The environment and you: How one can help many

Lydia Paul

Anchor Contributor 

Earth is nearing a state of decay. Climate change has been a constant, ever growing global issue dating back to the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s. As technology and industry evolve, carbon dioxide and methane emissions have only increased, damaging the ozone layer and the atmosphere, a moving component of climate change. The United Nations (UN) defines climate change as “long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns… primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.” 

The UN also states that humans and their activities are responsible for global warming, saying that the Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 1.40 degrees Celsius—about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit—since the late 1800s. Environmental scientists and climate change experts have worked to educate about and preserve the Earth. Their efforts alone are not enough. Individual people can help to protect what is left of our environment before all hope is lost for recovery.

Photo by Sam Gervais

At an individual level, actions can have more of an impact than most people realize. “My actions are not going to change anything,” is a common thought; many people feel that their personal actions cannot impact the fate of the world. Technically, this is true. One person’s actions cannot change the world, but a collective’s may get close. If everyone took action to improve the sustainability of their lifestyle, then there could be a real change.

Shopping secondhand for clothing and other items is a great way to practice sustainability and reduce waste. Thrift and secondhand stores sell electronics, clothing, furniture, housewares and more. Instead of these articles getting thrown away, they are given new life and provide new people opportunities to own unique and special items, often at a very discounted price. 

Another way people can promote sustainability is energy conservation. Conserving energy within the home not only helps cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, but also saves homeowners money on electric bills. Turning off lights and unused appliances, such as fans or televisions, when not in use can make a big impact on the Earth and a wallet. Implementing solar panels into house power, or investing in more energy-efficient appliances, can create an even larger impact.

For those living in or near cities, public transportation is an underrated force in promoting a greener planet. Organizations such as Amtrak, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) function through tax dollars that are paid by many people who do not use them. These services also reduce the amount of money spent on gas for car transportation. Public transport and carpooling reduces carbon emissions and puts services to work that are already being funded. 

Unfortunately, not everyone chooses or is able to live sustainably. Even with scientific evidence proving climate change and the increase in the Earth’s temperature, there are people who believe that climate change is a nonissue. In addition to disregarding eco-friendly actions, some people are unable to afford more sustainable options. Many products that are created as a sustainable counterpart to more general products are often sold at a higher price point. This is because of the materials and manufacturing process that goes into the creation of those products: the materials used are commonly raw and responsibly sourced, they can cost more than cheaper, readily available materials. For some people, a lot of sustainability efforts are not viable options.

Both of these groups can engage with and benefit from a number of environmentally friendly activities and products without paying any attention to the impact they are having on the climate. Some products are more expensive when produced sustainably, such as certain hygiene or food items, but others can be more affordable. Secondhand shopping reduces the cost of quality items by a significant amount while maintaining the integrity of the item. Shopping at secondhand stores can reduce prices by as much as 30% to 70% compared with retail prices, according to “Forbes.” 

On a similar note, utilizing public transportation can eliminate the need to own a car or other personal vehicle, paying for gas, as well as taking advantage of a service that is already being paid for by mandatory tax dollars. According to the American Public Transportation Association, “riders can save more than $13,000 per year by using public transit instead of driving.” 

If everyone does their part and engages in any sustainability efforts, there is hope for a positive future on Earth.