It’s no secret that many of our everyday decisions, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat and the ways we travel, can harm the environment.
The good news is, identifying these negative impacts and building new habits can help us live more sustainably.
Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, the target set forth by the Paris Climate Agreement, will require everyone to make changes to their lifestyles.
That’s why the European Climate Pact engages with young people and influencers from across the EU and encourages them to try out a new habit that’s in tune with a 1.5°C lifestyle.
We’re calling it the #MyEUClimatePact Challenge – join the challenge on Instagram!
How to take part
Think about your everyday actions that negatively impact the environment. Do you shop online frequently? Eat a lot of hamburgers and chicken? Impulse-buy souvenirs that end up in the bin?
Try the 1.5°C lifestyle by changing one of your food, fashion or travel habits for one week.
Inspire others to take the challenge by posting about your experience and using the hashtag #MyEUClimatePact.
Do you tend to discard torn clothing? This week, extend the life of your clothes by repairing them instead!
Doing so will lower the amount of textile waste you generate, save money you would have spent on a new item, and as a bonus, you might pick up a fun new hobby along the way.
When we eat fruits or vegetables that are not in season where we live, chances are, they’re being shipped in from far away. All that transport means more carbon emissions.
Instead, try eating with the season! This week, challenge yourself to learn which fruits and vegetables are in season in your region this time of year. Then try cooking a tasty recipe incorporating that seasonal produce.
They say it’s the journey, not the destination. When it comes to the environmental impacts of travelling, how you reach your destination is certainly something to consider.
This week, opt for lower-impact forms of travel. If you’re planning an upcoming trip, try booking a train ticket instead of a flight. If you’re going about your daily commute, try replacing car rides with bike ones or public transport.
Want to get involved, but need more inspiration?
Influencers around the EU are taking part in the #MyEUClimatePact Challenge.
See how they’re making changes to their lifestyles below!
Stanka Stoyanova, 38, Bulgaria
Looking for more info?
To avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis, we need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Meet the people whose actions are making a difference.
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