They tell us to buy green cars, use solar panels and insulate the roof. But what if you have no control over these things - when you are still a teenager? Worse still - your parents have more important things to worry about than nonsense like global warming. However, there are still some things you can do. You may think that as a teenager, you can't do much to help, but you are very wrong …
Steps
Step 1. Be aware of any items you use on a daily basis
Remember that when you buy or consume anything, there is a price to pay for the environment. The object was produced through the use of some resources, the production process had negative effects on the environment, it was shipped, marketed and, after you have finished using it, it will be disposed of.
Step 2. Try to buy things that can be recycled
For example, buy refillable pens that can be refilled with ink, rather than disposable pens. If you use paper, bottles or whatever, don't throw them away. Instead, deliver them to your neighborhood recycling company.
Step 3. Watch out for waste and try to reuse the things you own instead of buying new ones
A great idea is to buy second-hand clothes (many garments are thrown away / given to charity even if they are barely one year old and have been worn very little) and customize old clothes instead of buying new ones.
Step 4. Buy products manufactured by companies that support sustainable manufacturing processes, fair trade and organic substances
If you are not informed about the manufacturing process of a particular product, do a search!
Step 5. Turn off all the upstairs lights (and, if your parents are already in bed, turn off the downstairs ones too) before going to bed each night
If you leave the charger of your mobile phone or iPod connected to the power supply, it will consume electricity even if it is not connected to your mobile phone / iPod.
Step 6. Talk to your parents about pollution and global warming if it is something you really care about
Do not try to persuade them to respect the environment more and end up annoying them; just make small suggestions from time to time. Some adults just want to enjoy life. They could drive a huge SUV, live in a mansion, or just waste things. Try to explain to your younger siblings what is happening in the world, in the simplest way possible. Let them think for themselves, but you may find that they will be more inclined to agree with you than your parents.
Step 7. Don't leave the television on in the background
Even if you are watching it, but you are not very interested in the program. see if there is anything you would have more fun doing without consuming too much electricity. For example, you could go outside to play. Reminding you of the hobbies you had as a child, Lego or board games can have their own charm even when you are a teenager.
Step 8. Don't know what you want for your birthday?
Think about the environment. Energy-saving light bulbs, recycled diaries and writing paper, donations to an environmental campaign made in your name, solar chargers. There are tons of items that you can buy that would be useful to you. Also on your birthday you would feel proud of yourself, knowing that you have done something good for nature.
Step 9. You may have heard on the news about a website similar to Google - but in black, blackle.com
In theory, for some older computers (monitors that aren't flat panel) it takes less electricity to show black rather than white. If you have one of these monitors, change the background to an all black one. As for all computers, you can lower settings such as brightness and contrast, reducing the consumption of electricity.
Step 10. If you're only using your computer to talk to friends, you don't need a printer, scanner, or speakers
Try to turn on only the appliances you need.
Step 11. Remember that standby appliances still consume electricity
When you turn off an appliance, turn it off for real!
Step 12. Don't waste too much paper at school
Think twice before throwing away an old sheet of paper or a diary. See if you can make some use of it.
Step 13. Take a shower instead of a bath
When taking a shower, try not to take more than ten minutes. Do not put the radiator on full. Turn it into some kind of game by trying to shorten your showers from time to time.
Advice
- Use a fabric bag when shopping instead of paper or plastic bags.
- You could collect signatures on your own and send them to a politician, but it would be easier to contact an environmental organization.
- Remember that you can't change the world on your own, but your every little daily gesture will make it better. Don't get frustrated if others aren't as enthusiastic as you are, you are just one person and you can't do that much.
- Ask your science teacher what you could do for the environment. Learn as much as you can about nature. Understanding the problem will also help you fight it.
- Reuse make-up remover wipes up to three times; do not throw them away after the first use (unless they are really unusable).
- Read or watch the news. Be on the lookout for news regarding any upcoming signature collections or events.
- Sign up and be active with an organization that promotes respect for the environment and promotes its protection.
- Buy second hand books instead of new ones - there are a lot of second hand books in stores nowadays. This is a great way to save paper.
Warnings
- It is much better to set a good example than to lecture others in vain! They may be more inclined to help you when they see how hard you are actually working, rather than just talking!
- People might get annoyed if you lecture them all the time. Realize that not everyone feels the same way. It's a good thing to try and put your ideas to the test, but make sure you don't pester them when you see it's a lost cause.
- Be careful when turning electrical appliances on and off.
