The climate crisis is now being felt with the effects we are experiencing every day being huge. Dealing with it and working towards a more sustainable planet concerns both governments and citizens. Check 5 tips below that we can apply in our daily lives to contribute to the fight against the climate crisis.
- Save energy at home
Use less energy by switching to LED bulbs and energy-efficient electrical appliances, washing your clothes with cold water and taking advantage of the sunshine of Cyprus to dry your clothes (instead of using the dryer machine). Improving your home’s energy efficiency, through better insulation for instance, or replacing your oil or gas furnace with an electric heat pump can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 900 kilograms of CO2e per year, according to the UN.
- Put the car aside for a while
The traffic on the road has become unbearable, with most vehicles burning gasoline or diesel. For short distances, consider walking or cycling. This will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also to your health and fitness. For longer distances, consider taking a bus or car sharing with friends.
- Reduce your food waste
When you throw away food, you are wasting the resources and energy used to grow, produce, pack and transport it. When food rots in a landfill, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas. Use what you buy and compost the leftovers. Cutting your food waste can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 300kg of CO2e per year.
- Reuse, repair and recycle
Many of the items we buy result in carbon emissions; from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing and transport of products for sale in a market. Consider buying only what you need, supporting small businesses rather than fast fashion companies, and if something can’t be repaired, recycle it.
- Talk about the climate crisis!
One of the most effective ways to make a difference is to talk to friends and people you know and get them to join the action! Talk about the changes we need both in your inner circle and to local leaders to take immediate action. It is something that concerns all of us and is our duty!