Major Lockdowns due to COVID-19 in 2020 resulted in decreased carbon emissions but had a small impact on global concentrations. Due to relief in restriction of pandemic in 2021, carbon emissions are expected to increase. The world is already facing climate crisis and global warming and these continuous emission will worsen the situation. Thus, there is a need to make some meaningful changes in your lifestyle and minimize your environmental footprint in order to protect the environment. Below mentioned are some tips to go green in 2021. 

1. Opt for Reusable Water Bottles 

Using plastic water bottles is a common practice. These bottles are thrown into garbage after single use which mostly goes into oceans and landfills resulting in ocean and land pollution. According to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 27 million tons of plastic entered into landfills in 2018. Human health and marine life both are at stake due to such single use plastic waste. Thus, switching to reusable water bottles is an eco-friendly option. Reusable bottles are easy to use, long lasting and money savers as they aren’t frequently purchased. Moreover, they help you keep the single use waste out of oceans and landfills along with reducing your carbon footprint.

 2. Drive Less Walk More 

Energy consumption is one of the major cause of pollution as large amount of fossil fuels are burnt for its production. It takes plenty of fuel even when you go for a small ride. To cut your overall footprint, walking or cycling is a greener alternative for shorter rides. Try to minimize your travel and opt for carpooling and ridesharing if going to a similar place with your friends instead of using separate vehicle and single rides. Buying eco-friendly electric cars is another option to reduce your fuel usage along with keeping the environment clean and green.

 3. Choose Sustainable Fashion 

Over the past few decades, consumerism has increased especially when it comes to clothing. We all want to buy new dresses every time we visit a store online or offline. Mostly, people opt for fast fashion brands as they are low-priced and discard them after minimal use as they are not durable. These clothes usually end up in landfills or get burned causing harm to the environment. According to EPA, 11. 3 million tons of municipal solid waste textiles ended up in landfills in 2018. Thus, to ensure a sustainable future, you must consider what you are wearing and start buying from sustainable brands. Some brands offer organic clothing which not only preserves natural resources during production but is also easy to recycle and reuse. Although, buying eco-friendly clothing is a bit costly, it will help you save on other environmental costs. So, in 2021 purchase less and support environmental sustainability. 

4. Eat more of a Plant Based diet 

It takes less resources such as land and water in the production of plant based diet as compared to a meat based diet. Moreover, meat source food production releases a large amount of greenhouse gases which continuously deplete the environment. Thus, when you transform your diet to plant based one, you can eliminate the risk of global warming and climate change. In 2021, make a resolution to promote a greener environment by changing your lifestyle in terms of diet, travelling, buying sustainable clothes and reusable items.