10 everyday actions to preserve the planet
Global warming concerns us all. And we have a duty, in order to slow down the latter, to adopt responsible reflexes. But how can we take care of the planet at our level ? Here are the 10 daily actions to preserve the planet !
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Unplug unused outlets
Many devices consume energy without us even realizing it. How? By staying connected. Indeed, these electronic devices often have a " standby " that we do not pay attention to: they therefore stay on and consume a lot of electricity unnecessarily. The first step to preserving the planet is to always unplug the sockets if nothing is charging/being used and to ensure that your devices are actually turned off and not just on standby !
Turn off the tap
When you shower, shave, wash your hands, brush your teeth or do the dishes, turn off the tap ! If water continues to flow when you're not actively using it, it's a huge and easily avoidable waste. It is also possible, in certain situations, to reuse water! For example, you could use the water to wash vegetables and water the garden with it. So, if you don't want to waste gallons of water a day, turn off the tap and/or, if that's not possible, save the water for another occasion!
Favor public transport/cycling/walking
The car is very practical in everyday life. It is also very polluting on a daily basis (especially if it is one car per person). How can this problem be overcome? By favouring public transport ! They are much more environmentally friendly than the car : for longer distances, it is better to use them! But for shorter journeys, cycling remains one of the best alternatives. And, for the bravest, don't hesitate to walk to get to your destination.
Don't throw anything on the ground
It's the easiest (and effortless) way to preserve the planet. All you have to do is wait until you find a bin to throw away your waste. Otherwise, the objects will never be recycled (some take years to disappear, such as plastic bottles or cigarettes). If there is no garbage can in the area, take a bag (not plastic!) with you to carry the garbage until you find a garbage can, otherwise just keep it in hand for as long as it takes (even if it can be painful, it's always better than polluting).
Buy second-hand/refurbished items
One of the gestures to preserve the planet is to give life to objects in order to curb overproduction and overconsumption. Favor short circuits (local second-hand stores) and refurbished (for example for appliances, in order to avoid electronic waste). You can also rent or borrow items rather than buy them ! Sharing is a notion that is being lost, whereas it would be quite possible to borrow, for example, a screwdriver or something else from a neighbour/friend/colleague/etc.
Reuse Scratch Sheets
Whether it's to write the shopping list, gifts to buy for birthdays or simply an idea that comes to mind, don't use new sheets every time ! This is a huge mess that could very easily be avoided. Try to use the entire surface of your scrap paper, so that you use as little paper as possible. Especially since no one will go to check what's on your draft: you're the only one to see it! Take a new blank sheet only if you don't have any other ones already used.
Promoting local food
Local food has several advantages. First, it is a simple way to fight global warming. Indeed, rather than encouraging the import of food products (fruits, vegetables, etc.), it is much more ethical to buy from local producers. This encourages short circuits and prevents the release of CO² from trucks. Then, it's much better for your health ! Consuming seasonal and local products means choosing to eat fresh food that often contains more vitamins than imported products (the latter losing them during the journey).
Avoiding the plane
The plane is probably the most polluting means of transport there is. For longer journeys, try to travel by train as much as possible and not by plane. Indeed, per passenger, an aircraft produces between 145 and 241 kg of CO² (a non-negligible amount). The planes release several liters of kerosene per minute, especially during takeoff. Travelling differently means choosing to actively fight climate change.
Sorting waste daily
Now that's a good habit to adopt ! Before throwing away your waste (which you have of course kept in your hands, without leaving it on the ground), remember to sort it! Always check the colors to conscientiously dispose of your different products and materials : glass, batteries, plastic, cardboard, cups, etc. Once sorted correctly, the object in question will be recycled, and therefore reused in a different way. For example, it is possible to create new bottles with the sorted glass. It is also possible to make cardboard boxes with the discarded paper. In this way, we save natural resources !
Buy ethical products
Overconsumption is a scourge for the planet. Beyond buying second-hand, if you want to buy something new, choose companies that respect the environment and participate in sustainable development. One of the daily actions to preserve the planet is to spend your money on products that are worth it. Some applications also provide insight into companies' manufacturing policies and processes. For example, for clothing, Clear Fashion lets you know if the garment you want to buy has been ethically made or not. The same goes for food products: BuyOrNot, etc.
All these gestures are simple and the majority do not require effort or money. Take the time to rethink your habits, in order to adopt these 10 daily gestures to preserve the planet. We are worth it!
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