Climate change is a legitimate problem, but people can do a lot to stop it. Luckily, more and more information about the causes and effects of climate change is being learned each day, but it’s going to take action from all of us if we’re going to turn things around. There are significant environmentally-friendly changes we can make to our homes and within our communities to help stop climate change. Here are some practical ways we can all help.
Adding solar panels to your home
Solar panels are a wonderful addition to any home to help reduce climate impact because they reduce reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gases, to generate energy. With solar panels, the energy comes straight from the sun, which means that a homeowner with solar panels does not have to rely on a second party to provide an energy source. Additionally, the energy source is free and non-depleting. Along with saving money on electricity bills—depending on the area you live in—installing solar panels may result in tax benefits, such as deductions or credits.
Saying no to straws
About 500 million straws are used in the US each day, and they’re almost always thrown away instead of recycled. While seemingly small and insignificant, the use of straws cumulatively causes significant waste and pollution. Their small size poses dangers to sea creatures such as entanglement and ingestion. Activists are hoping to change the way people think about straws. Rather than attempt to change laws or regulations, anti-straw activists are simply trying to inform people of the problem and are asking consumers to change their habits.
Eating local and organic
Another thing that can contribute to the health of our environment is avoiding processed food. Instead, opt to eat locally-grown organic foods, or even grow your own. Eating consciously can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While getting food at the local chain food store is easy and readily accessible, planes, trucks and trains travel long distances to deliver those products. By shopping at the local food stand, farm, or farmers market, you can support not only the local economy but also the reduction of carbon footprints. Also, by eating in season and eating more plant-based food sources, you will experience noticeable health benefits.
Using Energy Star-qualified products
When buying new products or replacing old ones, choose Energy Star-labeled products on various forms of household appliances. There are many different products available, including appliances, lighting, electronics, and temperature control equipment. The EPA estimates that the “Energy Star label can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 130,000 pounds and save you $11,000 on energy bills” over the product’s lifetime.
Installing other energy- and water-efficient items
Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets is a great way to save water and money. Low-flow toilets typically use half the water that traditional toilets use. Many modern low-flow toilets come with a half- and full-flush option, and a wider drainage passage leads to less clog problems. Laminar-flow showerheads produce streams of water and allow for better temperature control, while aerating shower heads mix water with air, creating a large amount of steam. Like the toilets and shower heads, low-flow faucets can help you save on water and money. If putting in a new faucet isn’t an option for you, then you can add an aerator or flow restrictor and still save a good bit of money in the long run. Finally, switching to LED or CFL lights is a good way to save energy, and they typically burn brighter and longer than traditional lighting.
As we learn more about climate change, we should all consider doing our part in reversing its effects. While some of the changes that need to be made take a good bit of effort and money, many of them are easy and come at little or no cost. Consider adding solar panels to your home, quitting using straws, finding Energy Star products, and installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets. Remember that these everyday changes can make a lasting difference for the world as a whole.
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