A new report from IPPC has just been released revealing the harsh reality surrounding global warming. Information has shown we are exceeding the global warming safe limit of 1.5°C. We are, instead, increasing by 2°C which, scientists are saying, will have serious consequences on the planet if nothing is done to reduce the rise to 1.5°C.

Global warming is real. It’s scary. It’s incredibly worrying. We ALL need to stop burying our heads in the sand pretending everything is fine. “One bottle of water won’t hurt, will it?”… “I’ll just quickly drive to the shops even though I could walk”. You are responsible for your home and it’s under threat. It’s time to protect it.

Scientists are saying it’s the last call if we want to save the planet, so here’s a list of 5 ways that will help you to be more environment-friendly and sustainable – Planet earth will thank you!

Eat less meat The meat industry has one of the biggest environmental impacts for many reasons. First of all, it’s because of the massive production of corn that has to be grown to feed the animals and the fact that this needs both water, fertilizer and pesticides. Secondly, both the agriculture and livestock farming need a lot of space and enormous areas of land and forests are being cleared to make room for them. Not to mention animals like cows, sheep etc. are ruminants (these mammals have very complex digestive systems) and therefore produces methane, which also has an impact on the climate.  Eating less meat is such an easy switch these days. With so many amazing plant-based recipes out there and restaurants serving vegan dishes more and more on their menus, it really couldn’t be simpler (not to mention more wallet-friendly!). Don’t think about it, just do it!
We’ve got so many meat-free and vegan recipes in our Recipe Corner!

Buy Locally
This will take some time to suss out depending on where you live but start paying regular visits to your greengrocers and butchers. By choosing to buy from local producers, it will mean your food hasn’t travelled thousands of miles to land on your dinner table. The produce you buy won’t have been transported by plane or ship, meaning it won’t be causing a huge CO²-release. When you choose to buy locally you are also often forced to choose what’s in season which is not only good for the environment, it means a varied wholesome diet, which is great for your health!
Other reasons to buy local right here! 

Stop driving
You might have heard it before, but driving cars are absolutely one of the top worst things for the climate. Cars produce so much CO² when driven and CO² has a large impact on the ozone layer. So instead of taking the car out of laziness, use what you’ve got… your legs! If walking to work or to the shops too far then invest in a good bike as your main mode of transportation, saving the car for the inevitable longer journeys you need to make. Free workout, check!

Read our beginner’s guide to cycling!

Ban plastic.
Our single-use plastic consumption still has a major impact on our environment and even though there has been more of a focus on the issue, we still produce too much plastic. The problem with plastic is that it can’t biodegrade – it can only break into smaller pieces also called microplastic. Microplastic ends up in our landfills, waterways, oceans etc. There are many ways to avoid plastic in your everyday life – Use reusable bags for shopping, bamboo toothbrushes, reusable coffee cups, stainless steel straws, reusable water bottles etc. Set yourself this rule. If you go to the shops and realise at checkout you’ve forgotten a bag, make yourself carry everything home. You’ll soon start remembering to bring a bag!

Our must-have item is our S’well Bottle. Shop here!

Unplug it
We use a lot of unnecessary energy that could be saved or spent better. Try to unplug everything that you aren’t using at the moment – Pull out chargers when they aren’t charging anything and turn switches off that you aren’t using. A lot of the time, we charge something and then leave the plug in but some power will still continue to be wasted even though nothing is attached.

words by Amalie Luther