Ways to Fight Global Warming
There is a rush to fight global warming and prevent climate change. With the results presented at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in 2019, it has become apparent that inaction is not an option. But what can seniors do to help stop climate change? How can the elderly fight global warming and leave a better planet for other generations to come? The answer is quite a lot.
Many factors contribute to climate change: energy consumption, poor farming practices, and reliance on imports are just a few. Seniors, younger adults, and youth can control the part we play in each of these factors.
Here is a list of 10 ways seniors can fight global warming on a personal level.
Don’t Use Pesticides on Your Property – If you own your property, you have the final say in what chemicals you use. Not using pesticides goes a long way for the earth and for your health. Weed killer and insect killer are the ruling classes of pesticides used, but you can forgo both, using natural solutions instead.
Grow Heirloom Varieties – Many plants and seeds offered today are genetically modified for color and bloom length. However, these varieties do not provide the same pollen and nutritional value to bees, birds, and insects. Choosing heirloom varieties for your garden helps feed pollinators, which in turn helps keep our farming and food supply at the needed level.
Grow Your Food – Growing your herbs, fruits, and vegetables is a great way to tackle global warming on a personal level. Not only are you cutting down on the fossil fuels used to transport food, but you are also ensuring you maximize the nutritional value of your food. You can also donate your extra produce to neighbors or your community.
Use LEDs – Switching to LEDs from traditional light bulbs can help save energy. LEDs last longer and consume less than conventional bulbs. Also, remember to turn off your lights if you are not using them.
Purchase Eco-Fashion – Switching to fashion brands that are based on sustainability is a great way to stop global warming on a personal level. Eco brands use sustainable materials, such as bamboo, or recycled materials to create clothing for you. Often, these are very soft, high-quality products that last longer than fast-fashion brands.
No More Dryer – When you can, line dry your clothing rather than using your dryer, which consumes a tremendous amount of energy. However, if you live in a very humid area, consider using wool dryer balls in your dryer to cut down on drying time.
Buy Local – Not only does buying products locally enhance your local economy, but it also reduces the fossil fuels spent on personal deliveries. Fewer deliveries mean less gas, less factory pollution, and less packaging.
Cut Out Red Meat – Farming animals for red meat causes increased methane production. We are a supply-demand economy, so if you reduce your demand, the supply required will also decrease. This helps fight global warming. Fewer animals will be farmed, and less methane will be produced.
Use Greener Transportation – Riding a bicycle or walking are the best options for making a personal impact on global warming, but using public transportation also helps by cutting down on fossil fuel use.
Forgo Plastic Straws – If you can get by without a straw, drink straight from your cup. But if you need to use a straw, choose a stainless steel straw instead of plastic. Many plastics can’t be recycled.
Ways to Fight Global Warming – Conclusion
These are just a few ways that seniors can fight global warming on a personal level. The more you can reduce your energy use, add plants to the earth, and do your best to reduce harmful chemicals like methane and pesticides, the more you are doing to stop climate change for everyone. We should never be too old to take good care of our planet.