The 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle. A longstanding eco-phrase applicable to almost everything. Instead of driving, walk to the store to reduce your carbon footprint. Reuse those old cardboard boxes. And of course, recycle all of your plastic waste. Read on to learn more about how you can make sustainable choices in all aspects of your life.

Fashion

While these three solutions do help to mitigate the impending environmental crisis, this is an issue that extends beyond an average person’s plastic consumption. 70% of greenhouse emissions are produced by just 100 companies. But the polluting discrepancy doesn’t stop there, whilst the wealthiest 10% contribute nearly half of the world’s carbon emissions, the poorest 50% contribute less than 10%.

While the principle of the 3 R’s sets forth an eco-friendly foundation, it’s still not enough. Donating that micro-trendy Shein top won’t erase the fast fashion company’s 230,000 tons of carbon emissions. 

The fashion industry is responsible for 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions each year, according to Climate Council. The transportation costs, non-eco friendly textiles used and fast fashion culture—the rapid production, cycle, and fashion trend turnover— all contribute to this massive number.

One way to support sustainable fashion is to purchase from sustainable brands such as Patagonia and Levis. This will ensure your purchase not only helps to fund ethical practices but also is contributing positively to the planet. 

You should also carefully evaluate the clothes you are buying. The rise in high fashion generates more and more trends, rapidly producing and cycling through tons and tons of cheaply made clothing, according to Ethical Consumer. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t partake in fashion trends, but before purchasing your next items online, think to yourself: will I be wearing this in a year, let alone three months from now?

Tourism

There are some places on Earth which are so iconic that people feel they must visit at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, when the entire world converges in these places, the consequences can be disastrous. Litter piles up, the supply of natural resources shrinks and the quality of life for residents deteriorates, according to Forbes. Countries have sought to mitigate these impacts by limiting the number of visitors to popular landmarks, but as world citizens we must do our part to preserve these destinations for generations to come.

It is not necessary to avoid these places entirely. However, when there are so many places waiting to be discovered, why not go on a journey that has never been done before?

Consider traveling closer to home and driving or taking the train instead of going by plane. Since planes use up a significant amount of fuel when ascending and descending, shorter flights are less efficient, according to The New York Times. Although forgoing distance travel might be disappointing or inconvenient, it opens the door to new experiences.

Since most people know that frequent air travel harms the environment, cruises seem like a more eco-friendly option for a vacation. However, even the most efficient cruises emit between three to four times more carbon dioxide than commercial flights, according to The New York Times. Cruise ships also pollute water and create waves, which makes them especially dangerous around delicate ecosystems in popular tourist destinations, according to BBC News.

Once you arrive at your destination, the choices you make become even more important. What you eat and buy today will determine whether the place you visit is available to be enjoyed by others in the future. 

Eating and shopping local not only results in a better experience, but it can also help preserve the businesses that make destinations unique. Sustainability encompasses more than just the environment – it includes keeping the irreplaceable cultural legacies that make the world such a diverse, interesting place alive.

Countries have recognized the negative impacts of over tourism in their popular tourist destinations and have implemented their own policies to combat them. It is time that we step up and remember that we are guests in these awe-inspiring places. It is our responsibility to preserve them for future generations.

Transportation

Transportation is essential to our lives and has a significant environmental impact. Car emissions account for almost 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Sustainable transportation benefits everyone as it means we can keep the air cleaner when we take alternative modes of transportation instead of gas-powered automobiles.

Instead of driving, ride your bike or walk when locations are close by. Consider an electric vehicle if looking for a new car. When possible, use public transportation. Carpooling with your friends is also a great way to save money and the environment.

Global warming may seem hopeless but even the smallest changes to our everyday routines can help make an impact. 

Although we may not be able to apply all of these sustainable options, we should keep them in mind the next time we go shopping for clothes, plan a vacation or get in the car to go to the corner store. We will gradually enhance our planet if we keep the environment in mind when making everyday decisions.