Some aspects of climate change may already be irreversible. I believe that by taking positive action now, it is possible to slow the pace of climate change and reduce further global warming. Changing our lifestyle and our behaviour will help reduce the impact caused by human on the environment.
Anyone can make a difference to climate change. Below are my suggestions for a more sustainable approach to living in our environment, while focusing on climate change:-

Reduce car emissions

Suggestions include :-
Leave the car at its parking and walk or cycle for short trips.
Use public transport.
Keep your car tyres inflated to the recommended pressure.
Car-pool with workmates.

Reduce energy expenditure in your home

Suggestions include :-
Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
Replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Insulate your home to reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Install a water-saving showerhead and take shorter showers.
Dry your clothes outside on the line rather than in the clothes dryer.
Switch to ‘green energy’ such as solar power for your electricity needs.

Reduce your ‘carbon footprint’ when you shop

Suggestions include :-
Buy local and seasonal food produce to reduce energy use in transport and storage.
Buy items with minimal packaging whenever possible.
If you buy new items, make sure they are made from sustainable, low-impact materials.
Buy secondhand rather than new – from op shops, garage sales or over the Internet.

Recycle waste and reuse pre-loved items

Suggestions include :-
Recycle as much of your rubbish as you can.
Compost vegetable scraps.
‘Detox your home’ – dispose of unwanted chemicals safely rather than
pouring them down the sink or putting them in the rubbish bin.
Be creative in finding new uses for ‘found’ or pre-loved objects.

Longer term choices that help the environment

Suggestions include :-
Buy energy efficient household appliances.
Install a solar-powered hot water system.
Install rainwater tanks.
Buy a more fuel-efficient car or think about not owning a car –alternatively you can share one.
Move to an area where your workplace, shops and schools are within walking distance.
Make work changes so that you can ‘telecommute’ to work using the telephone and email.

Improve your physical and mental health

Studies show that a fit , healthy body is more resistant to hazards such
as heat stress and a healthy mind is less prone to anxiety or depression.

Suggestions include :-
Maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and build.
Reduce the amount of sugar, salt, fat and processed food in your diet.
Exercise for at least half an hour on most days of the week.
Don’t smoke.
Limit your intake of alcohol.
Get plenty of sleep and keep your mind active.
Focus on the positive action you can take and try to avoid despair by
connecting with others and looking after your mental health.

Talk with your children

Young children can be affected by uncertainty or despair . It is important
to talk about issues such as climate change with your child and help them
find ways to deal with their fears.

Suggestions include :-
Listen to your child and take their concerns and feelings seriously.
Explain the issues in a way that is appropriate to the child’s level of understanding, without too much graphic detail. Use language they understand.
Check that your child hasn’t jumped to any wrong conclusions. If you try to protect them by keeping information from them, they may fill in the blanks using their imagination.
Monitor their exposure to disturbing or sensational media, such as television news or disaster films about the end of the world – is it appropriate to their age?
Provide positive, realistic information sources for them learn about climate change – for example, a children’s book, video or educational website.
Talk about the issue as a family and plan simple, positive actions that you- can take together to make a difference.

Build strong communities

Join a group or get together with friends and neighbours to establish
local , sustainable community -building networks .

Suggestions include :-
Establish a community garden and educate yourselves and others about sustainable food practices.
Start a ‘share network’ to pool resources such as lawn-mowers, garden or shed tools, bottling kits, bikes and so on.
Recycle unwanted goods through a local ‘swap meet’ or invite your neighbours to hold a joint garage sale.
Get together with parents from your children’s school to start a Walking School Bus.
Organise with others to hold community tree-planting days.
Get involved in your local council activities or join a group to help design people and environment friendly public spaces.
Create a sustainable ‘transition town’ to plan for and limit the effects of climate change on your local neighbourhood.

Things to remember

We can all make a difference to climate change. Start simply with things you can change in your everyday environment –with a bit of practice, it’s possible for everyone to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Get children involved and provide ways for them to take positive action. It is important to talk about climate change with your child and listen to their ideas.
Take action as a family or as a community. It’s fun and it also builds strong relationships and resilience for the future.