The 10 Ways We Can Fight Against Climate Change

Climate change is an ever-growing threat to our planet. In fact, climate action is listed as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), indicating its importance and the urgency to combat climate change and its impacts.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 simple climate change solutions that individuals and businesses can implement to combat and mitigate the effects of this pressing global issue. These solutions range from the smallest changes we can make in our daily lives to bigger strategic shifts — but they all contribute significantly to a more sustainable future.

#1 Consumer Choice

Making informed choices about what we buy has a powerful impact on the environment and is one of the best ways to reduce climate change. Pre-owned and eco-friendly products reduce the demand for new items and raw materials. Furthermore, purchasing from companies that use recycled or sustainably sourced items also decreases the effect on our climate and environment.

#2 Reusing and Repairing

The concept of “reduce, reuse, recycle” is key in addressing climate change. Opting to repair instead of purchase reduces the need for more products — thereby reducing resource consumption. Moreover, repurposing old items breathes new life into them and keeps them out of landfills. Businesses need not feel left out either as they can play a part by implementing practices that minimise waste and find innovative ways to reuse materials.

#3 Save Energy

Simple changes such as choosing more energy-efficient bulbs or washing your clothes and taking a shower using cold water can make a big difference in conserving energy. Additionally, another small but effective solution to global warming is to air dry clothes instead of using a dryer and taking shorter showers to conserve hot water.

#4 Electric Vehicles

Transportation is a major contributor to climate change due to our reliance on fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a powerful solution to the global warming conundrum. While the upfront cost might be higher, EVs offer significant long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs. More importantly, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing your carbon footprint and helping to combat climate change. Government incentives and a growing network of charging stations are also making EVs a more accessible option every day.

#5 Recycling

Recycling is a great way to address climate change by diverting waste from landfills, which contribute to greenhouse gases through methane emissions. Ensure you understand what materials your local program accepts and separate your recyclables accordingly. Recycling paper, plastic, metal, and glass reduces our reliance on virgin resources and creates a more circular economy, helping in the fight against climate change.

#6 Transport Choice

Public transportation options are generally more environmentally friendly. Consider using public transport for your daily commute and errands. For shorter distances, try walking or cycling instead. This way you can work on your daily steps and, perhaps, save some money!

#7 Digitise

Our increasingly digital world offers numerous ways to reduce paper usage. Opt for e-statements, online bill payments, and digital documents whenever possible. Avoid paper usage in the office and cut down on the amount of paper we print on. Instead, convert your notes and other documents into digital formats like PDFs that can be read – and sometimes edited – on the go. This shift towards a paperless workflow helps to combat climate change by reducing paper production and consumption and its associated environmental impact.

#8 Reduce Fashion Waste

Many companies (especially in the fashion industry) produce trending items which inevitably go out of style, which increases textile waste in landfills. Make a difference by choosing well-made, timeless pieces, and embracing pre-loved clothing. Sometimes, learning basic repairs and upcycling techniques can also extend your wardrobe’s life and save you some money — all while looking fashionable and stylish in the process.

#9 Local and Sustainable Food Practices

Food waste is a massive global problem but you can reduce your impact by making informed food choices. Plan your meals, buy only what you need, and utilise leftovers creatively to minimise food waste. Alternatively, composting food scraps is another way to divert waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil.

Also, you can support local businesses that employ sustainable practices to reduce your carbon footprint. Choosing local allows you to source local produce that is not only healthier but can help minimise transport emissions.

#10 Sustainable Investing

Individuals with investment portfolios can consider investing in companies committed to sustainability practices. Look for companies that are developing renewable energy solutions, promoting energy efficiency, or implementing sustainable practices. Combating climate change requires a multi-pronged approach, and sustainable investing allows you to align your financial goals with a positive environmental impact.

If you’re looking for a platform to start your investment journey, Funding Societies is the perfect place for you. With an initial investment of just S$20, you can enjoy average returns of around 7%. Sign up today!

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