If we stop burning coal, oil, and natural gas, we can reduce greenhouse emissions by 40 – 70% by 2050*
The global average temperature is estimated to rise 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels in the first half of the 2030s, according to the recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body of experts convened by the United Nations. But what are the reasons for the estimated rise in temperature? The answer is humans burning coal, oil, and natural gas.[1]
Once the global temperature increases by 1.5 degrees Celsius, scientists say, the impacts of catastrophic heat waves, flooding, drought, crop failures, and species extinction will become significantly harder for humanity to handle. To date, the continued emissions of greenhouse gases have warmed the Earth an average of 1.1 degrees Celsius since the industrial age and the extent of future climate change depends on what we all do now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
With our consumption behaviors responsible for 72% of global greenhouse gas emissions,[2] there is no better time to rethink our role as consumers in response to the climate crisis. We all play a crucial part in reducing our carbon footprints and slowing climate change by making more environmentally conscious decisions and taking actions that have a positive impact on our environment. These actions can include making simple changes to our everyday consumption habits.
Buy what you need and look for durability
Whether you are shopping in a store or buying online, ask yourself what you really need. Consider how well-made the product is and if it will last. Try to look for products with a longer lifespan and try your best not to replace items too often.
Look for items in charity or second-hand shops
Every item we consume and then throw away has an impact on the planet. Second-hand shopping lowers this impact as we are reusing items and diverting them away from landfills. Instead of buying new things all the time, look for pre-loved items from charity or second-hand shops. This method of shopping will not only save you money, but there is a chance you will uncover a real gem among the many items in the shops and do your bit to help the environment.
Choose sustainable brands and products
Whether it is food, clothing, household or personal care products, choose products that have been responsibly sourced and produced without using harmful chemicals, pesticides or fossil fuels. In addition, purchasing items made with organic, eco-friendly fibers or biodegradable raw materials will help you live a more eco-friendly life and help to prevent negative environmental impacts. We know it is not always easy to find out what ingredients a product includes, however, you can check if there is a logo which shows the ingredients are from a trusted and sustainable source. For example, a VEOCEL™ logo on a pack of baby wipes will give you the confidence that the product is made of wood-based cellulosic fibers that are not blended with fossil-based materials.
Fact-check and be curious
Before you go shopping, do your research and compare a product’s ingredients, materials across different brands and companies. When you see words like “sustainable” or “green” on a product’s label, dig deeper to look for more credentials or verifications on how the product is made. Nowadays, brands are expected to be transparent about their sustainability practices and consumers have the right to access all the key information around packaging materials, source of raw materials, and carbon footprint to make an informed decision.
Sometimes we might feel that our actions are too insignificant to help fight climate change but if everyone is doing their bit for the environment, the impact of all our collective actions will eventually make a difference. #Itsinourhands to be the change we want to see for the good of our planet and future generations.
* https://www.ipcc.ch/2022/04/04/ipcc-ar6-wgiii-pressrelease/
[1] https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/press/IPCC_AR6_SYR_PressRelease_en.pdf