2020: THE DECADE FOR DIFFERENCE
2020: The decade for difference
Written by contributing writer Scarlett Buckley
We are entering into a new decade - the future of the next decade is in our hands. Will we continue the way we have or are we striving for a brighter and less destructive future?
As humans, we have an uncontrollable urge for understanding, for improvement. However, it appears that, although we understand the consequences of our actions, we choose to remain oblivious, continuing our path of mass annihilation.
So, the question is, what can we do to prevent the annual 400 billion tonnes of CO2 released into the atmosphere; the annual 2.01 billion metric tonnes of municipal solid waste, and the 92 million tonnes of fashion waste. These figures seem impossible to comprehend, but are a result of our combinational effort as humans, and cannot be overlooked any longer. This is why the decade of 2020 is so crucial; will we make or break our planet? The ignorance once perceived as bliss might now pave the way to mass extinction.
It may appear a daunting task ahead of us with the statistics overwhelming, however, we need to put the planet first, and this should be the most crucial focal point for 2020. When it comes to new year resolutions, people tend to look inwardly, ‘what can I do to promote my personal growth; reduce my phone usage, eat less chocolate, do more exercise?’ This year, it’s time for the planet to grow, so we need to think of resolutions that accompany ethical and ecological benefits; we can grow as a species, but we need to allow other species to continue to evolve with us.
Think before you eat
1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted a year; another staggering figure that seems unbelievable. The waste itself is not just the problem though, with this waste comes the 45 trillion gallons of water lost through the process of agriculture (equating to 24% of all water used on farming). So, quite simply this year, and in the years to come, buy food as you need it, stop impulse buying; overindulgence might leave you satisfied, but the implications of this overindulgence needs to be understood.
Another suggestion for the new year is to cut down your weekly consumption of meat. Reducing this could be crucial to reducing climate change. The meat industry is one of the highest contributors to our greenhouse gas emissions, interestingly though, research has found that only 18% of our calorie intake is from our dairy and meat intake. If we could reduce the demand, we would need 75% less global farmland. To put this into perspective, this is an area equivalent to the US, China, Europe and, Australia combined and we would still be able to provide food globally. A simple action that could pave the way to a more sustainable 2020, could be the one meat per week plan of action.
2. Reduce your waste output
With only 16% of our waste recycled annually, we need to think about how we can live without adding more to our seemingly endless stream of rubbish. When it comes to bathroom products for example, look into ethical companies that use recycling materials, such as bamboo or recycled plastics when buying toothbrushes, or even shavers.
Be conscientious when using wipes. In July 2019, 23,000 wet wipes were found on the shore of the Thames in Barnes, southwest London. This is a tremendous amount, and shows the heinous effect that something as seemingly ‘harmless’ as a wipe can do. Unfortunately, wipes are not harmless; they contain plastic which prevents them breaking down efficiently. Sourcing out sustainable wipes, such as Ecover, is a way to ensure that you are not adding to our highly polluted rivers and oceans.
3. Slow down your consumption of clothes
The fashion industry has been outed, with the recent advances made by Extinction Rebellion’s Boycott Fashion, exposing the horrors of its impacts. The greed of consumers is taking over, with people more rapacious for new clothes than ever before. We need to learn to control this greed before it is too late. By the simple act of buying clothes through charity shops, eBay, Depop, and clothes swapping, you can gain a new look without the collective contribution of the following CO2 emissions (and additionally save yourself some extra money).
Sustainable fashion needs to be promoted by supporting the change necessary to push the world of fashion towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. We do not need the 80 billion pieces of garments produced annually; 400% more than were consumed 20 years ago. The rate at which people buy and dispose of clothes is at an unacceptable level and needs to be replaced with a swap and recycle. Through the advocacy of pushing for a slower more sustainable wardrobe, inspire others to do the same, and with this, look as good as you ethically feel.
So, there you have it - just a few simple ideas of how you can be more sustainable in 2020! There is a long way to go if we are to be on track for our 2020 climate change turning point, yet it is never too late. Whether it is to eat less meat, produce less waste or even walk instead of driving, 2020 can be the year of change. This could be the decade the wrongs are rewritten, to give the planet a chance to flourish not burn.