Limit your red meat consumption. Cows and bulls, which are common suppliers of red meat, release a large number of climate-changing gases like methane. Now, I'm not proposing that you go vegetarian – I enjoy a fine steak just as much as the next omnivore – but I am arguing that a small reduction in your meat consumption can have a significant impact. A diet including only a small amount of red meat also has a variety of well-documented health benefits.
Invest in renewable energy research and production companies. Do you want to make a lot of money while also helping the environment? Invest in companies that are developing, manufacturing, and selling energy- and water-efficient products. Consider wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles. This is one area where monetary reward and environmental damage can collide dramatically.
This is perhaps the simplest change in this list – reduce the time you spend behind the wheel. In addition to the environmental benefits of doing this, you’ll probably find that you become slightly fitter; and have more money in your pocket at the end of the week. In short, there’s no downside.
2. Reduce your intake of red meat.
Common sources of red meat such as cows and bulls produce an enormous quantity of climate-changing gases such as methane. Now, I’m certainly not suggesting that you should become vegetarian. I enjoy a good steak as much as any other omnivore simply that a slight reduction can have a dramatic effect. As a bonus, there are a number of well documented health benefits of a diet containing only a small amount of red meat.
3. Become a ‘green consumer.
When shopping for any sort of product – anything from groceries to a new television – take a moment to weigh up the options. If there are alternatives, consider which product has the lowest impact on the environment.
4. Become ‘carbon neutral‘ using offsets as necessary.
This is something that nearly everyone can take advantage of. Become as close to ‘carbon neutral‘ as possible; purchasing carbon offsets as necessary. In effect, you’ll be investing in a number of sustainable energy and water schemes. NB : if you’re looking for a slightly more direct investment approach, read on.
5. Invest in companies researching and producing renewable energy.
Want to make some serious money, and help the environment at the same time? Invest in companies which are researching, producing and selling energy-efficient and water-efficient goods. Think wind farms, solar panels and electric cars. This is one area in which financial reward and environmental impact can have an enormous overlap.
6. Share your ‘green’ ideas with others.
Over the past century or so, global communications has grown in many, many ways. This has made it possible to share ideas and discoveries at an incredible rate.
7. Become politically active.
If you’ve ever heard someone say ‘the government should do this‘ then this one’s for you. By becoming involved in politics – at any level with which you feel comfortable – you are able to help guide people to an incredible goal. Rather than sitting back and waiting for someone else to take action, make your own voice heard.
