Flowers are blooming, birds are tweeting, barbecue smoke is filling the air. It’s almost summer! As everyone is, I am very excited for the new season, especially because we are almost past the pandemic in the U.S. With travels paused and many industries shut down due to COVID-19, there’s been a drop in global carbon emissions over the past year. It’s important to continue to reduce our carbon footprint even as we are slowly returning to normal life. Here are a few ways to stay eco-friendly this summer!
Unplug from your screen: The pandemic has revealed how much we’ve taken for granted human interaction. Now that is it slowly safer to gather, take advantage of this by unplugging from the digital world from time to time. Go outdoors and enjoy meaningful time with friends and family. As Hippocrates puts it, “walking is the best medicine”. Exercising goes a long way for both your physical and mental health. In the process, you’ll reduce your electricity consumption and hence your carbon footprint!
Eat local: As for many things, the pandemic has changed our food consumption. As takeouts were a safer way to eat, our groceries and even fancy meals were always a tap away. It’s now time to go back to the old ways. Why not pay a visit to your farmer’s market and support local farmers? This is a great way to boost your local economy and cut carbon emissions of food transportation and preservation.
Composting: Since composting may have been an inconvenience during the winter time, when we were all confined in enclosed spaces, now is the time to give it a try. You can easily set up a composting bin in your backyard. If it’s your first time composting, check out this quick guide.
Written by Kelly Jean, Class of 2021