Regardless of how small the efforts you make, every conscious action counts when it comes to our environment. While protesting, donating and raising awareness about our climate crisis are imperative, there are sustainable alternatives at our disposal. For one, you can research to become more aware of the pressing climate crisis; anyone can do this with the click of a button, to foster a better understanding of climate science as a whole.
Switch your browser: Instead of using Safari, adapt to a more eco-friendly search engine; there are always many to choose from, with Ecosia being the most popular. This green search engine values keeping your data safe, and while doing so, every search you make adds up to planting trees, physically making a difference, as well as their profits, which directly fund Climate action. Another option is OceanHero, which works similarly to Ecosia, where every search contributes to clearing up our waters from the plastics in our ocean. There are many alternatives; these are just to name a few.
Buy secondhand clothing: While our world, especially social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, has somewhat normalised overconsumption to their audiences. Even though purchasing clothes secondhand has its faults, with textile waste and clothes piling up in landfills, it is still a step in the right direction against shopping from fast fashion and well-established retailers. Even though Vinted and Depop are sustainable alternatives, shipping does come into play, so shopping in person from charity shops means that you’re avoiding this, as well as contributing to funding for those charities. On another note, repurpose your clothing. Either by altering them, learning how to sew, or finding new ways to style pre-loved clothes so that they feel new again.
Don’t use ChatGPT: Why use it anyway? Not only does ChatGPT require endless amounts of water to cool its generators, but it’s quite a redundant and indolent way to avoid using your own brain. Avoid using AI altogether when you can. Even though a number of companies and heads of companies are actively funding AI, learning where your money goes and where they are distributing it is important, especially if there are other options you can resort to.
Composting! Become that person in your family to put a system in place. It’s a simple adaptation that makes a difference. Or, moreover, become more cognisant of how much on your plate you’re wasting, and instead, save it.
These are merely a few eco-friendly substitutes, which you can easily adapt to. While only small, every conscious effort will collectively make a difference.
