Irrespective of what we use and how we use things, the fact remains that each person on this earth is a consumer. And every year, we see various headlines saying that the environment has to be saved for future generations.
After all, if we don’t leave the planet to them in good condition, there will be plenty of problems.
In the past 50 years, the world has seen great amounts of biodiversity loss, which is why it’s even more important to frame a better future for ourselves and our children.
So, here are some of the simple ways in which we can do that.
1. Reduce waste by consuming less
First and foremost, one of the simplest ways to keep the planet healthy is by reducing the amount of daily food and other things that we consume or use.
Everything we use eventually gets dumped in landfills or dumping grounds, where they might take years to decompose.
You can also make a monthly chart of how much food you consume and how much gets wasted. Do the same with gas, utensils, and everything else.
At the end of each month, try to set a goal of consuming less the next month. This will gradually lead to a decline in wastage.
2. Reuse items
Next, try to reuse items as much as possible. For example, switch to refillable cleaning products if you have been using use-and-throw items until recently. Or use old clothes as rags instead of purchasing new rags.
Avoid single-use plastic bags and items as much as possible because they pose a huge environmental threat. Use cloth bags instead. Even if you do use plastic, make sure it’s as environmentally friendly as possible.
Switching to reusable things will not only impact the planet positively but will also declutter your house and give you much more space to breathe.
3. Shop second-hand items
We, humans, love to shop so much that we often regard second-hand items as trash or boring.
But did you know that it takes gallons of water and other natural materials to make just one cotton t-shirt? So, if you refuse to buy second-hand items, you will reduce your wardrobe space and contribute to environmental damage.
Think about it – you can save a lot of money if you explore and buy from thrift stores, trading shops, or vintage stores. Similarly, you can even ask your friends or relatives to purchase second-hand things from you!
4. Go chemical-free
Going chemical-free is also a great way to ensure that future generations live on a healthy planet. For example, try to opt for makeup or garden-care products that use no artificial chemicals.
Teach your children to opt for the same when they grow up so they can be responsible adults later. Even simple things like hygiene products or food can be chemical-free!
Not only will these keep your body healthy and working, but they will also significantly reduce negative changes to the earth. Yes, it might take some time to get accustomed to chemical-free products, but the earth will surely thank you!
5. Use renewable energy sources
Another major concern today is the use of non-renewable energy sources like petroleum or diesel.
We have been utilizing fossil fuels so much that they will run out sooner or later. And when the time comes, our coming generations will be at a loss.
Therefore, it’s a much better idea to harness renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind energy.
For example, you can install solar panels on your roof that will utilize the sun’s power to provide electricity. If you live in rural areas with plenty of wind, you can easily utilize wind energy!
Over to you…
These are five simple steps that you should start teaching your children (and also start practising yourself) so that the world is in much better hands a few decades from now.
Other than these steps, you can also try out things like saying yes to eco-friendly products, never wasting water, and composting the organic matter that gets left over from food scraps, to name a few.
Remember, our children will always learn from what they see, so if we all take a step forward together and behave responsibly, our future generations will also do the same!
