This year, we learned that climate change isn't one of the myths we hear about growing up. The world's glaciers have sunk and extreme weather conditions hit around the globe. 

Realizing our impact on the world is only the first step, so let's dive deeper and check out these 5 simple methods to be more environmentally responsible.

Source: Science Node

 

1. Refillable Containers

quick fact:  3 liters of water is used to package 1 liter of water. 

Plastic is seriously bad for the environment and marine life.. this is no surprise. But switching your plastic bottles for a refillable water bottle only requires the smallest of efforts. Why not save money, marine life, and water with one small change. My personal favorite is the Contigo water bottles, they keep my water cool for 8 hours even in the summer heat.

                   

                             Source: Contigo                         Source: Society6

 

Another easy habit to pick up on is bringing your own coffee mug or cup, it saves plastic and that's not even the best part. Many coffee shops, including Starbucks, offers discounts and cheap refills for those who bring their own containers.

 

2. Say NO to Fast Fashion

quick fact: 1 kg of fabric produced generates 23 kg of greenhouse gas. 

If you're unfamiliar with the fast fashion trend, it is cheap trendy clothing. They are produced quickly, it's a wear once and toss piece of garment. The trendy clothing shops you see on Instagram are all fast fashion brands. Where there used to be 4 cycles of fashion in a year now there are 20! More clothing is produced now than ever before, emitting huge amounts of greenhouse gas and creating a lot of waste in landfills.

Buy used clothing when you can, especially old denim! Denim is very wasteful to produce and who doesn't love a good pair of vintage Levi's? Try to invest in good pieces of garments that will last. Lastly, please donate your clothing, someone will appreciate something you no longer do.

Source: Soho

 

3. UNPLUG your devices

quick fact:  power cables that are plugged in continue to consume energy even when nothing is attached to them.

When your TV is turned off it still draws about 30% of its power.

If you are like most of the population, the electricity you consume is sourced from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are not sustainable and they are a major reason why our Earth is heating up at such a concerning pace. One small habit that you can practice is unplugging your cords when an electronic is fully charged or when you're not home. You have probably lost count of the amount of power cords in your home, but they are constantly plugged consuming a lot of unnecessary energy. You also save a bit of money which is not bad.

Of course, if you're more committed to being economically responsible, converting your power source to a green energy source is even better!

 

4. Eat LESS Red Meat

quick fact : The process of growing livestock generates copious amounts of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Being more responsible about your consumption habits also includes the food you eat. The red meat you see on your plate comes from a complex process that causes rapid deforestation of rainforests and the thinning of the ozone layer. Until there is a scientific way to produce red meat more responsibly, we should limit the amount of meat and dairy products we consume.

Another food for thought is the fact that more grain goes into feeding livestock than people.

Source: Shutterstock

5. Shop Online

One of the easiest and most unexpected habits is shopping online! E-commerce is a huge trend; Amazon and a lot of lovely brands exist solely online. When you shop online you consume less energy, especially if you use a car to transport yourself to the store. It's a super easy habit that is also incredibly comfortable!

 

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Author: Merve Kadayifci

Main Photo Source: Hub Pages