Collectively, we can make an impact one simple step at a time – Part 2.

Our previous article discussed the average costs of plastic and paper products for a family of four. I provided alternatives and cost comparisons for annual and three-year savings. In this article, I want to offer additional options to help save costs and significantly impact climate change mitigation.

Reusable water bottles vs. plastic water bottles

I've adopted a water filter pitcher for drinking water. I regularly purchase filters, with one pitcher lasting many years. Storing the filter in the fridge prevents mold growth. It ensures access to clean, filtered water, effectively reducing the number of plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in the ocean.

?I carry a stainless steel reusable water bottle with me everywhere I go. I fill it with water at filling stations in most stores and airports.

Cold water laundry

I'm committed to sustainability by washing all my clothes in cold water. Despite what detergent companies may claim, cold water effectively cleans my laundry without compromising cleanliness. I reserve warm water for washing sheets and towels, minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

I've embraced line drying as my go-to method for drying clothes, utilizing two lines installed in my laundry closet and two drying racks. Even heavy fleece garments find their place on hangers in the second bathroom overnight, drying without the hassle of wrinkles often caused by the dryer. With the prevalence of synthetic fibers in modern clothing, line-drying saves energy and keeps my wardrobe wrinkle-free. I reserve the dryer for sheets and towels, minimizing gas and electricity usage and saving money on utility bills.

Plant-based diet

Scientists widely recognize the environmental benefits of adopting a plant-based diet. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that significantly impacts global warming. Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for centuries, while methane has a relatively shorter lifespan of seven to twelve years. However, it is far more efficient at trapping heat, making it a significant driver of climate change.

Switching to a plant-based diet three to four times a week and a meat-based diet a couple of times a week can mitigate methane emissions in several ways. Firstly, livestock farming, particularly cattle, is a significant source of methane production through enteric fermentation (digestive processes) and manure management. Simultaneously, adoptive paddock grazing of livestock significantly impacts our food production, increasing soil microbiome. Reduced consumption of animal products can decrease the demand for livestock farming, lowering methane emissions.

A plant-based diet can improve carbon dioxide absorption and overall air quality. Plants are crucial in carbon sequestration, allowing the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and storing it in biomass and soils. By increasing the consumption of plant-based foods, we can enhance the capacity of ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Furthermore, a balanced, small-portion diet will eliminate the need for diabetes-related drugs and heart issues.

In a previous article, I discussed the devastating impact of fertilizers and pesticides on human health, soil microbiomes, and biodiversity. It is vital that we are mindful of where our produce is coming from.

I love cooking, and the fresh vegetables from my garden have greatly inspired me to write my first cookbook. I'm thrilled to bring flavors from around the world into my kitchen and share them through my recipes. My cookbook is written for any cook, whether single or with small families, making it accessible to a wide range of people. It's a joy to create dishes that celebrate culinary diversity and can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their cooking experience or household size. Using fresh, locally grown ingredients is essential to me, as it fosters a deeper connection to food and sustainability. I'm excited to share my creativity and passion for cooking with others, and I hope my cookbook brings joy and inspiration to many aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts.

Purchase Book

Did you know?

Conventional farming involves heavily using pesticides and fertilizers that contain PFAS (forever chemicals). Cancer is directly linked to the consumption of PFAS. The EPA allows organic farmers to use certain pesticides and fertilizers below the allowable limits for health impacts. The only produce that is truly organic without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers is produced by farmers who are certified in "Regenerative organic agriculture" practices. The farming sector has a considerable movement toward healthy, chemical-free food production.

Grow your food

I've taken up vegetable gardening in our community garden. The widespread adoption of home vegetable gardens could revolutionize the availability of high-quality organic produce. The satisfaction of cooking with homegrown vegetables is unparalleled—they taste better. Even in spacious homes with ample land, maintaining manicured lawns with flowers alongside productive vegetable gardens is feasible, creating a harmonious balance between aesthetics and sustainability.

The home vegetable gardens contribute tremendously to carbon sequestration. The Indigenous community grew vegetables around their habitat, and we have lost this precious knowledge. The biggest argument I get is, "How will you feed billions of people?" My response to them is you can continue with the current toxic farming practices, but in the end, the synthetic chemicals will kill our children and grandchildren. These chemicals are also degrading our land, and we are already seeing the devastating impact of climate change due to our current agricultural practices.

Food Waste

30% of food produced in the US is wasted. This produce does not leave the farms as the produce is not "perfect." In my previous article, I talked about how we can adopt using produce that is not perfect. I remove the bad parts and use the rest to make my food.

Americans throw away $1600 of food each year, equivalent to feeding a family of four for a whole month. Most of it comprises leftover food from restaurants or cooked at home. There was a time when you only cooked what you could eat and were not allowed to leave the table unless you finished everything on the plate. The best way to eliminate food waste is to reduce portion sizes so there are no leftovers and no need to throw anything away.

I've subscribed to a composting service to manage all my food and produce waste responsibly. Every two weeks, the service swaps out my full bucket for an empty one, ensuring that organic waste is diverted from landfills and transformed into nutrient-rich compost. While the service costs $22.00 per month, equivalent to $11.00 per bucket, the investment is easily justified.

Given the amount of alcohol consumed and frequent food orders, the cost of the composting service essentially sustains itself. It's a small price to pay for the environmental benefits and peace of mind of knowing that my organic waste is correctly disposed of and repurposed into valuable compost for gardening and agriculture.

Recycling

Finally, I make a concerted effort to recycle everything possible. Whether paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, or any item with a recycling symbol my county recognizes, it all goes into the recycling bin. By combining recycling with composting, I've slashed my trash output by a staggering 90%.

It's disheartening to encounter skepticism about recycling, especially when faced with the misconception that recycled materials inevitably end up in the trash. However, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind waste management's challenges in recycling certain items.

The inability to clean dirty bottles, cans, or paper stems from limitations in recycling equipment. Contaminated materials can clog machinery and compromise the quality of recycled products. Therefore, individuals must take proactive steps to ensure that recyclables are clean and debris-free before tossing them into the recycling bin.

Discarding pizza boxes in the trash, washing glass jars and bottles, and emptying plastic containers can make a significant difference. By investing a few extra minutes to clean and prepare recyclables properly, we can drastically reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Moreover, responsibly recycling conserves valuable resources and promotes a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed to create new products.

Ultimately, individual efforts in recycling play a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation and building a more sustainable future for generations to come. Through education, awareness, and collective action, we can empower communities to embrace responsible waste management practices and work towards a cleaner, greener planet.

In conclusion, the journey towards sustainability encompasses a multitude of conscious choices and actions, as exemplified by the myriad practices detailed above. From reducing plastic consumption and embracing reusable alternatives to cultivating homegrown produce and promoting vegetarian cuisine, each step plays a vital role in environmental impact mitigation and fostering a healthier planet. By harnessing the power of individual actions and collectively adopting sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a brighter, greener future. Together, we can effect meaningful change and create a world where sustainability is a goal and a way of life.