Sustainability is an extremely popular buzzword these days. If we contextualize the word within the story of our dying planet, sustainability is the goal of making sure it survives for as long as possible. It’s difficult to achieve because we humans consume resources like it’s unlimited. We procreate like there’s enough food for everyone, we build like we’re never going to run out of land, and we use items as if there are always going to be minerals to extract.
Looking at my carbon footprint has been eye-opening. It’s much higher than I anticipated it to be. I am consuming two more tons than what is ideal. I thought that I was a pretty sustainable person because I always turn the lights off before I leave a room, I live right next to DLSU so I never need to commute, and I use a menstrual cup. However, it’s clear now that I need to do more to bring my carbon footprint down to what’s suitable – from four tons to the ideal two tons.
Reducing my current carbon footprint by 50% won’t be easy, but I know where to start now, thanks to this assessment by AWorld. The area in my life that needs the most urgent change is shopping. I will start by buying clothes less often, as well as exploring the use of second-hand clothing. I also commit to reducing my usage of online shopping platforms, as there are a lot of unnecessary plastics used to wrap the items for safe shipping. It’s better for the environment if I go to stores physically to buy things and use a reusable bag to carry them home.
I should also try eating a plant-based meal every once in a while. I had no idea that eating meat was indirectly contributing to more greenhouse gases. Steak is my favorite, but because cows are a big contributor to GHG emissions, I’ll actively restrict my steak consumption so that I only eat it at most once a month. Because of its impact on the environment, I am now aware that having steak should be a luxury and should only be eaten for special occasions. From now on, I also plan to order a plant-based meal once a week.
Let’s see how my plans turn out!
