Almost every day we read or hear about climate catastrophes. They are the product of humanity's way of life, having treated the Earth as if there would eventually be a second one to which we could alternatively move.
Today, we are practically standing before the ruins of this way of life. Industrial emissions, deforestation of tropical rainforests, or environmental pollution due to improper waste disposal are just a few examples to explain the decay of the Earth. Our world has been destroyed by human misconduct, and now we stand before the ruins and can do almost nothing more. Raging hurricanes, destructive floods, the melting of the polar ice caps, the extinction of various animal species, and the destruction of the ozone layer have happened unstoppably and almost irrevocably. Stopping the climate catastrophe is almost impossible to curb – the countdown is running, but we can slow down the destruction by starting to think about our actions and fundamentally changing our behavior. The following report covers 10 tips for climate protection that are intended to help protect our Earth.
10 tips for climate protection
1. Reduce exhaust gases
The destruction of the ozone layer is partly due to exhaust gases from cars, airplanes, or industrial factory chimneys. To keep the output of these emissions as low as possible, one can either switch to low-emission cars or have one's vehicle retrofitted in an environmentally friendly way. Domestic or short-haul flights should be avoided entirely. A good alternative is traveling by train.
2. Save on heating
You shouldn't freeze in winter – that wouldn't satisfy anyone – but you should still turn down the heating in the cold months. Even one degree is helpful and reduces CO2 emissions many times over. At night, you can easily turn the heaters down to 15 or 16 degrees. This way, you not only do the environment a favor but also save a lot of money.
3. Switch to a green electricity provider
Ever thought about switching electricity providers? Various green electricity providers offer cheaper rates. A check on the internet or a phone call to the provider can yield surprising insights. For example, a multi-person household of 3 or 4 people can potentially save an astonishing 1.9 tons of CO2 per year.
4. Cycling for the sake of the environment
Instead of driving to work by car or train, the dusty bicycle from the shed could serve well again. This is good for your health and very beneficial for the environment. Thus, you can kill two birds with one stone.
5. Change your diet
By rethinking your diet, you can also save several tons of CO2 per year. For example, a lot of meat is imported or exported. This is usually done with high-emission vehicles. By buying less meat, you can save around 400 kilograms of CO2 for the global climate, among other things.
6. Save when doing laundry
For the next machine wash, you should think about consumption. You can save energy and money if you only wash with a full machine and at a maximum of 60 degrees. Washing at 95 degrees should be avoided, or if it is necessary, it should only be done rarely.
7. Buy organic products from your own country
Next time you shop, look for organic products from your own country. The longer goods from abroad take to be offered in our stores, the more expensive they are sold. In addition, increased CO2 exhaust gases are emitted during transport. Here, you can do something for the climate and also for your wallet.
8. Pay attention to energy efficiency in electrical appliances
Are you buying a new refrigerator or a brand-new stove soon? Besides the price, you should not lose sight of energy efficiency. The cheapest device is not always the most environmentally friendly. Customer advisors are happy to provide help and advice. In any case, keep in mind that you can save up to 50% over the year if you pay a little more for your device at the beginning. Energy guzzlers should therefore be left on the shelf.
9. Use energy-saving lamps
Replacing ordinary light bulbs with energy-saving lamps can also contribute enormously to our fight against a climate catastrophe. Although energy-saving lamps are slightly more expensive to purchase, these energy-saving lamps are said to have a longer service life, and your next electricity bill will also be lower. Here, you are doing the environment and your personal bank account a favor again.
10. No stand-by for electrical appliances
Electrical appliances should generally be switched off completely when leaving the house or when not in use, rather than left running in stand-by mode. What many do not know: these devices continue to run and thus consume unnecessary electricity while unused. Devices that do not have switches can be equipped with special power strips.
If these tips are used by us even in the slightest or observed every now and then, we can do a lot to avoid being exposed to the climate catastrophe prematurely. We all have to work together and protect the environment.
Photo by Andreas, meinhaushalt.at