This holiday season, choices for the environment matter just as much as gifts. Making eco friendly decisions costs nothing and yet benefits every living thing on the planet, including people. Embrace the three Rs: Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce energy use.
Every human action leaves a mark on the planet. This mark is the carbon footprint. Driving, sending messages online, or streaming films all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The most significant and widespread gas is CO2.
What do these gases do? They trap heat from the sun and raise the planet’s temperature, fueling climate change. It is all connected. With that in mind, here are five practical rules that anyone can follow to help the situation:
1º Buy locally produced foods. The Mediterranean diet stands out for being both delicious and healthy for people and the environment. Seek healthy, nearby options that support your well being and the health of the planet.
2º Save energy. Turn off lights and unplug tools when they are not in use. Thoughtful and moderate energy use shows solidarity with others and helps communities everywhere. It is about responsibility, not financial limit.
3º Plant and care for trees. Consider that a person needs roughly 8,000 liters of oxygen every day, produced by about 22 trees daily. When visiting forests, parks, or green spaces, remember that those 22 trees sustain your breathing and the broader ecosystem. Forests are essential for life, and protecting them is a duty that falls on everyone, not a choice left to chance.
4º Support renewable energy. These are power sources that come from natural resources and replenish themselves. Supporting renewables is a forward looking and practical stance, essential for a sustainable future. It matters to act now.
5º Encourage leaders to adopt the aims of the United Nations 2030 agenda. A more sustainable world starts with clear policies and accountable action. The goal is a planet that can thrive for future generations.
People are asked to take responsibility this Christmas and act accordingly. The gift of life is the most meaningful present of all, and it lasts long after the holiday season ends.