The Malta Independent 4 December 2024, Wednesday
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What can you do about climate change?

Monday, 26 September 2022, 11:28 Last update: about 3 years ago

1.      Eat less meat and dairy

One of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment is to cut out meat and dairy products. A high-fibre, plant-based diet may be beneficial for both your physical and mental health.

Eat less or smaller servings of meat, especially red meat, which has the biggest impact on the environment, and substitute non-dairy products for dairy ones.

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To lessen the carbon emissions from transit, preservation, and prolonged refrigeration, try to pick locally farmed, fresh produce that is in season.

2.      Cut back on flying

Instead of flying for work, think about using video conferencing.

If flying must be done, spend a little extra on carbon offsets.

For leisure travel, pick places close by and fly economy; on average, a business class person has a carbon footprint that is three times greater than that of an economy traveller.

3.      Leave your car at home

Consider walking or cycling to work instead of driving, you will benefit from better physical and mental health as well as financial savings. Use public transportation or car-sharing programs for longer trips.

Cars not only contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but they also seriously endanger public health due to air pollution brought on by traffic-related exhaust fumes. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and raises the chance of dementia.

4.      Reduce your energy use, and bills

You can reduce your energy use at home, your carbon impact, and your energy costs by making small behavioural changes:

·         Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two.

·         When not in use, turn off the lights and all of your appliances.

·         Change lightbulbs out for LEDs or other energy-efficient lighting.

·         Make little adjustments to your hot water usage, such as switching to a water-saving showerhead.

Or else, go the extra mile and ensure the energy efficiency of your property. Check that your house has proper insulation and consider draught-proofing windows and doors.

5.      Cut consumption and waste

As consumers, everything we use leaves a carbon footprint.

To minimize your carbon footprint you can start by doing small things such as

·         Avoiding fast fashion and single-use things, and aim to buy only what you need.

·         Look around for used or durable products that last a long time.

·         Use your purchasing power wisely by sticking with companies that support your new environmental goals.

·         Attempt to reduce waste

·         Reuse and repair - By giving unwanted items to a good cause or selling them, you can give discarded goods a new life

This article is brought to you by Mapfre Middlesea

 

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