Climate protection is becoming increasingly important for many people. However, actively protecting the climate does not only mean that you are informed in the field, but also to review your own behavior and, if necessary, to change your behavior. We have put together a few tips on how you can make your own life more sustainable. Of course, not all of these need to be implemented, but if you change a few things, you can do a lot.
1. Put your diet to the test
At first glance, many people do not realize that one can contribute to climate protection through their own diet. Nutrition in the western world accounts for about 13 percent of per capita CO2 emissions. Fruits and vegetables are much less abundant than meat and dairy products, and locally produced organic produce is, of course, better than Egyptian grapes and New Zealand apples.
An important point is also the meat consumption. In Germany, this is more than 60 kilograms per year per person – far too much. If you ask yourself the question of whether meat once or twice a week is not enough, you can contribute a lot to climate protection. But individual vegetables also have a relatively large ecological footprint. Did you know that the production of two and a half avocados requires about 1,000 liters of water?
2. Clothing: Sustainable living can also mean borrowing instead of buying
Borrowing instead of buying is a concept that is now prevailing in many areas of life – a prominent example is car sharing. But also in the field of clothing there are now appropriate solutions, especially in children’s clothing.
The problem is well-known: especially younger children often grow out of their clothes faster than they can buy. This problem has now recognized several providers and offer the opportunity to borrow children’s things, instead of buying them. The advantages are obvious: not only that the clothes stay in circulation for as long as possible, but also that the children’s clothing for borrowing also protects the parents‘ budget.
3. The verification of own mobility
Speaking of rail: The same applies to the car – especially the car. Sure, for some this is indispensable. But especially people who live in cities, would often get along without their own car. Concepts such as car sharing and, last but not least, public transport offer completely sufficient mobility, especially in urban areas.
And even those who have their own car can put their behavior to the test. Is it really necessary to drive the kids 1.5 kilometers to school each morning? And could not you just do a lot of short-distance cycling? The more the car stops, the better for the environment – and often for one’s own health.
4. Consumption: Look carefully what you need
General consumer behavior also affects the carbon footprint. Every year a new smartphone, every two years a new laptop, expensive toys, which is in the corner after two three days – the list could continue indefinitely. Anyone who asks the question of whether he really needs the object of desire before larger and smaller purchases can make a significant contribution to climate protection. And often joint ventures with children and / or the partner are much more valuable than expensive gifts.
Of course, nobody has to change their entire behavior in favor of sustainability. But reviewing your own behaviors and wondering which changes you can and want to make is an important step.
