Carbon dioxide is part of several natural chemical processes. But the unrestrained emission of this gas has reached alarming levels, and the consequences are harmful to the environment and to various species due to the increase in global temperature. Routine actions such as bathing, cooking and driving to work contribute to making each person responsible for the emission of 1.6 ton of carbon per year, according to the NGO Iniciativa Verde.
Combating excessive CO2 emissions is a vital necessity. The reduction or replacement of polluting sources that are part of our daily lives can help to reverse the worrying scenario of climate change. And the best part: even becoming a new, more sustainable habit.
1. Reusable bags
Plastic bags take about ten years to decompose. It is worth remembering that the manufacture of plastic is the result of burning oil, which in turn generates carbon emissions. In addition, the incorrect disposal of this material, which is so common in everyday life, ends up polluting the seas and creating a risk to species chains.
Take reusable bags with you to carry your purchases. They are often reinforced and more practical to use than several small bags at once.
2. Plan what to buy
Avoid going to the market hungry or to the mall as soon as you receive your salary. In addition to being uneconomical, impulse purchases may not be sustainable.
The tip here is to use a shopping list. Leave a notebook in a visible place for you to write down whenever you remember that something is missing or needed. When you go to the market or store, take your list with you.
3. Avoid processed foods
Industrialized or processed foods can seem like great friends on a day-to-day basis because of their ease and saving time. However, the techniques applied in this production often use the burning of fossil fuels, which generates carbon dioxide emissions.
The fact that this type of food contains artificial ingredients, such as additives and preservatives, combined with damage to the environment may be the excuse you needed to migrate to a healthier and more natural diet.
Another good idea is to reduce meat consumption, since large-scale cattle breeding also contributes to the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, due to the reduction of forest areas to maintain the practice.
4. Carpool
If you have co-workers who live near or pass by your house, one option is to hitch a ride. Sharing gasoline brings benefits to the pocket and especially to the environment, reducing gas emissions generated by the excess of vehicles circulating on the streets. There are also apps and groups on social networks where you can find someone to share your route.
5. Bike or public transportation instead of your car
The automobile and transport industry is responsible for a large part of the emission of carbon dioxide on the planet. Imagine a universe without spending on gasoline, property tax, parking and, at the same time, super ecological? With small daily exchanges, this is possible!
By adopting a bicycle in your routine, you leave these problems aside, you can contemplate more of the landscape, exercise and, in addition, do good for the environment.
If pedaling doesn't suit you, change your car for public transport: the fewer vehicles in circulation, the better for everyone and for the planet. This exchange not only helps to reduce carbon emissions, but also helps to decongest traffic. In large urban centers there are also options such as shared bicycles and electric scooters.
6. Share this idea
In addition to adopting new individual habits and transforming your relationship with the environment on a daily basis, you can also help to share knowledge and bring the idea of sustainability to more and more people.
If you prefer something more practical, engage in initiatives or projects that focus on a more sustainable planet, Net Zero can be a good option. Those who work in companies can suggest that their company join the of the Global Compact Network Brazil, which guides the sector to engage in sustainable goals and strategies. Learn more about the Network.
