The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World. Home hero level

26/01/2020
323

We continue to publish UN recommendations for some super easy things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big difference.

The average person can take part in the fight against climate change. Don’t put the responsibility on politicians and scientists, start with yourself and your home.
UABIO

Level 2

Things you can do at home.

Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full.
Buy minimally packaged goods.
Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food right when you turn on the oven.
Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
If you have the option, use solar panels, wind turbines, biomass in your house. These energy sources are renewable and far less gas and coal have an impact on global warming. Also, using renewable energy can be significantly cheaper.
Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food if you know you will not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients. By the way, biogas plants have the same purpose and used for the disposal of animal husbandry, organic waste, and wastewater.
Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants.
Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminum keeps landfills from growing.
Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency.
Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer.
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models and light bulbs.
Don’t rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine.
Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally responsible disposable brand.
Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.

For more information about the Sustainable Development Goals visit the UN website.