7 Ways to be More Sustainable
October 24 is the International Day of Climate Action and we need all hands on deck to deal with the climate crisis. We use the EPA’s breaks down of global greenhouse gas emissions to identify how you can support meaningful action to reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Energize Sustainably
31% of our Carbon Footprint
The energy you use now for electricity and heating/cooling is causing pollution because it comes from fossil fuels. It is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution. You can reduce the disastrous effects of your current energy consumption in two ways: a) by switching to green energy and b) by conserving power and water.
Arcadia Power is a company that allows you to purchase green energy for yourself and save money along the way. This is a very doable way to stop buying fossil fuels altogether. Sign up for clean energy and get $20 off your next power bill!
2. Eat Sustainably
24% of our Carbon Footprint
What and how we eat contributes to the pollution of our planet if we don’t do it right. Eating fewer animals and animal by-products reduces pollution, deforestation, and water waste and also reduces your risk of serious disease. Eating local, seasonal, and organic foods that require no artificial help to grow lowers your carbon footprint and helps your own local economy. Try a new recipe for Meatless Mondays and look for MSC certified seafood for Fish on Fridays.
3. Style Sustainably
21% of our Carbon Footprint
The main source of microplastics is synthetic fabric. When you wash your synthetic clothes made from oil and plastic (polyester, nylon, acrylic, microfiber), microplastics are released into your washing machine’s drainage system, ultimately ending up in the ocean. To stop contributing to this source of microplastic pollution, switch to a plastic-free wardrobe and start exclusively wearing natural fabrics, like cotton, silk, wool, linen, bamboo, and hemp!
Fast fashion is also a huge threat to sustainability, as it’s the second-largest pollutant of clean water. In addition to this, fossil fuels are used to import large shipments of fast fashion overseas, thus causing pollution. Sustainable alternatives, like Le Tote and Rent-the-Runway, support reuse instead of rapid and irresponsible consumption. Other sustainable fashion tips to help eliminate fast fashion waste include: a) buying second-hand at local thrift stores and consignment shops, b) buying clothes made from recycled materials, c) repairing and mending items rather than buying new, and d) hosting seasonal clothing swaps with friends.
4. Travel Sustainably
14% of our Carbon Footprint
Gasoline and diesel vehicles are also causing pollution, ultimately threatening life on Earth. To eliminate or reduce your contribution to pollution from transportation, you can: a) use public transit, b) become a bike commuter, c) ride-share with Lyft, who carbon-offsets all their rides, or d) trade-in for an Electric Vehicle (EV) and never worry about an oil change again! Traveling long distances? Look for bus and train tickets before direct flights, and consider purchasing a carbon offset for your flight.
5. Hydrate Sustainably
the other 10% of our Carbon Footprint
Water is not a renewable resource. As the population increases, humans are consuming freshwater at a faster rate than it can be replenished, and it requires a lot of energy to pump, treat, and heat our water. How do we conserve water? Here are a few ways:
WaterSense labeled products for indoor and outdoor efficiency.
Fix leaks, keep showers under five minutes, and turn off the tap while hand washing dishes or brushing your teeth.
Install Green Infrastructure. Contact Green Compass for a free consultation on how and why to implement Green Infrastructure in the District of Columbia.
6. Waste Sustainably
the other 10% of our Carbon Footprint
We are currently producing materials and disposing of waste in an unsustainable way. Waste prevention and recycling are powerful ways that each of us can use less energy, reduce emissions, and contribute to a healthy environment. Refusing single-use plastics, familiarizing yourself with the rules of recycling, choosing products that are compostable, recyclable, or made with recycled materials will reduce your waste production. Composting organic waste is an especially important way to mitigate climate change. If you have a yard, here is a guide to help you compost at home! If you live in an apartment, store your compost in the freezer and take it to a food-waste drop off!
7. Vote Sustainably
Arguably the most important thing to do to fight climate change is making sure change happens on a systemic scale. Voting for politicians who support climate facts, evidence-based climate change policy, and investments in green energy, rather than fossil fuels, is the best way to do your part in the bigger picture of climate justice. Do your research on candidates and make an informed decision, then exercise your right (and responsibility) to vote!