The UN Sustainable Development Gols aims to eliminate poverty, work against inequality and injustice, and reduce the effects of global warming, among other goals. But, what can you do as an ordinary person to bring a significant change and make a difference this National Make a Difference Day?
Every person on the planet can be part of the answer. Fortunately, there are a few simple things we can do in our day-to-day that can make a significant difference if we all do them.
Small Actions Make Huge Differences
The National Make a Difference Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October. This time around, let’s pledge to do something beyond community service to protect the planet. Reducing greenhouse gases emission, using recycled paper, and saving energy are among simple things we can do be more environmentally friendly. Here are a few things you might try to reduce your carbon footprint and be eco-friendly.
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose
These are the four easy steps to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Also known as the 4 Rs, it is a new way to look at the resources you use every day. Reduce the waste you produce, choose reusable items such as water bottles, and keep cups. Recycle your trash, and re-purpose things you are not using by giving new life to them.
2. Volunteer for Community Service and Programs
Go out to be a part of a campaign promoting the importance of being energy efficient. Additionally, you could also join an earth day group to spread the value of food production and organic foods. Whatever be the cause, just join and volunteer.
3. Educate Others
When you extend your knowledge to others, you make them responsible for protecting natural resources. Meanwhile, this creates a chain that educates more people about the importance of saving our planet.
4. Save Water
Water is not just essential for drinking, it is also a key ingredient in food production. In fact, reducing wasted water ensures that less of it would end up in the oceans. Subsequently, the large water bodies would be cleaner. Saving money is a collateral, but great benefit of saving water.
5. Make Sustainable Choices
Protecting our planet is a greater responsibility than ever. This is because it is our job to conserve natural resources. Being energy efficient would ensure that future humans can enjoy what we do. Similarly, small lifestyle changes like choosing a bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic could help protecting our oceans and environment.
6. Be a Wise Shopper
While out shopping, try to buy more organic foods, and whenever possible, avoid using non-biodegradable resources. The more you choose recyclable materials, the more you’ll help the planet. When you use biodegradable packaging, you reduce the amount of waste that doesn’t decompose easily. Finally, use a cloth or jute bag for shopping, instead of a plastic one.
7. Use Energy Efficient Lights
It is an easy change to make, and in return, it will also help you save some money. Your standard light bulbs emit heat and consume a lot of energy while using plenty of natural resources. Instead, opt for LED bulbs, they are more energy-efficient. The USA Weekend Magazine recommends such lights as a way to reduce your carbon footprint.
8. Sow Seeds and Plant Trees
Start by building your vegetable garden, and then move to other actions, like planting a tree. Trees provide us with most of the natural resources. Planting trees would ensure that future generations don’t run short of oxygen, wood, and other resources.
9. Avoid Using Harsh Household Chemicals
These chemicals mix in our waterways and make water purification an expansive task. Moreover, such chemical toxins can kill marine life, thus hampering the food chain. Instead, you can opt for biodegradable and eco-friendly chemicals.
10. Carpool Over Driving
If you or a friend are going in the same direction, try Carpooling. Avoid driving your vehicle if you can carpool or use public transport. For example, driving less reduces greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants in the air, thus adding to your Points of Light. Another alternative is to use eco-friend ways of transport such as bikes.
A word from Ocean
We all share a social responsibility to save the planet. Small actions can make a significant difference in the long run. This fourth Saturday of October, i.e. on the National Make a Difference Day, be the inspirational volunteer your community needs. Our small actions can be life-altering for future generations.
Sea you next post!
