Last modified on May 13th, 2020 at 5:13 am

5 Steps to Take at Home to Help Mitigate Climate Change

A lot needs to change to avoid a climate crisis. Do your part and know these 5 small steps you can take at home to help mitigate climate change.

2016 was the warmest year on record in history, and the climate is rapidly changing all the time. 

It may seem like a problem that’s out of our hands, but that’s not the case. There are many things that you can personally do to mitigate climate change in your lifetime. 

So if you’re wondering what you can do to help the climate crisis, keep reading for some information and tips!

What is the Climate Crisis?

When we burn fossil fuels for energy, carbon dioxide is released, which changes the nature of the Earth’s climate. This can increase the global temperature. Increasingly, we use energy for everything in our modern society, so the problem is only steadily getting worse. 

Climate changes are responsible for a variety of problems such as strange weather patterns, hurricanes, droughts, and animal species dying out. If we want to preserve Earth as we know it, it is important to speak up now before the problem becomes too much to fix. We don’t have another planet.

Scientists say that if global climate temperatures reach above 2 degrees Celsius, the climate could be damaged irreversibly. The current temperature is at 1.9. This matter is time-sensitive and we all need to participate. That’s why it’s important that we all do the little things we can do.

Climate change is an urgent matter that it’s important to learn about if you want to help reduce the problem. If you want more information, try browsing the Climate Leadership Council LinkedIn.

Next, it’s a good idea to find out exactly what impact you are making on the environment by calculating your carbon footprint. This can help you figure out what you can do to reduce that footprint.

Calculating Your Footprint

The Environmental Protection Agency wants you to know the size of your carbon footprint. By entering your location and the number of people in your household into this calculator, you can easily find out the impact you are making on the environment. This calculator will ask some detailed questions about your lifestyle and then provide an estimate of your impact. 

Then, the site will provide some specific suggestions for how you can reduce the environmental impact you are making. This calculator covers home energy, transportation, and waste. If you can make just a few changes in each of those categories, you can help reduce the negative impact you are making on the environment. 

Mitigate Climate Change at Home

Fighting climate change is something that you can help with from your own home. You just have to make some minor lifestyle changes that help reduce your negative impact on the environment. If everyone takes some small steps, we can reduce the harm before it’s too late.

1. Cut Down on Meat Consumption

Changing your diet to reduce the amount of meat you eat can have a massive impact on the environment. Meat and dairy production causes 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. Limiting the meat products you consume can drastically reduce your environmental impact. 

You don’t have to go fully vegan to reduce your impact either. Just reducing the amount of meat and dairy you eat can make a difference. Try cutting it down to once or twice a week and replacing some of your normal meals with vegetarian or vegan options.

There are tons of vegetarian recipes out there that are easy to make and just as satisfying as eating meat. Try a new one once a week to ease yourself into a new habit.

2. Waste Less Water

There are many simple ways you can change your lifestyle to waste less water and reduce your environmental impact. For example, try to take showers instead of baths, as it uses far less water. Make sure to turn the faucet off whenever you aren’t actively using the water. 

If you are thinking about replacing your toilet, go for an eco-friendly option that uses less water when you flush. 

3. Save Your Energy

Light bulbs can easily be replaced with compact fluorescent bulbs that are more energy-efficient. Unplug appliances that aren’t in use so that they aren’t using up excess electricity. Energy-efficient appliances can also significantly reduce your footprint, and choosing eco-friendly products is an easy enough thing to do when you upgrade your appliances.

Insulating your home properly can reduce your electricity usage, as well as saving you money on your electricity bill. Make sure to prevent drafts around doorways and windows. If you can invest in new windows, be sure to purchase an energy-efficient option. 

4. Drive Less

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average American drives 13,476 miles per year. Reducing the amount that you drive your car can make a huge impact.

There are many public transportation options if you live in the city. You can take the bus, the subway, or the streetcar. Some cities have free public transportation if you’re a student. Look into the options where you live.

Walking and biking are also good options if you are able. You can stay fit while helping the environment. Or, look into carpooling with coworkers so that you are reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce your waste as much as possible by not purchasing excess food you won’t use. Try to purchase things that have less packaging that will go in the garbage. 

Reuse things as much as you can. Purchase clothes and home goods from thrift stores or Facebook marketplace. 

Recycling is another way you can help the environment without going too far out of your way. Many cities have neighborhood pickup for recycling. Or there are recycling centers where you can drop off glass items.

What Else Can We Do?

While the environmental impact of human development is a huge problem, there are concrete things you can do to mitigate climate change. Just keep doing what you can and work hard for a better tomorrow. 

Keep doing your part and together we can save the planet!

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