What Can I Do To Help The Planet?
An introduction to sustainability Part Two
“The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.” — David Attenborough
As a sequel to our blog on social equity, we will discuss the second pillar of sustainability: environmental protection. We share some ideas of how to do your bit in helping the preservation and development of our planet.
As mentioned in our previous blog, the term sustainability can be split into 3 components:
- social equity
- environmental protection
- economic development
Let’s get into it!
What is environmental protection?
The National Audit Office defines environmental protection as maintaining (and recovering when necessary) a healthy natural environment.
As you would expect, a poor environment leads to significant issues for human and animal life, and, of course, is a huge inhibitor to development.
And environmental sustainability?
If something is environmentally sustainable, it tends to refer to its minimal or even positive impact on the planet.
It’s main objective is to protect and conserve natural resources.
Top environmental concerns are as follows
Preserve biodiversity
Biodiveristy refers to the variety of plants, animals and microrganisms that exist on Earth. Their existence is invaluable for the sustenance of the world and the existence of the human species.
It is devastating that due to high pollution levels, mass tourism, climate change and deforestation, these creatures and their communities are being killed. This therefore reduces their positive impact on the planet.
Why should we be concerned? Because rich biodiversity gives way to medical discoveries and economic development.
What can be done? Preserve our natural spaces, reduce tourism, consume meat responsibly, travel less and reduce your carbon footprint.
Clean our water
Water is becoming increasingly polluted from oil, plastic, general waste, feaces and toxic chemicals. Consequently humans (who consume it) and marine animals (who live in it) are dying.
The World Health Organisation estimates that contaminated drinking water causes 485,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year.
Why should we be concerned? Because clean and accesible water sources mean people will spend less time collecting it and are less likely to fall ill from water-related diseases, require healthcare and incur medical costs. Instead, they are more likely to spend their time working or learning, will have better health and can positively contribute to society.
What can be done? Lobby for water quality guidelines and educate others on the causes and effects of water pollution.
Prevent deforestation
Deforestation is the process of cutting down trees and reducing the size of forests for land that will then be used for agriculture, infrastructure projects and the production of timber or wood. Check out The World Counts for real time facts and figures related to wood production and deforestation.
Why should we be concerned? Deforestation is killing the biodiversity that sustains the world. And, in the process of cutting trees down, burning them or letting them rot, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
What can be done? Fight to save the forests by buying some land and protecting it, signing petitions, choose recycled or responsibly produced wood products, eat consciously and ethically.
Environment and fashion
When it comes to plants for making clothes, it’s worth bearing in mind that certain crops are extremely unsustainable to farm.
For example, instead of conventional cotton, be sure to buy products made from organic cotton. Organic cotton production uses 88% less water, 62% less energy and is free of chemical pesticides.
Look out for clothes made from flax too. Flax fibre that is spun and weaved can make you a lovely linen t-shirt. It would be stronger than a cotton one and better for the environment. Flax grows naturally, requires less energy and water than cotton and the whole plant can be used, leaving nothing for waste.
Incorporating flax seeds into your diet will also provide amazing health benefits!
Shop secondhand
Instead of buying newly made items, have you considered buying secondhand?
Closit has you covered!
Closit is an app that allows you to host or attend clothes sales both in-person or online. Secondhand clothes are not necessarily bad quality, in fact, most secondhand items you find in thrift shops, online, or through Closit have hardly been worn and are still in great condition.
Download the app for free today to find your next favourite piece of preloved fashion!
If you’d like to know more about how to get involved with Closit, contact us through Instagram or Facebook.
Where to go from here?
When all is said and done, there are an overwhelming number of lifestyle changes that we can make.
You can’t do it all but that shouldn’t deter you from making just one, or a few, small changes. Be conscious and try your best.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments 😊
Our next publication will address the final pillar of sustainability: economic development.
See you soon!
