Poll after poll shows that people are concerned about the impact of climate change on the world. One issue is that the problem looks so big to the average citizen that they're left doubting whether anything they do (or don't do) can have a measurable impact on the struggle for a cleaner world. It's surprising just how much change one person can accomplish for the planet. Here are just a few ways that your daily life impacts the environment. 

Your Knowledge Controls Your Habits

It all starts with awareness. Most people around the world lack basic ecological literacy, and it's not their fault. The skills simply aren't taught the way they should be. The good news is that the internet has all the information you need on the topic. Unfortunately, not everyone knows where to start looking for it. 

Consider that if you're living in the south and looking to make home improvements, plugging "Find inground swimming pools in Charleston" into Google feels reflexive, but few people consider the wealth of simple (and free) tools available for gauging their impact on the world at large. Carbon Footprint Calculator, Paper Calculator and ECOTOX are just a few examples of freeware designed by independent groups and government think tanks that can help bring the idea of personal ecological impact down to earth. 

Everything Starts With Energy

Our civilization requires a massive amount of energy to sustain. Where we get that energy from makes all the difference. Investing in renewable energy could be as simple as purchasing it directly from a utility provider. It might also be as comprehensive as installing solar panels on your home and going off-grid entirely. The latter can be an expensive choice, but most estimates show that the cost repays itself in savings within 10 years. There is also a wide array of incentives available at the federal, state and local levels to offset the cost. 

Of course, you can always just use less energy. A DIY energy audit is something everyone should consider since defects like bad insulation and wasteful lighting habits cost homeowners a surprising amount of money. The Department of Energy estimates that the average household could save 25% on utility costs through these small measures alone. Imagine how that must impact the world. 

How We Drive Matters

Research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the largest share of greenhouse gasses in the U.S. are generated by the transportation sector, accounting for 29% in 2019. The best solution is to make an informed choice regarding fuel efficiency when you purchase a new vehicle. Driving less will also cut emissions tremendously over time, though it isn't always a realistic option. 

Thankfully, there are a series of hacks that can be applied to make your ride more efficient. Removing junk from the vehicle cuts mass which in turn cuts fuel consumption. Driving slower is also a smart efficiency choice, as is avoiding hard braking and quick acceleration, which lowers fuel economy by 15-30%. The most wasteful practice might be idling since it's basically throwing fuel away. A car is a luxury, so learning to value it like any precious commodity is a good mindset to get into.

What We Eat Matters

Whether it's the forests cut down to make way for cows or the fertilizers used to grow crops, the food we eat and how it's grown make an impact. Foods like red meat take a lot of resources to produce compared to a plant-based diet. This doesn't mean the world has to phase out meat altogether. It does mean that moderation is called for. Adding greens to your diet is a good choice for personal and ecological health, and so is sourcing meat and dairy from local, sustainability-focused sources and from animals that require fewer resources to raise. Several "footprint" calculators are available for free online, so use them to gain insight and explore your options. 

Conclusion 

Making the world better for future generations isn't out of anyone's reach. Progress is the result of the sum of the small choices that everyone makes in their daily lives. Let these simple tips be the beginning of your journey to a cleaner and greener life.