Individual Actions - Act Now - United Nations Program
to reach zero emissions by 2050, companies will do their part, but we must change our behaviors as citizens.
Take Action Now is one of the best-known campaigns we could follow promoted by the UN and tracked by the AWorld app. tracked by the AWorld application to know the total impact of all citizens' actions.
There are 10 impactful actions we could begin to take as the decisions we make matter.
A large part of CO2 emissions are related to households, so citizens are key to reducing CO2.
So, let's start with these 10 small actions (for all the details, visit the UN, act now page). the UN program page, act now )
The 10 groups of actions are reproduced below:
Save energy at home
Much of our electricity and heating runs on coal, oil and gas. Use less energy by reducing your heating and air conditioning use, switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances, washing clothes in cold water or hanging out wet clothes instead of using the dryer. Improving the energy efficiency of your home through, for example, better insulation or replacing your oil or gas furnace with an electric heat pump, can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 900 kilograms ofCO2 equivalent per year.
Change the type of energy in your home
Ask your electric company if your home's power comes from oil, coal or gas. If possible, see if you can switch to renewable sources, such as wind or solar. Or install solar panels on your roof to generate your home's power. Switching your home's energy from oil, gas or coal to renewable sources of energy, such as wind or solar, can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 1.5 tons ofCO2 equivalent per year.
Get around on foot, by bicycle or by public transport
The world's roads are crowded with vehicles, most of which use diesel or gasoline. Walking or cycling, rather than driving, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and has health and fitness benefits. For longer distances, consider traveling by train or bus. And carpool whenever possible. Living without a car can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2 tons ofCO2 equivalent per year, compared to a car lifestyle.
Switch to an electric vehicle
If you are thinking of buying a car, consider buying an electric model, as more and more models are being marketed at a lower price. In many countries, electric cars help reduce air pollution and cause far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline or diesel vehicles. However, many electric cars still run on fossil fuels, and batteries and motors require rare minerals that generally have a high environmental and social cost. Swapping a gasoline or diesel car for an electric vehicle can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2 tons ofCO2 equivalent per year, while a hybrid vehicle can save you up to 700 kilograms ofCO2 equivalent per year.
Rethink your commute
Airplanes use large amounts of fossil fuels and produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. This makes flying less one of the fastest ways to reduce your environmental impact. When possible, meet virtually, commute by train, or don't take a long-haul trip if you don't have to. Taking one less long-haul flight can reduce your carbon footprint by up to almost 2 tons ofCO2 equivalent.
Consume less, reuse, repair and recycle
The electronics, clothing and other items we buy generate carbon emissions at every link in the production chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacture and transportation of products to market. To protect our climate, buy less, buy second-hand, repair what you can and recycle. Plastics alone generated 1800 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, 3.4% of the global total. Less than 10% is recycled, and once discarded, plastic can last for hundreds of years. Buying less new clothing (and other consumer goods) can also reduce your carbon footprint. Every kilogram of fabric produced generates approximately 17 kilograms ofCO2equivalent .
Eat more vegetables
Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and less meat and dairy products, can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Plant-based food production typically generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land and water. Switching from a mixed to a vegetarian diet can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 500 kilograms ofCO2 equivalent per year (or up to 900 kilograms if it is a vegan diet).
Throw away less food
When you throw food away, you also waste the resources and energy that went into growing, producing, packaging and transporting it. And when food rots in a landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. So use what you buy and compost the leftovers. Reducing food waste can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 300 kilograms ofCO2equivalent per year.
Cultivate native species
If you have a garden or even one or two outdoor plants, try to choose native species. You can use a plant identification app for guidance. Also, think about replacing non-native ones, especially those considered invasive. Plants, animals and insects depend on each other. Most insects don't eat non-native plants, which means birds and other species lose a food source as well. Biodiversity suffers. Even a single tree or shrub can provide shelter for other species, but remember to avoid insecticides and other chemicals.
Keep your environment clean
Humans, animals and plants suffer the consequences of soil and water pollution from improperly discarded garbage. Use what you need and, when you have to throw something away, do it properly. Educate others to do the same and participate in local cleanups of parks, rivers, beaches and other places. Every year people throw away 2 billion tons of garbage. Approximately one-third causes damage to the environment, from clogging water supplies to poisoning the soil.
Get your money's worth
Everything we spend money on affects the planet. You can choose the goods and services you finance. To reduce your environmental impact, choose products from companies that are committed to using resources responsibly and reducing their gas and waste emissions. If you invest your money in a pension fund, for example, you could be supporting fossil fuels or deforestation. Making sure your savings are invested in environmentally sustainable companies can greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
Express your opinion
Speak up and get others to join in the action. This is one of the fastest and most effective ways to make a difference. Talk to your neighbors, colleagues, friends and family. Let business owners know that you support bold changes, from plastic-free products and packaging to zero-emission vehicles. Appeal to local and global leaders to act now. Climate action is everyone's job and it concerns us all. No one can do it alone, but we can all do it together. Discover some ideas here.
