Small steps towards a sustainable mindset during the coronavirus pandemic
by Adham Abdulhalim
The Coronavirus Pandemic has changed the way we work, socialize, attend school, and travel. While we are taking health and humanitarian measures to control and eventually stop the spread of the virus, it is the perfect time to reflect on what we have accomplished and see how we can improve and shift to a more sustainable mindset. Here are the five ways you can help the planet and yourself. SOLAR POWER FOR HOME
Do you know about Google Project Sunroof? This can be a big boost to the clean energy industry by providing tools that can calculate the money you'd save by installing solar panels (based on your location.) Try it out and see if solar power is something you can invest in.
You still have the option to take control and predictability over your electric bills, have a cool looking roof, support local jobs, and reduce air pollutions — all by going solar.
SUPPORT LOCAL
As we go through this economic breakdown, try and support local produce when possible. That will push the U.S economy forward, maintain local jobs, and eliminate pollution caused by transporting goods from long distances.
SWITCH TO PLANT-BASED FOOD
Have you heard the phrase “Real Men, Eat Meat.” Well, let’s go back in time and remind you that Roman gladiators’ diet was mostly vegetarian. It consisted of grain-based food, and for the most part, it was meat-free. While it might be difficult for some to give up their steak, you can at least reduce it in half. That means we will experience reduced levels of water contaminations, livestock emissions, and land use for growing animal feed.
REDUCE.REUSE.RECYCLE
You can help with the conservation of energy within manufacturing plants and reduction in air pollution, landfill, and water by recycling products such as grocery bags, water bottles, and others. Your efforts will ultimately support local jobs and the economy as well.
Globally, we buy 54.9 million plastic bottles every hour. If all these empty bottles were collected into a pile, it would be higher than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (and happens to be the world’s tallest building). When plastic was invented in 1907, the world must’ve lacked the foresight to imagine how these highly malleable materials would turn out highly toxic for the environmental: roughly 90% of drinking bottles are never recycled in the United States; and so, their life continues off our shores and in our oceans.
VOLUNTEER
Millions of people lost their jobs and are on the hunt for their next opportunity. Whether you’re a recruiter, a business owner, or a motivated individual, feel free to guide those in need. It could be as simple as helping someone write a resume. The more you give back, the more you get.
Small steps are better than no levels, and consistency is our key to reaching the perfect equilibrium point between what humanity will supply and what planet earth demands.
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