5 easy ways to live greener in 2024
It's a common goal for the new year: living greener. But how do you actually make it happen when so much of the harm to our planet feels out of our hands?
The climate crisis isn't your fault, but that doesn't mean you can't make a difference. Together, we can have a positive impact by making simple changes to our lifestyles. Here are five easy ways to start living greener in 2024.
Cut meat from just one meal a week
Rib-eye steaks and cheeseburgers, while delicious, have a hefty toll on our planet. The production of beef, in particular, releases large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to the climate crisis. Additionally, raising animals for food requires significant energy and resources.
Shifting towards a plant-based diet is one of the most impactful changes we can make for the environment. However, you don't have to eliminate meat entirely to make a difference. Simply reducing your meat consumption, such as by having meat-free days each week, can significantly lessen your carbon footprint.
If you're not ready to give up meat completely, opting for poultry is a more environmentally friendly choice compared to beef and lamb. By making these small changes in our diets, we can play a part in mitigating climate change while still enjoying our favorite foods.
Practice eco-driving
While living car-free might not be feasible for everyone, there are still ways to reduce our carbon footprint through eco-driving techniques. Small adjustments in driving habits can make a significant difference in fuel efficiency and emissions.
Avoiding high speeds, sudden acceleration, and hard braking can improve fuel efficiency by up to 30% on highways. Additionally, using four-wheel drive unnecessarily can decrease efficiency, so it's wise to turn it off when not needed.
Maintaining a moderate speed of around 55 miles per hour (88 kilometers per hour) is optimal for fuel efficiency, especially for non-hybrid, gas-powered vehicles. Driving above this speed consumes more gas than necessary, contributing to unnecessary emissions. By adopting eco-driving practices, we can all play a part in combating the climate crisis while still using our vehicles.
Call your utility to ask for a clean energy option
Make a green move by reaching out to your electric utility and inquiring about clean energy options like solar or wind power. As homes grow in size and energy needs, switching to renewable sources can make a significant difference. Even if your utility doesn't currently offer renewable energy, expressing interest can encourage them to consider it in the future.
Take one less flight this year
When planning your travels, think about the environmental impact. Opting for a road trip or train journey instead of flying can significantly reduce carbon emissions, especially with more fuel-efficient cars available. Additionally, choosing economy-class seats over premium options helps minimize the carbon footprint per passenger.
Consider consolidating your vacations to reduce air travel. Instead of multiple short trips requiring flights, plan one longer vacation within driving distance. This way, you can enjoy the same amount of leisure time while cutting your flight count in half, contributing to a greener future.
Start a conversation
Individual actions are crucial in addressing the climate crisis, but they alone are not enough. While we strive to minimize our carbon footprint, significant progress also relies on policy changes and leadership from industries.
Despite the challenging climate news we've faced, there are reasons to remain hopeful. To initiate broader change, start conversations within your community, whether it's at your workplace, place of worship, or local organizations.
According to Katharine Hayhoe, a prominent climate professor and scientist, change begins when individuals engage in dialogue about the importance of climate action and what steps can be taken collectively to make a difference. So, let's spark these conversations and inspire positive change together.