5 simple tips to make your life more environmentally friendly in 2024

Public opinion surveys on global environmental issues show that, regardless of the region of the planet, people generally consider the climate change situation to be extremely dangerous. And most people agree that everything possible should be done to solve the problems that have accumulated.

Thus, according to SSPDaily, we are gradually moving towards an eco-friendly lifestyle, but many people find it difficult to change their habits and often do not know where to start on their journey to sustainable development. So, if you want to make your life more sustainable in 2024, here are some steps to take in this direction.

Solve the problem of food waste

Every year, we throw a billion tons of food into landfills, which leads to the formation of methane, a greenhouse gas more dangerous than CO2.

The solution to the problem is simple: eat more rationally (and often at a lower cost). What does this mean in practice? Eat less meat and more plant-based foods, especially beans and greens. Beans do not require nitrogen fertilizers (which are partially produced from natural gas) due to their ability to convert nitrogen from the air into nutrients.

A good start would be to give up natural meat, at least one day a week, and replace it with "imitators". In addition, plan your meals in advance and be sure to eat leftovers to reduce unnecessary waste.

If possible, use a microwave oven for cooking, as it is more energy efficient than a stove.

Use your own car less often

We all have to move from one place to another - to work, school, university, or the store. The question is how to do it in an environmentally friendly way?

Choose "healthy" ways to get around - walking, biking, rollerblading, or an electric scooter - anything that doesn't emit carbon dioxide. And start your "transportation reform" by giving up one or two car trips, once a week.

By the way, when it comes to longer trips, traveling by train or bus is more environmentally friendly than traveling by car or plane.

Spend energy wisely

Energy for household use is becoming more and more expensive every year, and it also causes huge greenhouse gas emissions. Making small changes to your daily energy consumption will have a significant impact on your bills and improve the environmental situation on the planet.

These actions do not require much effort. You just need to: turn off the light when you leave the room; cook without putting a lid on the pot; reduce the temperature of your home thermostat by 1°C; wash clothes and dishes at a lower temperature; do not stand in the shower for a long time; unplug appliances and chargers when not in use.

And by the way, replace broken halogen light bulbs with more efficient LED bulbs.

Don't chase fashion

People love to buy new clothes, but this "habit" has a staggeringly high environmental and social cost. Every year, the fashion industry produces more than 92 million tons of waste, most of which is incinerated, sent to landfill, or exported to developing countries.

There are many ways to be both fashionable and eco-friendly.

• Start by organizing your wardrobe so that you know what you have before you start shopping and so that what you buy works with what you already have.

• Don't throw away damaged items if possible, but try to extend their life as much as possible.
• Keep in mind that buying clothes at second-hand stores saves you money, and the social and environmental benefits of charity trade are widely recognized.
• You can exchange clothes you don't need with friends and family or in specialty stores.

Alternatively, you can also buy less expensive but better quality clothes. These items are usually more durable and last longer.

Reduce household waste

More than 2 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste are generated annually in the world. This figure is expected to increase by 70% by 2050. Here's how you can reduce the amount of garbage you throw in the trash.

• Make shopping lists and avoid impulse decisions.
• Take reusable bags with you to the store.
• Buy products without packaging in zero-waste stores.
• Make sure you know what can be recycled locally and follow the recommendations.

Reducing waste can save valuable resources, as well as reduce environmental pollution and your weekly costs.