One of the things that makes environmental challenges such as climate change so difficult to comprehend is that each of us, individually, contributes so little to this global phenomenon.
Can driving the kids to school really be that bad? Will ecosystems really be endangered if I use too much water in the wash?
The answer of course, is that each small action can have a major effect when multiplied millions of times over in households around the world.
But this also means that environmental threats do not necessarily need us to do something major; they just need all of us to do small things, in the right direction. Here is a list of big environment concerns and areas where changes in consumer behaviour can help:
- You can do your bit to combat climate change by using public transport more often and cars less; cutting down on the number of trips you take by air; insulating your house and using energy-efficient light bulbs; and washing your clothes at 30 degrees.
- Fresh water can be preserved by using hosepipes less; taking more showers and fewer baths; reusing dirty water on the garden; tracking down and repairing leaks; using water-saving toilet flushes; and dropping the pre-wash cycle when you do your laundry.
- Solid waste can be reduced by reusing items wherever possible; recycling packaging, bottles, food and other items of rubbish; choosing products that come in containers made from recycled materials; buying items that have less packaging.
- Air quality can be improved by using mass transport systems, reducing the amount of electricity used in the home and at work, selecting products from manufacturers with a concern for the environment and purchasing items that can be transported more efficiently such as compact detergents.
There are many other measures each one of us can take but the important thing is that each individual step does not have to be a big one; it is as important (and easier) to do a number of small things, often, and for as many people as possible to do them.
Many small steps can lead to big changes.