If you feel overwhelmed with, or discouraged by the intensity of the climate crisis, you’re not alone. While it might feel like there’s not much in your control, the solution lies within each of us: a simple change in mindset.
Having a growth mindset about the world has been associated with more a positive attitude towards climate change, more positive thoughts about its potential management, and better pro-environmental behavioral tendencies.
Making a few minor adjustments to your lifestyle can have a significant impact. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
Change begins at home
Small changes at home can make a big difference and it can inspire others around you to do the same. Try to conserve energy and reduce waste as much as possible:
- Swapping out your household products to more environmentally friendly options such as switching to tree-free kitchen rolls, facial tissues, and toilet paper. Bambuyu planet-friendly tissue products are made from 100% bamboo and use zero plastic.
- Rethinking your water consumption, and installing a water filter in your kitchen will significantly reduce the number of plastic bottles ending up in landfills.
- Ditching toxic, plastic-packed household cleaning products for natural, plant-based and refillable home care brand like this one.
Shop Locally
When shopping from local businesses, not only you are supporting the local economy, but you are often choosing the more environmentally friendly option. Some of our favorite UAE-based brands are The Botanist Dubai for non-toxic cleaning products, Adam Bike for beautiful bikes and scooters (for kids and adults!), and Maison Tini, an eco-friendly kid's concept store.
Plan your day ahead
When leaving the house, plan your day ahead so you can have the chance to implement these small changes. For example, if you always grab a takeaway coffee at work, carry a reusable cup with you, this way your can reduce the number of disposable cups used, and you may even get a discount. When getting your morning caffeine, opt for a local coffee shop instead of big chains to help keep supporting local businesses.
And always have extra reusable shopping bags handy for when you're stepping out to get groceries.
Have a vegetarian or vegan day once per week
Animal farming is one of the leading causes of climate change, and trying a vegetarian diet once per week can make a huge difference.
If a vegetarian or vegan diet is not part of your lifestyle already, try to have a couple of meals per week which are meat and dairy free. Not only it will benefit the environment, it will also introduce you to new recipes, ingridients and ways of cooking. Check our The Sustainability Enthusiast for delicious plant-based and eco-friendly recipes.
Connect with an eco-minded community
Share your concerns and hopes with a community of likeminded people or talk to a friend who shares your values
What small changes will you implement in your daily life?