Tips To Be Greener For Young People
Tackling climate change will be one of the most important things this generation does – and you’re part of it. Everyone needs to get involved. If you want to do your bit for the planet, there are many environmentally-friendly things you can do.
Shopping
Look for the green labels
Look out for labels that show products that have been made with respect for the environment. There are a number of reliable green labelling schemes covering food, clothes and electrical goods like TVs.
Buying food
Producing, transporting and consuming food is responsible for nearly a third of our contribution to climate change. For example, it’s not just the energy used to grow things in a heated greenhouse you have to think about. It may be the aircraft fuel that’s used to transport them into the country as well.
Fairtrade products
You can buy fairly traded products in shops and cafes – look out for the Fairtrade Mark. This means that the makers of the product are getting decent wages and a fair price for their goods.
The goods are also likely to have been produced with less impact on the environment.
At home - recycling and saving energy
There’s a whole range of simple things you can do at home to save energy. For example, turning off the lights if you’re the last to leave a room.
Nearly two thirds of all household rubbish can be recycled. This includes food packaging, glass and plastics.
TVs and electrical goods
Televisions and other electronic equipment, like games consoles, waste electricity if they are not properly switched off. This is easy to do once you get into the habit.
Just by putting your TV on standby means it will continue to use electricity. It is better to just switch it off completely.
TVs use a lot of energy. If you or someone you live with is thinking of getting one, an energy-efficient TV can make a real difference.
Computers, gadgets and mobile phones
Producing computers and electronic gadgets needs large amounts of energy and raw materials. By using less energy and disposing of unwanted equipment carefully you can cut the harmful impact of electronic goods on the environment.
If you've got a new mobile phone and you want to get rid of your old one, don't just throw it in the bin. As well as helping the environment, you can also raise money for charity by recycling it. Your local council might run a mobile phone recycling scheme, or some charities run regular events where you can hand in your handset.
You should always remember to unplug your mains lead or charger from the wall and turn it off at the plug socket.
Green volunteering
There are many opportunities to get involved with tackling environmental problems and improving your local area. Find out about green volunteering where you live.
Make your club or group greener
If you belong to a community group or club you can do things together for the environment. For example, you could make sure that your local youth club provides recycling bins for all those empty plastic bottles.
Being part of a group means that you can do things on a bigger scale!
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