Eco-Friendly Habits: Few Simple Changes For A Greener Tomorrow

1. Measure your carbon footprint regularly: Understanding your carbon footprint is the first step toward reducing it. By tracking energy consumption, waste production, and transportation habits, one can identify areas where the eco-friendly changes can be made. Numerous online tools and apps can help in calculating the footprint and setting goals to lower it. Everyone should set monthly goals to reduce it by walking or biking instead of driving and by reducing energy consumption at home. (Image source: Pinterest/ 5-Minute Crafts)

2. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances: Opt for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce electricity consumption. Besides, all must learn to unplug appliances when not in use and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Not only does this save on energy bills, but it also decreases the demand for fossil fuels, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing carbon footprint and lowering energy bills. (Image source: Pinterest/ Nostrodomus)

3. Support Local and Sustainable Products: Whenever possible, buy locally produced goods and support businesses that prioritise sustainability. Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, and choose locally sourced or organic produce. Reducing meat consumption can significantly lower the carbon footprint, as livestock production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, choosing products with minimal packaging or recyclable materials can further reduce the environmental impact. (Image source: Canva)

4. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Simple practices like fixing leaks, using water-saving fixtures, and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can conserve significant amounts of water. Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bags, and refuse single-use plastics whenever possible. Specifically, regarding the plastic menace, it's alarming to note that one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, 500 billion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year, and 91% of plastic is not recycled. (Image source: Pinterest/ norliyana alia)

5. Plant trees: Trees give us life. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, playing a vital role in combating climate change. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day in June this year, urges people to plant a sapling as a tribute to their mothers.  Just planting a sapling is not enough; taking care of it until it grows into a tree is equally important. So let’s plant a tree with full sincerity and feel proud for the contribution to Mother Nature. With one tree, we reduce 10 kilogrammes, or 22 pounds, of carbon dioxide per year for the first 20 years. (Image source: Canva)

6. Consume or Buy Only What is Required: Purchase only what is needed and avoid impulse buys, especially non-essentials. Careful meal planning can help reduce food waste, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; if food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter. In fashion, choose quality over quantity, support sustainable brands, and consider second-hand options when available. Adopting a circular economy mindset by reusing, repurposing, and recycling items reduces waste, conserves resources, and promotes a sustainable lifestyle. (Image source: Pinterest/ iBelieve.com)

7. Practice responsible waste disposal: Make responsible waste disposal a conscious effort. Never throw waste out of the window, whether at home or from a moving vehicle. Segregate waste at the source before handing it over to the cleaning staff—start by separating wet, dry, and plastic waste. Proper waste segregation is crucial for recycling and reducing landfill burden, helping to minimise environmental pollution. (Image source: Canva)

Inputs By: Pallavee Dhaundiyal Panthry, Chief Communication Advisor, WOCE- World of Circular Economy (Image source: Canva)