Growing a Better Life

Cordial salutations to all!

Nowadays, you’d have to be living under a rock to not know what Global Warming is and the impact it has left. Unfortunately, many people choose to turn a blind eye on it but it’s time we actually talk about it. Have you ever wondered how you can join in on the fight? The answer is achieving sustainability through our daily actions. Did you know that refrigerators are one of the largest household appliances which increases our carbon footprint? Now calm down, I am not saying to eliminate using refrigerators completely, we all need our cold drinks in this Asian heat. I’ve got better solutions to reduce our carbon footprint but we must collectively be willing to step up and do the bare minimum to help our planet.

I have a strong feeling that I am not alone when I say that I, too, am part of the problem. For instance, in the past year or so, I have used my car more often than using public transport. Please do not follow in my footsteps, I’m starting to really think deeply about my actions which is why I just topped up my RapidKL card, let’s take the bus home together guys?

Believe it or not, a typical car emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Think about it, imagine if the majority of us start using a form of public transport such as the bus or the train, our carbon footprint will fall drastically! The famous American author and journalist Michael Kevin Pollan once said, "A vegan in a Hummer has a lighter carbon footprint than a beef eater in a Prius." ~ Michael Pollan For those wondering what the American author is talking about, eating food contributes to about 10% - 30% of a household’s carbon footprint. A quick heads up to all of you, if you eat food then you are a part of the problem too. You must be thinking, “Muji, are you telling us to starve ourselves?” No no, I am a heavy eater myself. All I’m saying is that when we consume meat and dairy that come particularly from cows, it results in us increasing our carbon footprint. I bet this bit of information makes you think that it is impossible to reduce our carbon footprint. It really isn’t as hard as you think it is, your carbon footprint can be reduced if you consume less dairy and red meat. Hold your horses! It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go vegan. Take me for example, I tend to avoid eating red meat yet I still drink dairy products. I try my best to avoid increasing my carbon footprint by practicing moderation when it comes with food and so should you! To sum it up, If I’m going to drink a cow’s milk, I’ll spare it’s meat. Get it now?

 

Sadly, I really can’t say that I have done much in reducing my carbon footprint levels. However, I did not let that demotivate me from doing the tiny things like making sure the water isn’t running unnecessarily from the tap, making sure the lights are turned off when I leave my room and even making sure to use a metal straw rather than use a plastic straw, which actually makes my boba drink taste much better. It may not be an easy transition, however set yourself up to make progress even if it’s small.

Let’s get on the bus, turn off the lights and use metal straws guys?