In recent years, the extent of the damage we’ve caused to our planet as humans has come home to roost. From melting glaciers in the poles to rising sea levels and scorching hot forest fires, there’s little doubting the world is trying to send us a warning call. 

Indeed, globally, scientists are warning that if we don’t change the way we live soon and reduce the speed at which we’re exhausting the Earth’s resources, we’ll run the very real danger of reaching a tipping point of no return where our impact on the planet will become irreversible. 

We each have an obligation to meet the terms of the 2015 Paris Agreement

The situation with the health of our planet has become so serious that in 2015, 196 representatives of the world’s most powerful nations held an emergency summit to discuss a serious approach to tackling the impending climate catastrophe. The resulting treaty – the legally binding 2015 Paris Agreement – set in stone the principles of reducing harmful global greenhouse gases to keep the rise in the Earth’s temperature this century to below 2 degrees Celsius (ideally closer to 1.5 degrees). 

The part to be played by companies and individuals alike

While much of the steps in the Paris Agreement focused on businesses, it was also recognized populations around the world will also have their part to play if the terms are to be met. There’s little logic in simply pointing the finger at the firms when so much other environmental damage is caused by the way we as individuals live. Below are some very simple steps you could take to help reduce your carbon footprint. 

Recycle everything you can – at both home and work: One of the greatest drains on the environment is our seemingly incessant drain on its resources. Not only are we exhausting the Earth’s riches quicker than it can replenish them, the subsequent manufacturing of these resources is a primary contributor to our changing climates. Where possible, instead of just binning used or broken goods, try to fix them or recycle them. This applies to both your home and work life so think about asking your boss to consider investing in baling machines or compactors like those available at recyclingbalers.com. 

Persuade your boss to move your IT to the cloud: If your company hasn’t moved to the cloud already, have a word with your boss about the considerable advantages cloud computing could bring. Not only will you likely end up saving your firm money, you’ll also be able to start working from home thereby cutting out the tiresome, gas-guzzling commute to work. 

Stop buying plastic: People commonly think of plastics as being primarily used in food and drink packaging whereas plastic is actually used across a huge number of everyday items – including in items of clothing as diverse T-shirts to tights. Indeed, scientists recently made the alarming discovery that, when we wash these clothes, tiny fibers of plastic can make their way into the food chain via the discharge from washing machines which are later ingested by marine wildlife as the water drains out to sea. Where possible, study the label on clothing and avoid any plastic-based materials. 

Think about your energy use: Rather than putting electrical items on standby, shut them down completely. Also, ensure you turn the lights off in rooms that aren’t in use and consider moving to a green energy provider.