Kirsten Long

More and more people agree that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our world. Our generation tends to believe that government leaders, communities, businesses and individuals all have to work hard to combat global warming.

While part of the solution is about new, more efficient technologies, scientists around the globe are saying that it should also be about the small steps we all take on a daily basis that can contribute to a greener world. There are even low-cost changes that can make a difference when it comes to protecting our planet.

Lets take a look at some examples of different ways we can save money and protect our planet at the same time.

• Meat consumption – Some foodies believe meat consumption has one of the worst impacts on the environment. They argue that overuse of antibiotics causes pollution in the water and air surrounding farms. They suggest Adopting “Meatless Mondays” is a way you can save money, while also expressing you’re vote against this non-environmentally friendly practice.

• Reusable bottles – Another way you can save money is by choosing reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones. Some plastic water bottles get recycled; however, statistics show that the majority of the 60 million bottles that are thrown away in a day, end up in landfills. By choosing reusable water bottles you can help cut down on plastic waste and save money from having to buy plastic bottles over and over again.

• Paper use – Did you know that half of the trees in North America that are cut down are used to produce paper? This destroys animal habitats. As well, chemicals and energy are needed to make the paper. By printing on both sides of paper we help to reduce this and save money too.

• Water use – water is a precious resource and while here in Canada we don’t have serious water issues like other countries, we don’t want it to get to that point. Turning off the tap while we brush our teeth, taking shorter showers and collecting rainwater for irrigation are ways to save water and money.

Going green isn’t hard. There are multiple ways to contribute and save money. Other suggestions include, making your own cleaning supplies, walking or cycling, instead of driving a car, and unplugging electronics to reduce phantom energy use.

Businesses have shown that sustainable practices can significantly reduce their energy output and spending so it stands to reason that if the average person takes steps to become more environment friendly, they too will reap the benefits. The world’s leading scientists believe that collectively contributing to green practices is the best chance we have at protecting our planet from further global warming.