6 Tips To Tackle Climate Change At Home

Climate change: it’s real. You heard it here first.

The world is recognising the changes to the globe, with President Obama describing it as the greatest threat posed to future generations, Pope Francis calling for the world to act quickly, and with at least seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals focusing on climate change and climate action. World leaders see that climate change is a problem, so every day humans should too. (Can’t you feel it?)

Humans are a major contributor towards climate change. On average, an Australian’s carbon footprint (how much CO2 we produce) is about 18 tonnes. That’s quite a lot, especially considering the world’s average is 4 tonnes. So, how can you reduce your carbon footprint and in turn help reduce the impacts of climate change?

Here's five ways you can start.

Shop second-hand

Macklemore had it right. Shopping second-hand isn't a trend that began with the success of “Thrift Shop” but it remains a really great way to recycle every day. Op-shopping isn't limited to clothes either: you can buy books, kitchen utensils, Christmas decorations, furniture and way more. Plus, going op-shopping can be really fun. Grab a couple mates, pull out your loose change and go forth!

Recycle (and reuse!)

Your year 6 primary teacher probably didn't recycle, but they taught you about recycling for a good reason. Recycling is super easy and not too different from throwing things away - it just means you have to take a second to think about what you're throwing away (and where). Think you can reuse it? Keep it! Think you can recycle it? Do it!

An easy way to recycle is through jars and plastic bottles. Jars you can reuse for jam, plants, candles… anything, really. And, if you live in SA or the ACT, plastic bottles can be traded for money!

Ride a bike

Just in: bike-riding isn’t merely for hipsters. Riding a bike is great. You're not polluting the atmosphere and you're actually exercising on your way to school or work. It's a win-win situation. Save the Earth whilst getting in your daily exercise!

Not a cyclist? That's okay! Maybe take public transport instead of driving. (It’s also a nice way to catch up on your reading or study while making your commute.)

Use a ‘keep cup’

This is an easy one for all you coffee lovers. Keep cups are beautiful little travel cups you can take anywhere with you. Around 500 billion disposable cups are consumed each year around the world. If everyone had a keep cup, that number would basically be zero. (There would, on the other hand, be about seven billion keep cups, but that’s it.)

Be a conscious buyer 

Now this is a massive step, recommended for those who are willing to do whatever they can to help out. Being a conscious buyer means you make an active decision when selecting the products and goods you use. Check the ingredients and the labelling. Make sure it's Fairtrade, sustainably and ethically sourced, all that good stuff. There are even apps you can download that tell how ethical a product can be.

Drop the plastic

Plastic is not your friend. It’s the enemy. Seriously. Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four times. That’s crazy. The good news is you can definitely reduce that figure. Invest in reusable bags and reuse the plastic bags you do get. Tote bags: now, they are your friend.

Caitlin Moore is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about our contributors program.