Our planet is in serious danger. The ice caps are melting, destroying the habitat of all the species that live there. The sea levels are rising, to a point where low-lying countries (Ireland included) may be devastatingly affected. Changing weather patterns may affect the growth of food we love, making it less and less available (this includes tea, just to worry you even more).
However, there are small changes each of us can make in our lives that can help.
- Reduce your plastic and single use products consumption; this can be difficult but it is entirely doable with just a little bit of consideration.
- Have metal cutlery and a metal straw with you for eating out or take aways.
- Bring your own container, a reusable water bottle and a keep-cup when going out. You never know when ou might need them!
- Have a tote bag for groceries and shopping, so you don’t have to take a new bag every time. It’s really simple to keep a tote bag or reusable shopping bag in your handbag/school bag at all times!
- If possible in your area buy products in bulk and use reusable containers (mason jars, lunch boxes, etc.). This obviously isn’t possible for everyone but if it is possible for you it is a simple change you can make! The English Market in Cork has a few stalls where ou can buy pulses and grains in bulk and you get a dsicount for bringing your own container.
- Reduce meat and dairy consumption. Farming is one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and reducing your consumption might be easier than you think.
- Take things slowly, start with baby steps such as replacing cows milk in tea with a non dairy substitute or eating veggie sausages instead of “normal” ones.
- Try having a meatless day every week, “meatless Mondays” are becoming popular.
- Start following vegan and vegetarian YouTubers and chefs such as the Happy Pear, they show that being vegan is totally doable!
- Be considerate of your electricity usage and make changes where you can. It doesn’t have to be anything drastic, just simple things like making sure lights are turned off in empty rooms or appliances aren’t left switched on or charging overnight.
- Minimise use of unnecessary water. Take shorter showers when you can, don’t leave the tap on when brushing your teeth, don’t turn on half loads in the washing machine or dishwasher.
- Opt for more sustainable fashion. Start shopping in charity shops or thrift stores, reduce your buying of “fast fashion” and online stores such a Boohoo or Pretty Little Thing, opt for more sustainable fabrics. @sustainablefashiondublin on Instagram offer some wonderful advice on more sustainable fashion choices.
- Become active. Sign petitions, contact local politicians, participate in protests, use your social media voice for good. It is largely big corporations contributing to Global Warming and Climate Change and without proper government action these big businesses won’t change their ways. We can make changes in our everyday lives but it is also important to demand change from the people in power. (Follow Extinction Rebellion on social media for all the information you need on protests and action being taken for climate change. Extinction Rebellion website. Extinction Rebellion Ireland.
Climate Change poses a serious threat to our planet and unless we start taking action now the long term effects will be critical and irreversible. The planet isn’t ours to keep or to destroy. Future generations deserve to live on anf access fully the planet like we and past generations have and this won’t be possible if we continue to destroy it inour live time. If Greta Thunberg can do all the incredible things she is doing then each of us can make small changes in our everyday lives!
Chloe Boland 