What we can do about climate change
Carpooling, planting trees, and calling out dishonesty from companies that vow to reduce emissions are some of the many ways we can act to save our climate crisis.
Addressing climate change is a struggle many of us know as the urgency of the crisis becomes increasingly clear. Before, we saved the trees by using as little paper as we could. Today, we use paper bags and paper straws to minimize using plastic, leaving many of us conflicted on how to lead better, sustainable lives.
Campaigns to combat climate change are important as raising awareness is necessary for countering the rise of global warming. However, many people, including myself, are still confused about what everyday actions we can take. What are some practical steps we can take to make a difference?
Sharing rides, building bonds, and saving costs
If you commute to the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), find some friends who share your route and carpool. Whether it’s one person or five, your car still consumes the same quantity of fuel. Not only is carpooling a great way to reduce carbon emissions, but it is also a great way to birth new friendships.
In high school, I carpooled with some of my classmates who lived nearby. Not only was it more cost-efficient to carpool, but the experience created some of my closest friendships. Give carpooling a try. You won’t regret the bonds you’ll make!
While we’re talking about transportation, let’s not forget one of our campus’s holy grails—the U-Pass. The pass, offered by UTM’s student union (UTMSU), enables students to use Mi-Way services for free on their phones.
Small actions, big impacts
Tree planting sounds simple, but it’s something many of us overlook. Getting seeds, digging the soil, and watering the plant hardly require much time or money, but it benefits the world a lot more than you think.
While we’re planting trees and saving paper, let’s also take advantage of technology. Many stores offer emailed receipts for transactions, so opt for the greener option!
We can also reduce plastic water bottle usage and choose reusable ones instead. Our UTM Bookstore has everything you need to stay away from those Kirklan or Evian plastic polluters, including reusable water bottles and mugs.
From raising awareness to taking action
Raising awareness and learning about issues like climate change goes a long way and is entirely free of charge.
According to a recent report and an article by The Guardian, only 100 companies have been responsible for 71 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, and more than 50 per cent can be traced to just 25 companies. Many of the companies recognized as the highest-emitting investor-owned entities are involved in oil and gasoline production, including ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron.
Not only should we be more aware of information like this, but we should also call out companies engaging in corporate dishonesty. For example, Proctor & Gamble, a consumer goods company based in the US, vowed to cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. However, the company only counts emissions from their factories and vehicles, plus emissions from the energy they buy—which make up only two per cent of the company’s total emissions—not the emissions from the production of its raw materials and the use and disposal of its products.
Lastly, we should not belittle any contribution towards climate change, no matter how small. If your roommate prefers to dispose of their food in the compost bin and use reusable materials, encourage them and even join them. Every little step counts.
This article isn’t all-inclusive. There are many other small actions you can take to help fight climate change. Reusing plastic bags, taking notes on your laptop instead of using paper, opting for paper straws instead of plastic ones, and not leaving the tap running—each of these choices makes a difference.
