When we look out a window from a very high floor, we see people moving about like they are pushpins. Small, lost in the multitude. Each of those pushpins has its worries, fears, and joys. Each of them is thinking about their needs and how to meet these needs, uncaring of the other pushpins swarming around them.
We have been told many times by advertisers, life coaches, our parents, and loved ones that we are all important, that every little thing we do is important. And it’s true. Every little thing we do could impact the people around us because we all share the same space, we breathe the same air, we need the same resources.
Unfortunately, this message has led people to become egocentric, instead of becoming more conscious of his or her effect on the surroundings. Our smallest actions could have compounded effects that we don’t immediately perceive. If we take, for example, an apple on a table, it would mean that the others wouldn’t have the opportunity to get that apple that we already took.
It’s the same for the consumption of our resources. We use electricity, water, some product or another. And whenever we consume them, it would mean less for others. There’s no problem with using these resources because others’ use also means less for us. The problem happens when there’s overconsumption. Because of the limited resources, the human tendency is to want more. That’s why we hoard. We hoard things we don’t even use in the end.
Our world has reached an environmental crisis. It’s about time we change this kind of mentality. It’s not that we should stop using resources. That would be impossible. But we should be mindful of how we use them.
Consume less fossil fuel
Thanks to technology, we now have alternatives to using up the oil from centuries dead dinosaurs. You don’t have to make your switch abrupt especially as most of our work are very dependent on electrical gadgets. But gradually ease your lifestyle into something that can be sustained by renewable energy. A first step could be installing some solar power in your residence. Maybe at first, it could power up your lights and some necessary kitchen appliances. Later on, you might be motivated to lessen your use of unnecessary appliances that would mean an additional electrical load.
Use your car only when necessary. Once the safety of public commute is restored, use mass transportation. Driving a car that could seat only a few people is a waste of energy. Plus the exhaust pollutes the air. The only acceptable reason to prefer cars is the lack of efficient mass transportation.
Stop wearing clothes according to trends
The fashion industry is among the most wasteful industries. Fashion trends change from season to season. Instead of following these trends, go for high-quality classic wear that would last long. Borrow things if you don’t intend to use them often. Go to rental shops for gowns you would wear to a friend’s wedding. Borrow a friend’s dress if you’re attending an important ceremony and yet you only wear formal attire maybe once or twice a year.
Lessen the products you use on your body
All these video blogs venerate beauty procedures where you have to apply at least twelve products on your face. If you are so insecure about your skin, try natural beauty remedies. You can find several DIY face masks that use honey, tomato, milk, and other products that are readily available at the market. These are even safer to use because there are no chemicals that could irritate your skin.
Additionally, instead of layering on protective or revitalizing creams and gels, why don’t you avoid free radicals that could harm your skin in the first place. Wear less makeup. Stop smoking or stay away from people who smoke. Protect yourself from the sun.
Use wastewater when watering your garden
You might think that the more plants you have the more you’re contributing to the environment. However, think of all the resources you’re using on your plants. Some people even go to the extent of building conditioned greenhouses just to make exotic plants grow in their homes.
Additionally, consider where your plants were sourced. Are they local species that are naturally grown in plant shops? Or had they been extracted from some rain forests just to satisfy people’s need to show off rare plants? It’s not bad to have a garden. But make sure it’s not negatively impacting our environment.
Sometimes, we consume without thinking because we don’t immediately see a negative repercussion. But imagine if all people in the world think that way. Over time, those little selfish acts accumulate. By the time we notice the impact of our action, it would be too late because there will be no resources left.