Sport and physical activity can be directly associated with impacting on climate change depending on how active or inactive you may be. A sedentary lifestyle is also usually a more carbon intensive lifestyle due to high intensity use of motorised transport, and behaviour such as sitting in front of the TV, playing video games, being indoors for long periods of time and using light and heating which all increase the levels of carbon. Replacing some of these sedentary behaviours with physical activity or sleep is beneficial not just to your personal health but can also have a positive contribution to the environment.
Below we have compiled some suggestions on things you can do to make a difference (this isn’t an exhaustive list so please do your own research as well):
- Get informed- knowledge is power. The planet is in crisis - from climate change to the pollution in our oceans and devastation of our forests. It's up to all of us to fix it.
- Hold yourself accountable- have a go at calculating your carbon footprint here, and see what you can do to reduce it.
- Reduce your sedentary lifestyle habits- read a book instead of watching a TV programme. Get active outside to use less lighting and heating.
- Unplug- Can you be more energy efficient at home? We are all facing new challenges with the COVID 19 pandemic and one being the increase in working from home.
- There are numerous ways to save energy when using computer equipment both at home and in the office. Evolvit comprised a number of tips which can help to cut down the amount of energy your computer and its peripherals use, click here to view.
- Travel smarter- Take public transport, cycling, or walking when possible – it’s good for your health, your wallet, and the planet.
- Food- look at your food consumption and food waste. Can you make more informed food choices? Maybe make sure the fruit and vegetables you are eating are in season to your country?
- Shop smarter- consider reused and preloved items or maybe a one-off bigger buy, instead of fast fashion?
The above points are just some simple steps for you to acknowledge where a small change can be made in your daily lives and collectively it could make a big difference. This leads us on to the final point of ensuring that this is an ongoing conversation, with your neighbours, workplaces, friends, family, sports team, or book club.
One person can make a difference, but together, we can make a movement.
Useful Links-
- https://www.ipcc.ch/2018/10/08/summary-for-policymakers-of-ipcc-special-report-on-global-warming-of-1-5c-approved-by-governments/
- https://www.earthday.org/campaign/act-on-climate-change/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1KiBBhCcARIsAPWqoSr2WYaXj2Vse8MLa-aSMFOpyhEhYRjmvEkrhq-cPcJr14YQPlK4pdMaAgYLEALw_wcB
