We have just a few short years to heal and save our planet, so it’s down to every one of us to do what we can. The theme of this year’s World Environment Day (5 June) is #OnlyOneEarth – a call for ‘collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet’.
Doing our bit
Here are five ways we can all be more eco-friendly:
- Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle. Cut down on buying new, single-plastic or heavily packaged items. Shop in thrift stores or swap clothes with friends. And refurbish, mend or upcycle everything you can. Recycle as a last resort.
- Be mindful of your food. Eat local and seasonally, cut down on red meat and dairy, and try to throw away less food.
- Think about transport. Walk or cycle if you can, use public transport wherever possible, cut back on flying, and don’t use your car for short journeys. If you’re changing your car, go electric.
- In the home: Choose a green energy company or, if you can, put in your own renewable energy sources, like solar panels or a small wind turbine. Buy appliances with good energy-efficiency, and make sure your house is well insulated.
- Download the United Nations app to support Act Now, their campaign for individual action on climate change and sustainability.
For a few more tips and tips on being greener in your everyday life, check out this two-minute video.
When it comes to saving our beautiful planet earth, the buck stops with each one of us.