18 ways you can help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss
original blog post by @orhan_atabay, May 14, 2020
Estimated reading time: 2-3 minutes
Are you ready to do something for your planet? Are you prepared to change your habits and lifestyle or go outside your comfort zone?
We all must be concerned about our planet, and our concerns should not only be around the carbon cycle, CO2 emissions, and Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
We must be concerned about the wastes we produce, pollutants emitted into the air or water, and the inefficiencies in our technologies.
Let me summarize what I mean and explain what you (and I) must give up, stop doing, or reduce.
Please do these, whenever and wherever possible:
TRANSPORTATION
1. Reduce your driving. Walk, or use your bike instead. Use transit if you can. Consider riding an e-bike or cargo bike. Evaluate the possibilities of vehicle sharing, bike-sharing, and pooling.
2. Reduce your vehicle's size. You do not need a monster to go grocery shopping. Adjust your vehicle size according to your actual needs!
3. Consider more efficient and cleaner vehicles (vehicles with smaller internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or better, battery electric vehicles).
HOME/OFFICE
4. Choose the more efficient heating and cooling method for your home, office, factory, etc. Talk to your friends, colleagues, community officers, and utility professionals.
5. Check your set temperatures for heating and cooling. Consider turning your heating down and cooling up (less cooling) without compromising your comfort.
6. Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances and devices, at least when they need to be renewed. They will pay off in the long run.
7. Consider insulation! You can also be sure that it will pay off in the long run.
8. Turn off unnecessary lights and devices.
9. Do not waste (hot and cold) water. Consider taking shorter showers. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.
10. Check and rethink all the household and personal chemicals you use (soaps, detergents, shampoos, shower gels, cleansers, sprays, creams, cosmetics, etc.) and see if you can use them in smaller amounts or avoid using them altogether. Choose non-toxic (at least biodegradable) stuff where applicable.
11. Recycle everything you have used. Never send poisonous waste (such as batteries, bulbs, electronic waste, oils, etc.) to the garbage or down the drain.
GENERAL
12. Stop using plastics. We all know, it is nearly impossible. At least be concerned about all the plastics (incl. packaging, toys, food containers, etc.) you bring home and send to recycling or garbage. Be aware that recycling is not a solution to the problem of plastic waste. Stop using plastic bags and straws immediately.
13. Stop smoking. I "know" it is not easy. But it is not impossible.
14. Eat sustainable food. Eat less meat and eat only sustainable seafood. Consider consuming more veggies and fruits. Eat and drink "local".
15. Stop using chewing gums. This is not a joke, they are awful for the environment.
16. Use birth control. Sustainability is a matter of population!
17. Do not waste paper!
PLEASE
18. Always think about what you need, and what you can avoid, change, or reduce.
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Below is the Chatgpt-created article with the same title and sections in 2025. And here is my prompt to create it:
"I want to write a blog post for my website titled "18 ways you can help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss". I prefer the writing to be a 2-4 minute read with subsections 1. Introduction, 2. What you can do related to Transportation, 3. What you can do at your Home & Office, 4. General items, 5. Final words and phrases like "please don't do this, don't do that.". You can rephrase the section titles. I will mention on my website that the article is created by ChatGPT. Please do your best, I have time."
18 ways you can help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss
ChatGPT, April 21, 2025
Estimated reading time: 2-4 minutes
1. Why This Matters
The climate is changing rapidly, and our planet’s rich web of life is unraveling. The good news? We’re not powerless. Every action—no matter how small—can contribute to a more sustainable and thriving world. Here are 18 practical ways you can make a difference, starting today.
2. Getting Around Greener: Transportation Tips
1. Walk or bike when you can
It’s healthier for you and the planet. Plus, it's a great way to reconnect with your surroundings.
2. Use public transit or carpool
Fewer cars = less pollution and traffic. Share rides whenever possible.
3. Choose electric or hybrid vehicles
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, opt for one with a smaller carbon footprint.
4. Fly less, and fly smart
Cut down on air travel when you can. Combine trips, and choose direct flights to reduce emissions.
3. Smarter Living: Your Home & Workplace
5. Switch to renewable energy
If your provider offers green energy, go for it. Solar panels are also becoming more affordable.
6. Insulate and save
Proper insulation, efficient windows, and weatherstripping reduce energy waste and cut bills.
7. Unplug and turn off
Electronics on standby still use power. Turn them off or unplug when not in use.
8. Reduce, reuse, recycle—and rethink
Buy only what you need, repair instead of replace, and recycle what you can.
9. Go paperless
Digital documents save trees. Use cloud storage and e-billing when possible.
4. Everyday Actions That Add Up
10. Eat more plants, waste less food
Plant-based meals are gentler on the planet. Plan meals to avoid throwing food away.
11. Support local and organic
Local farms = fewer transport emissions. Organic practices protect soil and wildlife.
12. Plant native species
In your yard, balcony, or community garden, native plants support local biodiversity.
13. Avoid single-use plastics
Bring your own bag, bottle, and container. Plastic pollution harms wildlife and clogs ecosystems.
14. Buy less, choose better
Fast fashion and overconsumption strain natural resources. Quality lasts longer.
15. Use your voice and your vote
Support policies and leaders who prioritize sustainability and conservation.
16. Support conservation organizations
Even small donations can fund large-scale impact. Volunteer your time if you can’t donate.
17. Educate and inspire others
Talk to friends, share posts, start a conversation. Awareness leads to action.
5. Final Thoughts: A Friendly Reminder
Please don’t ignore your impact.
Don’t say “I’m just one person.” That’s how change begins.
Please don’t give up.
Every degree of warming avoided and every species saved counts.
Please don’t wait for perfection.
Start somewhere, start small—just start.
Taking climate action doesn’t mean changing your whole life overnight. It means making mindful choices and encouraging others to do the same. Let’s protect this planet and all who share it—together.
This article was created by ChatGPT. 🌱