Caring about the environment is no longer just a trend. The environmental issues that the world is facing can potentially affect the lives of every single person on the planet. Scientists have made it clear that the pressing environmental issues are too big to ignore, and how we operate today will affect the lives of future generations. The changes that we make in our daily lives will not make the substantial changes that government officials and corporations need to make, but these slight changes can refocus our collective mind on how we are impacting the world around us. This increase in awareness of our effect on our environment and raise in eco-consciousness can help shift the perspective of ourselves and those around us to make more significant changes in the world.
Eat More Plant-Based Meals
The American diet traditionally consists of animal and meat products in every meal. However, shifting to eating fewer animal products can drastically improve your diet and have substantial changes in the environment. You can do this slowly by adding just one vegan meal per day to your diet. Search for vegan dinner recipes so that you can find delicious dupes of your favorite meaty meals with animal products. Products like beans, lentils, tofu, and seitan are great meat replacements. Most grocery stores also offer vegan alternatives, which can be a great alternative to fast food. Not only are plant-based meals great at curbing our effect on the environment, but it’s also a great decision for your health. Some studies show that people who eat more plant-based meals are much more likely to weigh less and have l adverse health issues.
Walk More
In some ways, being more ecologically friendly also contributes to your health. The more you walk or bike instead of depending on your car is great for the environment. The pollution that cars give off can add up over time, so by replacing your daily commute with either walking or biking, you’ll be less likely to contribute to the harmful gasses in the atmosphere. If the distance of your commute is too far for walking or biking, another great option might be taking a bus or organizing a ride share with friends. This is an excellent choice and can also save you money in the long run as gas is becoming more expensive every year.
Waste Less
Our trash is one of the biggest contributors to harmful effects on the environment. Wasting less, whether it be by investing in high-quality clothing instead of fast fashion, or buying in bulk to avoid buying plastic can all contribute to a better future. If your city has recycling, consider switching to those programs in order to give back to your community. Shop at thrift stores for vintage clothing that lasts instead of spending money on fast fashion that needs to be replaced every few years.Â
Do Your Research
There are so many different industries that are harmful to the environment that it can be difficult to know exactly what you should do to do your part. However, doing your research will ensure you have the knowledge necessary to make better decisions for the future of the planet.