We all know that climate change is a huge problem. And it’s one that we need to start solving now. But what can we do? We’re not all scientists or politicians with the power to make significant changes.
According to sustainability expert Vikki Gerrard La Crosse, we can still make a difference even in our golden years. We can do many small things to reduce our energy consumption and help the environment.
Here Are Some Steps To Help You Climate Change In Your Golden Years:
Here are a few of her suggestions.
1. Reduce Electricity Consumption
The easiest thing we can do for the planet is to be conscious of the energy we waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average U.S. household wastes 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. This is the equivalent of leaving a 100-watt light bulb on for 10 hours a day.
Households can reduce their electricity consumption and lower their electricity bill with simple changes. Turn off the lights when a room is not being used. If it’s daytime, take advantage of natural light.
Unplug electronics that don’t need to stay on when you leave the house, like the TV, coffee maker, and computer. These devices use energy even when turned off, so it’s important to unplug them completely. Using a power strip makes it easy to do this because you can turn off the power strip when you leave instead of unplugging each device individually.
Related Resource: Follow These Simple Steps to Compare Electricity Rates Online
2. Take Advantage Of Public Transportation
Take advantage of good public transportation if you live in an area with good public transportation. It’s not only good for the environment, but it can also be a nice break from driving. Public transportation can decrease your carbon footprint because buses and trains emit less pollution per passenger mile than cars.
Some areas, like more prominent cities, even offer discounts on public transportation for seniors. Check with your local transit authority to see what’s available in your area.
The American Public Transportation Association reports that if every U.S. household took just one trip on public transportation each week, we would save 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
This would also avoid emitting 27 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If public transportation isn’t an option, Vikki Gerrard La Crosse suggests carpooling or biking for an eco-friendly way to get around.
3. Plant Trees And Gardens
Trees and plants are natural carbon dioxide absorbers. They take in the greenhouse gas and release oxygen back into the atmosphere. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, one tree can remove up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly.
You don’t need a lot of space to make a difference. Even a small garden can have an impact. If you don’t have a yard, you can grow plants in containers on a balcony or patio.
Gardening has many other benefits, too. It can help you relax, connect with nature, and get some exercise. And, of course, you’ll enjoy your labor’s fruits (or vegetables).
4. Recycle And Compost
Recycling and composting are great ways to reduce waste and help the environment. When you recycle, you’re keeping materials out of landfill. And when you compost, you’re creating natural fertilizer for your plants.
You can recycle many items that you use every day, like paper, plastic, and glass. Most communities have recycling programs, so it’s easy to do. Vikki Gerrard La Crosse recommends checking with your local municipality to see what’s accepted.
Composting is a little more work, but it’s worth it. You can compost food scraps and other organic material, like dead leaves and newspaper, to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your plants. Many different containers make composting easy, even for small spaces.
5. Use Less Water
Water is a precious resource, so it’s important to use it wisely. We never really think about it not being readily available, but climate change is affecting water availability in many parts of the world.
There are a few easy ways to conserve water at home. Turn the faucet off while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving. Don’t let the water run the whole time while doing the dishes. And water your plants during the cooler hours of the day to minimize evaporation.
If you can, consider adding a rain barrel to your garden. This will save you money on your water bill and is a great way to water your plants during dry spells.
To reduce water usage, you can also install low-flow fixtures, like faucet aerators and showerheads. These devices restrict water flow without affecting performance, so you’ll still get a good clean while using less water.
Finally, consider supporting organizations that are working to conserve water resources. One example is the Waterkeeper Alliance, which is a nonprofit organization that works to protect and restore waterways worldwide.
They have more than 300 local chapters in over 40 countries, making them one of the largest environmental organizations in the world. The Waterkeeper Alliance uses a grassroots approach to advocacy, working with individuals and communities to uphold the rights of waterways. They also work with the government and industry to ensure that water is protected for future generations.
Final Thoughts
Even in our golden years, we can still make a difference regarding climate change. Educating ourselves about the issue and taking small steps to become more sustainable can significantly impact the world.
Try implementing some tips above to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. And don’t forget to spread the word to your friends and family. We can all make a difference!
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