In this day and age, we’re all trying to be more environmentally friendly. We only get one planet, and it’s important that we treat it that way. Helping the planet we live in and lessening our impact is critical, but it’s easy to feel a little lost and overwhelmed about where (and how) to start.
There’s only one planet Earth—let’s treat it like the precious resource it is.
If you’re wondering how to save the planet, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered some simple but meaningful ways to help save the planet and make a difference. Just keep in mind that things won’t change over night—we all need to commit to being persistent and consistent in our efforts to save the planet.
How can we save the Earth?
In terms of the environment, this is a huge (somewhat philosophical) question and an important issue! We can only start saving the Earth once we talk about what’s hurting the Earth right now. It’s important to know that some of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions are systemic. This is stuff like big companies polluting the environment, overfishing, deforestation, and harmful agricultural practices. In other words, not anything one person can fix!
Systemic issues mean that a big part of saving the Earth is environmental regulations and policies. It’s important to vote for the people you think will help save the environment (more on this later). And if you’re one of many people who feel disillusioned with the voting system, it can be immensely helpful to get more hands-on in your efforts.
Having more responsible consumer habits as an individual definitely can’t hurt either. Although we know that major corporations and government policies are the primary culprits in the climate crisis, making changes on the individual level can give you ease of mind.
The good news? There are tons of ways you can help in the fight against climate change. Below are a few simple acts to save our planet.
READ: How to Travel Sustainably in 2023 (and Beyond)
5 ways to help the environment
“He that plants trees loves others besides himself.” –Thomas Fuller
There are many ways you can help in the fight against climate change. Some of them are big, and some of them are small. What’s important is that you do something. Even if it feels like it won’t make a difference, the simple act of trying (and believing) is an attitude that will positively affect both you and your community.
1. Volunteer for environmental causes
Volunteering is definitely one of the biggest ways you can personally help the environment and the planet. The way to do this with the least impact on the environment is to volunteer locally, doing cleanups or other environmental projects around your area.
However, if you have the travel bug and a considerable amount of time to commit to a project abroad, you can also volunteer for reforestation projects, marine conservation, or simply educational programs to raise awareness for environmental issues. If volunteering abroad isn’t for you, there are tons of options to volunteer online for international causes as well!
2. Study abroad in environmental studies
If you can’t volunteer, studying abroad is a great way to help the Earth too (ideally in a destination close to home)! Since we know that the climate crisis is mostly driven by systemic issues, it can be immensely helpful to study those issues in an academic setting. Many study abroad programs offer a specialty in environmental studies, giving you an inside look into global issues like sustainability and environmental preservation.
This is a great way to set you up for a future career in environmentalism, which will take your activism even further. Countries vary in their approaches to environmental protection, so you’ll be learning about the country of your choice while also learning how to save the environment.
READ: Is Zero Waste Travel Possible? How to Travel Green
3. Attend protests and marches
Protests are a great way to raise awareness of environmental issues. Environmental issues can feel global and out of reach, so protests also get people connected and involved at a local level. The great part about protests is that they exist all over the world! So whether you’re at home or traveling abroad, you can find a local protest and get involved. Attending a protest or march is a great way to help the Earth.
4. Drive less
If you’re able to, consider making the switch from driving to bicycling.
How can you save our planet? Ride a bike. Cars, on the other hand, are a huge cause of pollution. A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. That’s a lot! One of the best ways to help the environment is to drive less and use public transportation more when possible. Of course, this is easier said than done if you’re American. In that case, it could be a good idea to invest in an electric or hybrid vehicle when financially plausible.
When it comes to international travel, taking public transportation abroad may even be easier than driving (depending on the location). Public transportation also allows you a close-up view of the community and culture of the location you’re visiting. That way you’ll be helping the environment, traveling more sustainably, and experiencing your destination more authentically, all at the same time! Driving less is a simple way to help save the planet.
5. Vote!
How can we save the Earth without supportive politicians? The most important way to help the environment is to get out there and vote. Environmental laws have an even bigger impact on the planet. It’s important to vote for people who will prioritize environmental protections. And in case you’re out of the country traveling, here’s a guide on how to vote while you’re abroad.
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How to help the environment at home
You can help the environment abroad or at home. Some simple acts to save our planet at home include:
- Switching to reusable bags for grocery shopping
- Switching to reusable everything—bye bye single-use!
- Using energy-efficient devices and appliances
- Buying eco-friendly products when possible (post-consumer recycled, water efficient, etc.)
- Buying only seasonal produce
- Shopping locally and avoiding excessive online shopping
- Avoiding fast fashion brands if possible
- Avoiding plastic altogether (did you know most of it isn’t recyclable?)
- Recycling ALL recyclable waste (the rules on this differ, so make sure to double-check!)
- Starting a compost pile or bin
- Avoiding excessive air travel
- Boycotting companies that partake in excessive pollution, both at home and abroad
- Staying educated and informed!
We should ALL be concerned with saving our planet
How do you save the earth? By taking action, whether big or small, right now.
Saving the Earth can feel like a monumental task, but the truth is that it comes down to a lot of little choices and actions. Vote for the right people. Recycle your milk carton. Take the train twice a week. You can make sustainable changes in your life to help the planet overall. There are also bigger steps you can take, like volunteering or studying abroad and specializing in environmental issues abroad. No matter how you help the planet, every little action counts!
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