This is the first post in my new series: easy sustainable goals you can achieve this week. Every second week I’ll share five small challenges that are easy to add to your daily routine. You don’t have to change your whole life overnight because mall steps can still make a big difference.
1. Eat one plant-based meal this week
The meat and dairy industry is responsible for around 14–18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all cars, planes, and ships combined. That’s why eating more plant-based meals is much better for the environment.
Try changing just one of your meals this week. It may sound complicated at first but it’s actually pretty simple. For example, use oat or almond milk instead of regular milk in your cereal or coffee. There are endless vegan recipes online that taste even better than the „original“.
2. Carry a cloth bag
Try to always keep a cloth bag in your backpack or purse. It’s such a small habit, but it makes a difference. You avoid using plastic or paper bags, save money, and it’s honestly more practical because reusable bags are stronger and don’t rip as easily.
3. Calculate your carbon footprint
Take a few minutes to calculate your carbon footprint using an online calculator, like the one from WWF. It asks simple questions about things like your food, transportation, and energy use.
Most people are surprised by their results. Seeing your own impact makes climate change feel more personal, and it helps you understand where you can improve.
4. Use the bus or train at least once this week
Instead of taking the car, try using public transportation once this week. If you only need something small from the store, you could also walk or bike.
Cars produce a lot of CO₂, especially on short trips. Buses and trains carry many people at once, which makes them much more efficient and better for the environment. It might feel less convenient at first, but it’s a simple way to reduce your impact.
5. Only buy seasonal vegetables this week
This is actually a huge one and I would say the most complicated one, but I’m sure you can do it. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested at the natural time of year. This means they don’t need long transport, heated greenhouses, or heavy refrigeration, which saves a lot of energy.
Here are a few examples:
- Winter: oranges, apples, pears, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, beets
- Summer: tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, peaches, zucchini, peppers
Seasonal food is usually cheaper, fresher, and tastes better too.
I understand if everything sounds a bit overwhelming at first. Try to implement these habit and challenges in the course of the next two weeks. Small habits like these might not seem huge, but if many people start doing them, the effect adds up. You don’t have to be perfect, just start somewhere.
Schreibe einen Kommentar