The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are important, world-changing objectives. Perhaps making it seem impossible that the average person can make an impact. Should you just give up? No… Change starts with you.
Fortunately, there are some super easy things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big difference.
There are various actions we can take, like planting trees, minimizing litter, and more. However, if you’re short on time or lack motivation to do these activities, there are still plenty of ways to contribute. These can range from simply turning off electronics when not in use to conserving water while in the bathroom. Another option is to become a do-it-yourself enthusiast and purchase tools to repair items at home instead of disposing of them.
Depending on how motivated you are, here are some ideas based on suggestions from the the SDG Goals.
Level 1 are suggestions to make a positive impact on the planet without leaving your couch:
- Use a power strip to save electricity and turn off all appliances when they are not in use, including your computer.
- Opt out of paper bank statements and pay bills online or through a mobile app.
- Share informative social media posts about important issues like women’s rights or climate change, rather than simply liking them, to spread awareness.
- Speak up to local and national authorities to support initiatives that benefit people and the planet, such as advocating for the Paris Agreement to be ratified or signed.
- Save energy by turning off unnecessary lights when watching TV or using a computer.
- Report online harassment or bullying to appropriate authorities.
- Stay informed by following local news and the Global Goals on social media.
- Use the hashtag #globalgoals on social media to share your actions towards achieving the Global Goals.
- Additionally, you can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase climate credits from Climate Neutral Now to offset your remaining carbon emissions and contribute to reducing global emissions.
Level 2 are some things you can do at home to help reduce your environmental impact:
- Instead of using a machine to dry your clothes and hair, let them air dry naturally. If you must use a machine, make sure the load is full.
- Take shorter showers instead of filling up a bathtub.
- Eat less meat, poultry, and fish as they require more resources than plants to produce.
- Freeze fresh produce and leftovers to save food and money.
- Compost food scraps to reduce your carbon footprint while recycling nutrients.
- Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum to avoid filling up landfills.
- Buy minimally packaged goods.
- Avoid pre-heating the oven unless you need a precise baking temperature.
- Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency.
- Adjust your thermostat by lowering it in winter and raising it in summer.
- Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models and light bulbs.
- If possible, install solar panels in your house to reduce your electricity bill.
- Use carpets and rugs to keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
- Don’t rinse your dishes before using a dishwasher.
- Choose an environmentally responsible diaper option for your baby, such as cloth diapers or a new disposable brand.
- Shovel snow manually instead of using a noisy, exhaust-churning snow blower.
- Use cardboard matches instead of plastic gas-filled lighters, as they don’t require petroleum.
Level 3 are some things you can do outside your home to live a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Support local businesses when you shop. This helps keep people employed and reduces the environmental impact of transportation.
- Plan your meals, use shopping lists, and avoid impulse buys to reduce food waste. Don’t be fooled by marketing strategies that encourage you to buy more food than you need, especially for perishable items.
- Buy “funny fruit” that may not look perfect but are still perfectly good to eat. You can find these at farmers’ markets or other places that sell fresh produce.
- When you order seafood at a restaurant, ask if it is sustainably sourced. Encourage your favorite businesses to offer ocean-friendly options.
- Use alternative modes of transportation like biking, walking, or public transit instead of driving alone.
- Bring a refillable water bottle and coffee cup to avoid disposable cups and save money at coffee shops.
- Bring your own reusable shopping bags instead of taking plastic bags.
- Take only the napkins you need when you get takeout to reduce waste.
- Shop for secondhand items at vintage and thrift stores to give old items a new life and reduce the need for new production.
- Maintain your car properly to reduce emissions and air pollution.
- Donate gently used clothing, books, and furniture to local charities.
- Get vaccinated to protect yourself and others from disease.
- Exercise your right to vote and participate in choosing leaders who prioritize sustainability and public health.
Level 4 are some things you can do at your work to live a more sustainable work life:
- Encourage your workplace to implement green initiatives, such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly products. This can save money and help the environment.
- Consider telecommuting or flexible work arrangements to reduce commuting time and expenses, which can also reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
- Participate in workplace wellness programs and encourage others to do so as well. This can lead to healthier and happier employees and a more productive workplace.
- Support diversity and inclusion initiatives at work, and educate yourself and others about unconscious biases and microaggressions.
- Be mindful of the resources you use at work, such as paper and electricity, and try to reduce waste and energy usage as much as possible.
- Volunteer for corporate social responsibility initiatives and encourage others to do so as well. This can provide opportunities to make a positive impact in local communities and beyond.
- Advocate for fair labor practices, including fair wages and safe working conditions, both within your own workplace and in the broader industry.
