SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

Humans have had such an impact on the Earth that it is now suggested we have moved into a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene. The physical changes we have made to environments include deforestation, pollution, overpopulation and burning fossil fuels. These physical impacts have triggered climate change as well as poor air and water quality.

In Africa, climate change is the responsible for drying up many riverbeds, causing species which rely on them to relocate into new habitats, changing ecosystems as a whole. In some cases wildlife, including Lions, and Leopards have relocated close to local communities causing human-wildlife conflicts, putting both humans and wildlife at greater risk.

By making small changes to our lifestyles and reducing our carbon footprint, we can help protect and support the habitats of Africa’s vulnerable wildlife.

1. Buy eco-friendly products and recycle.

This will help to reduce your carbon footprint. A simple way to check if a product is eco-friendly and recyclable is by following these rules:

1. Can the product be easily recycled?

A good way to check this is by looking for the mobius loop? This indicates whether the product can be recycled.

2. Have the goods been locally produced?

This will help to reduce your carbon footprint

3. Is the item water or energy efficient?

2. Reduce the amount you drive.

This is a very simple yet effective way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. It may even have the added benefit of increasing your fitness and saving you money! You can do this by:

1. Walking more when traveling short distances

2. Cycling to work/school

3. Travel with work/school mates in the same car

4. Occasionally use public transport

5. Work from home if possible

3. Eat less red meat.

Beef can be associated with climate change in many ways. The meat industry is responsible for mass deforestation in countries such as Brazil as large areas of forest need to be cleared for cattle ranching and to grow animal feed such as soya. This releases billions of tonnes of CO₂ which was stored in forests back into the atmosphere as well as demanding huge amounts of water to grow feed. The cattle themselves also release huge amounts of methane into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. You can help by:

1. Taking part in meat-free-Mondays

2. Being more aware and conscience of your choices

3. Look for vegetarian alternatives

4. Become more proactive

By using your voice, you can spread knowledge and ideas on how to become more eco-friendly and environmentally conscience. This can take form in many ways: