Environment – Tien-Jen

Five Ways to Care About Our Planet

I recently watched Our Planet on Netflix and you can see the incredible beauty in nature, the vastness of the ocean and the animals that wander the earth. The series makes one more conscious of the impacts of climate change and how human beings have significantly impacted the planet. There’s something humbling about being reminded of the fact that we are not alone on this planet.

Our world is struggling and it’s clear with events such as the flooding earlier this year in New Zealand. The goal is not perfection. The reality is that there are systemic and societal changes that need to drastically change in corporations and government. There are many little steps we can take but here are some little steps we can take that can help:

1) Eat less meat. Meat contributes to the release of greenhouse gases. Not to mention, meat is overproduced. In the past, I worked at a organic supermarket where we had to throw out dozens of of expired chicken each week.

2) Buy less. We don’t need so much yet our world is built around product consumption. It’s a wonder why landfills are filled with so much rubbish. Making a conscious choice to buy less means less clutter and more room for the things that matter.

3) Cut electricity. A small act but making sure to switch off the light and cutting down any aspect of electricity minimizes the amount of carbon emissions. Eg. water usage, switching off power plugs.

4) Transportation. Walking, bicycling or taking public transport are all ways to minimize one’s carbon footprint. Transport is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 17 per cent of NZ’s emissions.

5) Reuse. When something can be reused it means less waste is created. Eg. reusable bags, drink bottle, containers, clothing. It can also change our attitude so that we can appreciate more of the things that we have.

Art by Miren Asiain Lora

August 4, 2023

climate change, Environment, netflix, our planet
Five Ways To Live More Sustainably

Every day we have the ability to make choices in what we consume, and what businesses we support with our money. Every product has an environmental footprint, which is why it’s good to purchase items that have minimal packaging. Every person has an impact and affect on the environment, from what we choose to eat, wear, and the actions we take. It’s important to support businesses that make a conscious effort to be environmentally-friendly and look out for labels when possible. Fashion is one of the biggest polluting industries in the world, which is why it’s increasingly important to become a conscious consumer in how, where and what we buy.

1) Bring your own reusable items. By bringing your own drink bottle, you can minimise the amount of plastic drink bottles that end up in landfills. Other reusable items include metal straw, cutlery, keep cup, tote bags.

2) Use eco-friendly products. Support local brands, and companies that use natural ingredients that are better for the environment. Buy things that are good quality, and will last a long time.

3) Walk or bike whenever possible. By driving less, you can reduce your carbon foot print, plus walking or biking to work can be a healthy way of spending time outdoors and getting more physical activity during the day.

4) Water and electricity consumption. You can conserve water by taking shorter showers, closing the tap when brushing your teeth, collect rainwater. Aim to turn off lights when you’re not present in a room.

5) Consume less meat. Take part in Meatless Mondays, or simply minimize the amount of meat in your diet. A large portion of greenhouse gas emissions are from the Animal agricultural industry.

Art by Renée Gouin

October 3, 2019

Environment, sustainable

Five Ways to Care About Our Planet

Five Ways To Live More Sustainably