But how?
Here are 4 things you can do to help save our planet.
1. Reduce your waste
We need to make wasting our resources unacceptable in all aspects of our life. Every product we buy has an environmental footprint and could end up in landfill. For instance, the impact of plastic pollution in our oceans is becoming increasingly clear, having drastic impacts on marine life.
Recycling what we can reduces the amount of new materials we are making whilst upcycling is new a creative way to make old items into something more valuable. For instance, turning a broken kitesurfing kite that was headed to the trash into a durable, awesome bag.
Oh, but wait, it’s not just the products we buy. It is estimated that a third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted. So, do your bit by reusing leftover ingredients, and create an awesome and interesting meal.
2. Watch what you buy
We can all do more to be more conscious about what we buy, and where we buy it from. Buying less will not only save you money, it will reduce waste and improve your environmental footprint. Check out the notion of slow fashion. Living a less consumerist lifestyle can benefit you and our planet.
Use your purchasing power and make sure your money is going towards positive change. By supporting eco-friendly and faire trade products which are less damaging to the environment, you are encouraging companies to source and produce their products in a sustainable way.
3. Use your voice
We are the first generation to know we are destroying the world, and could be the last that can do anything about it. Speaking up is one of the most powerful things you can do especially if it’s to the right people. However, it’s not just about speaking to the people in charge. Talk to your friends, neighbours and colleagues and get them to make positive changes too. Speak up, speak to everyone, and make your voice heard.
4. Be informed
One of the best things you can do is to keep yourself informed – the more you know the better. It leaves you better equipped to have those conversations with your friends and family and the people you want to influence. Get yourself clued up on the facts, stay up to date with recent news on the state of our natural world and work out what you can do. We have the world at our fingertips, so learn from influential people, keep up with the news and research organisations that are working to make our planet a better place.
