Simple Ways to Be More Environmentally Friendly

Kristy- 17- Hong Kong

As human activity increasingly intensifies the ongoing climate crisis; the simplest way we can forge a better future is to reduce our individual carbon footprint by making small changes in our daily habits. Here are 5 simple changes you can make in your lifestyle to help take on this issue:

1. Buy a cool water bottle 

38 million plastic bottles go to the landfill every year. By using a reusable water bottle, you eliminate your contribution to the plastic bottle waste problem. Moreover, you can buy a cool water bottle with a cool design that is a lot more fun than a boring plastic bottle!

Photo from: https://cottonon.com/HK/stationery-homewares/homewares/kitchen/water-bottles/ 

2. Be aware of environmental issue affecting your community 

Just by educating yourself on the environmental issues in your own community can make a positive impact. Becoming more aware of environmental issues in your community will make you more conscious of how your own actions may play a role in the issue, and allows you to find out ways to help out. 

Here is a link to an overview of the major environmental issues in Hong Kong: https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/misc/ehk13/en/intro_overview.html#:~:text=Two%20issues%20loom%20largest%20for,30%20per%20cent%20over%202011. 

3. Find out how your school consumes energy and electricity 

In what ways does your school contribute to environmental issues? Find out more about how you can help your school become more eco-friendly. Start a club at school or ask your principal to make some changes such as starting a compost bin, recycling system, and meatless mondays. 

4. Eat more local food

Because local food doesn’t have to be transported as far as imported food, it releases less greenhouse gases. When at the supermarket, try to replace imported goods with locally grown produce. You can also visit restaurants that use local produce. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you will also be supporting local farmers and the local economy. 

Here is an online website that supports local farms with organic produce: https://www.eatfresh.com.hk/pages/our-story 

This article includes a list of restaurants in Hong Kong that practice farm to table (farm to table refers to using locally grown produce): https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/the-complete-farm-to-table-hong-kong-restaurants-list/ 

5. Spread Awareness

You can spread a proactive spirit among your peers and community by starting discussion about environmental issues and encouraging others to make these simple changes to their lifestyle too! By talking about this matter more, you can raise awareness and inspire others to take action.