrigerator and freezer are close to the stove or boiler, they will consume more energy. If they are old, defrost them periodically. Do not put hot or warm foods in the refrigerator: you will save energy if you let them cool first.
4. Change the light bulbs
The use of low-consumption light bulbs saves more than 45 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. Furthermore, according to the European Commission, a single one of them can reduce annual electricity costs by up to 60 euros.
5. Use less hot water
A large amount of energy is required to heat water. Therefore, if you want to save energy and money, install a water flow regulator in the shower and you will avoid the emission of more than 100 kilos of carbon dioxide per year. Wash with cold or warm water and you will save 150 kilos of CO2. You will use four times less energy if you take a shower instead of a bath. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth. Make sure your faucets don’t drip. A leak from one of them can cause you to lose enough water in a month to fill a bathtub.
6. Practice the 3 Rs Rule
Reduce: consume less and more efficiently. Reuse: the more objects that are reused, the less waste is produced and the fewer resources will have to be dedicated to making new ones. Recycle: paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic and electronic waste can be recycled. To do this, it is important to separate each waste into the different containers that we have at home or on the streets. More than 730 kilos of CO2 can be saved per year just by recycling half of the garbage generated at home.
7. Avoid small containers.
Choose products with large containers: a 1.5-liter bottle generates less waste than three half-liter bottles. Use reusable bags when shopping. Avoid wet and paper towels. You can stop emitting 1,100 kilos of CO2 just by reducing the use of these materials by 10 percent.
8. Low carbon diet
Reduce the consumption of red meat and increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables and greens. Buy local and seasonal products: read the labeling and consume those that have a nearby origin, avoiding imports that involve more emissions due to transport. Consume seasonal products, to avoid other less sustainable methods of production.
9. Avoid deforestation
To the extent you can, avoid practices that could pose a fire risk in a natural space. If you need wood, go for the one that has certification of sustainable origin. Plant a tree! Each tree can absorb up to a ton of CO2 over the course of its life.
10. Yes to renewable energies
Promote the generation of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydraulic… without a doubt the planet will thank you.