Nigeria is a land of extraordinary beauty and biodiversity, with vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and diverse ecosystems. For nature lovers and adventurers, it offers a wealth of opportunities. That said, traveling responsibly is key to preserving the natural wonders and respecting local communities. So in this article, we’ll explore how to minimize your environmental impact while traveling in Nigeria by offering sustainable travel tips, wildlife conservation efforts, and cultural respect.

Traveling Sustainably in Nigeria

Use Public Transportation: Nigeria has an extensive network of buses, trains, and shared taxis. Opt for public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion.

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Many lodges and hotels in Nigeria are committed to eco-friendly practices. Look for accommodations with green certifications such as LEED or local sustainability awards.

Support Local Guides: When exploring Nigeria’s natural wonders, hire local guides who are well-versed in the environment. They can provide valuable insights and ensure minimal impact on the ecosystem.

Reduce Plastic Waste: Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to minimize plastic waste. Water purification tablets or filters are handy for refilling your bottle with clean water.

Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and never feed or disturb animals. Follow ethical wildlife viewing guidelines to protect the natural habitats and the creatures that call them home.

Minimizing Your Environmental Impact While Exploring Nigerian Wildlife

Stay on Designated Trails: When trekking through national parks or reserves, stick to designated trails to avoid disturbing local flora and fauna.

Dispose of Waste Properly: Use designated waste disposal facilities or carry out all your trash. Leave no trace of your visit in these fragile ecosystems.

Photograph Responsibly: When capturing the beauty of Nigerian wildlife, avoid using flashes or disturbing animals for the sake of a photo. Respect their natural behavior.

Choose Eco-Friendly Tours: Support tour operators that follow eco-friendly guidelines. They should prioritize the environment’s well-being over profit.

Learn About Local Conservation: Take the time to learn about local conservation efforts and how you can contribute. Many organizations in Nigeria work tirelessly to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

Supporting Local Conservation Efforts

Contribute to Local Conservation Organizations: Many local nonprofits in Nigeria are dedicated to preserving the environment. Contribute to these organizations or volunteer your time.

Participate in Conservation Projects: Some organizations offer opportunities for travelers to actively engage in conservation efforts, such as tree planting or wildlife monitoring.

Respect Regulations: Adhere to all park and reserve regulations. Pay entrance fees that support conservation and follow the guidelines provided.

Educate Yourself: Learn about the environmental issues facing Nigeria and the efforts being made to address them. This knowledge can inform your travel choices and support the right initiatives.

Respecting Local Cultures and Traditions

Dress Modestly: In many parts of Nigeria, modest clothing is appreciated. Be mindful of local dress codes, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious or traditional sites.

Learn Basic Phrases: Familiarize yourself with basic local phrases and greetings. This shows respect for the local culture and can enhance your travel experience.

Ask for Permission: Always seek permission before taking photographs of people, especially in remote or indigenous communities. Not everyone may be comfortable being photographed.

Respect Religious Practices: If visiting places of worship, follow local customs and respect the sanctity of the space. Remove your shoes and dress appropriately, as required.

Support Local Economies: Buy local products and handicrafts as a way to support local communities. This provides economic benefits and encourages sustainable practices.

Traveling in Nigeria can be a transformative experience. By following these sustainable travel tips, minimizing your environmental impact, and respecting local cultures and traditions, you can ensure that your journey leaves a positive mark on both the environment and the communities you visit. Nigeria’s natural beauty and cultural richness deserve to be cherished and preserved for future generations to enjoy.

When it comes to home renovation, choosing sustainable building materials isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsible choice that can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Whether you’re planning a small upgrade or a major remodel, integrating eco-friendly materials into your project is a step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient home. In this article, we’ll explore how to make your home renovation more eco-friendly, introduce you to sustainable building materials, discuss government incentives for green renovations, and highlight the benefits of energy-efficient windows.

How to Make Your Home Renovation More Eco-Friendly

1. Plan with Sustainability in Mind: Start your renovation by setting clear sustainability goals. Consider factors like energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Your planning phase is crucial to ensure a greener outcome.
2. Choose Sustainable Materials: Opt for materials with lower environmental footprints. Look for certifications like LEED, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), or Cradle to Cradle for guidance on eco-friendly choices.
3. Energy-Efficient Appliances: When upgrading your appliances, select Energy Star-rated models. These appliances are designed to consume less energy while providing the same level of performance.
4. Water Conservation: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets to reduce water consumption. Collect rainwater for outdoor use to further conserve this precious resource.
5. Proper Insulation: Invest in high-quality insulation materials to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce heating and cooling energy consumption.

Sustainable Building Materials for Home Renovation

Now, let’s delve into some sustainable building materials that you can consider for your eco-friendly home renovation:

1. Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that makes an excellent alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. It’s durable, stylish, and can be sustainably harvested.
2. Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged or reclaimed wood from old buildings, barns, or shipping pallets can add character and charm to your renovation while reducing the demand for new timber.
3. Recycled Glass Countertops: Countertops made from recycled glass are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. They divert glass from landfills and incorporate it into a durable surface.
4. Cork Flooring: Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree itself. It’s a sustainable and comfortable flooring option with natural insulation properties.
5. Recycled Metal Roofing: Metal roofing made from recycled materials is long-lasting, energy-efficient, and can be recycled again at the end of its lifespan.
6. Sustainable Insulation: Opt for insulation made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled denim, sheep’s wool, or cellulose insulation made from recycled paper.
7. Low-VOC Paints: Traditional paints can emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints to improve indoor air quality during and after your renovation.

Government Incentives for Eco-Friendly Home Renovations

Many governments and municipalities offer incentives to encourage homeowners to adopt eco-friendly renovation practices. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and grants. Be sure to check with local authorities to see what programs are available in your area.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows in Home Renovation

Energy-efficient windows are a vital component of an eco-friendly home renovation. Here’s why they matter:

1. Energy Savings: Energy-efficient windows are designed to minimize heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This reduces your reliance on heating and cooling systems, ultimately lowering energy bills.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: By reducing your energy consumption, energy-efficient windows help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable planet.
3. Enhanced Comfort: These windows provide better insulation, reducing drafts and temperature fluctuations, which leads to a more comfortable living space.
4. Improved Resale Value: Energy-efficient upgrades, including windows, can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for homes with lower utility costs.

In conclusion, making your home renovation more eco-friendly is not only good for the environment but also for your comfort and finances. By planning with sustainability in mind, choosing sustainable building materials, exploring government incentives, and incorporating energy-efficient windows, you can create a greener and more energy-efficient living space. As responsible homeowners, it’s our duty to make choices that benefit both our families and the planet we call home.

In today’s world, the concept of eco-friendliness has extended its reach into the realm of art. Artists, both seasoned and emerging, are increasingly turning to sustainable practices, giving birth to the fascinating world of eco-friendly art. This movement not only fosters creativity but also contributes to environmental sustainability by utilizing recycled materials and reducing waste. In this article, we’ll explore the essence of eco-friendly art, share tips on making your art studio more environmentally friendly, discuss strategies for selling eco-friendly art, and delve into the best practices for upcycling in art and creativity.

What is Eco-Friendly Art?

At its core, eco-friendly art is an artistic expression that prioritizes environmental consciousness. It involves creating art using materials and techniques that have minimal negative impact on the environment. This commitment to sustainability is essential in today’s world as we strive to reduce our ecological footprint.

Eco-friendly art encompasses various practices, but one of its defining features is the use of recycled materials. Artists often transform discarded objects into stunning pieces of art, breathing new life into items that would otherwise end up in landfills. This approach not only showcases creativity but also raises awareness about the importance of recycling and repurposing.

Making Your Art Studio Eco-Friendly

Creating art with a focus on sustainability begins in your studio. Here are some practical tips to make your art studio more environmentally friendly:

1. Energy Efficiency: Consider using energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED bulbs, to reduce energy consumption while you work.
2. Eco-Friendly Art Supplies: Invest in eco-friendly art supplies, such as paints and brushes made from natural and non-toxic materials. These choices reduce the environmental impact of your artistic endeavors.
3. Recycling Station: Set up a recycling station in your studio to sort and recycle materials properly. Encourage the reuse of materials like paper and cardboard for sketching and practice.
4. Reducing Waste: Emphasize the importance of reducing waste in your creative process. Challenge yourself to minimize leftover materials and dispose of waste responsibly.

Creating an eco-friendly studio environment not only aligns with your commitment to sustainability but can also inspire your creative process.

Tips for Selling Eco-Friendly Art

Once you’ve created eco-friendly art, the next step is sharing it with the world. Here are some tips for selling eco-friendly art, whether online or in galleries:

1. Choose the Right Platforms: Seek out online platforms and galleries that support sustainable art. Many art marketplaces now feature eco-conscious categories, making it easier for buyers to find your work.
2. Tell Your Story: Convey the eco-friendly aspect of your art in your marketing materials. Share the story of how you create art with recycled materials and your commitment to environmental stewardship.
3. Collaborate: Consider collaborating with eco-conscious brands or organizations. Partnerships can help you reach a wider audience who shares your values.

Best Practices for Upcycling in Art and Creativity

Upcycling is a powerful technique in the world of eco-friendly art. It involves taking discarded or unused materials and transforming them into something of higher value. Here are some best practices for incorporating upcycled materials into your art projects:

1. Source Wisely: Scout for materials in thrift stores, flea markets, or even your own home. Look for items with unique textures, shapes, or colors that can add depth to your artwork.
2. Preparation Matters: Prepare your materials carefully. Clean, sand, or prepare them as needed to ensure they work well in your artistic vision.
3. Experiment and Innovate: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials. Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations yield the most stunning results.

Incorporating upcycled materials into your art not only challenges your creativity but also showcases the beauty of repurposing and recycling.

Conclusion

As an artist, you have the power to shape not only your creations but also the world around you. Embracing eco-friendly art techniques using recycled materials is a meaningful way to express your creativity while contributing to a more sustainable planet.

By defining eco-friendly art, creating an environmentally friendly studio, exploring strategies for selling your eco-conscious creations, and diving into upcycling practices, you can embark on a journey that not only unlocks your artistic potential but also leaves a positive impact on our environment.

Join the growing community of eco-conscious artists and be a part of the movement that combines artistry with sustainability. Together, we can create a more beautiful and environmentally friendly world.

Plastic waste has become a pressing environmental concern, and one area where we can make a significant impact is in our kitchens. By adopting simple yet effective practices, we can reduce plastic use and contribute to a healthier planet. In this article, we’ll explore ten practical ways to reduce plastic waste in your kitchen.

1. Embrace Reusable Containers:

One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste is to swap single-use plastic containers for durable, reusable alternatives. Invest in glass or stainless steel containers for storing leftovers, snacks, and beverages. These containers are not only eco-friendly but also safer for your health.

2. Choose Cloth over Paper:

Replace disposable paper towels and napkins with washable cloth alternatives. Cloth towels and napkins can be laundered and reused, reducing the need for constant repurchasing and preventing unnecessary plastic packaging.

3. Ditch Plastic Bags:

Plastic bags are a major contributor to pollution. Replace them with reusable cloth bags for grocery shopping and produce storage. Keep a few bags in your car to ensure you’re always prepared.

4. Explore Farmers’ Markets and Bulk Stores:

Shopping at farmers’ markets and bulk food stores can significantly reduce plastic packaging. Bring your own reusable produce bags and containers to fill with fresh produce, grains, nuts, and other pantry staples.

5. Opt for Glass & Metal – Reduce Plastic Debris:

When purchasing kitchen tools and equipment, prioritize glass and metal options over plastic. Glass storage containers, metal straws, and stainless steel utensils are durable, long-lasting alternatives that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.

6. Filter Your Water – Avoid Plastic Wa:

Instead of relying on single-use plastic water bottles, invest in a high-quality water filter. You’ll have access to clean, fresh water without contributing to the plastic bottle waste problem.

7. Homemade Cleaning Products:

Reduce your reliance on plastic-packaged cleaning products by making your own. Use simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to create effective and eco-friendly cleaners.

8. Compost Organic Waste:

Organic kitchen waste, such as fruit peels and vegetable scraps, can be composted instead of being thrown away in plastic bags. Composting reduces landfill waste and produces nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

9. Mindful Meal Planning:

Plan your meals to minimize food waste, which often leads to excessive plastic packaging. When you plan your meals, you’ll buy only what you need, reducing the amount of plastic-wrapped items in your kitchen.

10. Educate and Advocate About Plastic Pollution:

Spread awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste among your family, friends, and social circles. Participate in local initiatives and advocate for plastic-free policies to create a positive impact on your community.

In conclusion, reducing plastic waste in your kitchen is a powerful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By implementing these ten practical strategies, you’ll not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also inspire others to make eco-friendly choices. Let’s work together to create a plastic-free future for generations to come.

Adopting a zero-waste lifestyle has become increasingly important in today’s society as environmental concerns grow. A fundamental component of this lifestyle is developing a zero-waste grocery shopping routine. You can reduce waste, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future by making deliberate decisions and using simple tactics. This article will lead you through realistic steps for developing a waste-free grocery shopping routine that meets your budget.
Before getting into the intricacies, it is critical to understand the core ideas of the zero waste philosophy. Zero waste aims to reduce waste generation, enhance resource consumption efficiency, and create a circular economy. Some of the 5 R’s are Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.
You can build a zero waste food shopping habit using these suggestions as a guide.

A zero waste food buying habit can be created with proper planning and preparation.

Make a grocery list:

Make a detailed list of what you need so that you only buy what you need and avoid impulse purchases.

Meal preparation:

Plan your meals for the following week to avoid food waste and ensure you buy the correct quantities. Find creative ways to repurpose leftovers to reduce waste.
Investigate Local Bulk Stores and Farmers’ Markets: Look for unpackaged, regionally made foods at local farmers’ markets and bulk stores. These alternatives are typically less expensive.

Adopt the following procedures at the grocery shop to reduce waste and stay within your budget:

Please bring reusable bags: Carry reusable bags to avoid using single-use plastic bags. Choose bags made of natural fibers that are machine-washable and long-lasting.

Carefully select fresh produce: Choose loose produce over pre-packaged produce. Also, choose organic and locally farmed produce whenever feasible, and avoid excessive packaging.
Likewise, purchase dry items in bulk to save packing waste. Grains, beans, and spices are a few examples. Fill your own canvas bags or reusable containers.
In addition, avoid single-use items such as straws, plastic water bottles, and disposable cutlery. Reusable options such as metal straws, bamboo utensils, and stainless steel bottles are available.

Following your supermarket shopping, it is critical to efficiently manage waste.

Start a composting system at home to recycle food scraps and create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Composting keeps organic waste out of landfills.
Recycling correctly: Dispose of your recyclable items in accordance with your local recycling standards. Rinse the containers and discard anything that cannot be recycled.

Budget-friendly zero-waste food buying necessitates careful planning, decision-making, and minor lifestyle changes. Therefore, by following the standards of the zero waste philosophy and putting the ideas offered into reality, you may substantially reduce waste, save money, and help create a more sustainable future. In effect, every step you take to decrease your waste count, you will inspire others to follow your example to join the struggle to make the planet greener and cleaner.

Glitter is the icing on the cake of the craft and makeup world. Made of tiny pieces of plastic bonded with aluminum, glitters are quite charming but dangerous.

According to scientific research, glitters are hazardous to the environment; especially the world’s ocean. When washed down the drain they become a subset of marine plastic litter known as micro-plastic.

It usually takes four weeks to degrade. However, the degrading process varies and depends on the size, environment and other factors such as heat.

Most glitters do not degrade in clean water as it takes microorganisms to start the degrading process.

The safest way to dispose of these fanciful plastics is to permanently glue it to something you plan to hold on to for a long time. They should not be washed down the sink.

For a greener alternative, salt glitters (which basically involves the use of food coloring and salt) could be used as a substitute for plastic glitters.

 

Human activity causes environmental degradation, which is deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; extinction of wildlife; and pollution.

The environment has an effect on people’s behavior and motivation to act.

When an environment is clean and neatly arranged, it influences the mood of people; for example: a well decorated room can bring about comfort and a relaxed state of mind. Interestingly, a bright room with so much lights, whether artificial or natural, can improve health outcomes such as depression, agitation, and sleep.

In the light of the above facts, we need keep our environment clean at all times, ensuring the cleanliness and proper aeration of our homes through any of the following habits;

1. Disposing our dirt properly
2. Weeding our environment periodically
3. Curbing infestation through fumigation
4. Habitual hand washing with soap and water; running water preferably.

Psychotherapist and philosopher Erich Fromm (1900-1980) called the longing for nature biophilia. This is people’s love for nature, for the living. The term comes from the Greek and literally means “love of life or living systems.”

After Fromm’s death, the evolutionary biologist and professor at Harvard University, Edward O. Wilson, adopted this term and introduced the “biophilia hypothesis.” Wilson spoke about the “human urge to affiliate with other forms of life,” in other words, about our connection with nature. It is a connection that has evolved over millions of years. Human beings come from nature. We evolved and interacted with nature. We should therefore be considered a part of nature, just like all other life forms. The same life force in us is also in animals and plants. We are a part of the “web of life,” as Wilson expressed it.

The biophilia effect stands for wilderness and the conception of nature, for natural beauty and aesthetics, and for breaking free and healing.

The lessons of wilderness

Scientists call what goes on in humans when they’re in the wilderness an immediate conscious experience (ICE). The main focus here is on the psychological aspects of the experience of nature and wilderness. It’s about what individuals experience personally when they come into contact with nature, about what’s going on inside, what states of consciousness they are experiencing, what new ways of thinking and seeing they develop, how they find new solutions to problems or learn to deal with physical or psychological stresses. Whatever happens in the consciousness when a human being is immersed in the wilderness, environmental psychologists call it an immediate conscious experience in nature.

On top of perceiving the physical reality of our environment with our five senses, we humans also tend to derive additional meaning from the impressions we see, hear, smell and feel. This is true for our social environment as well, which we analyze, trying to make sense of everything that goes on around us. In general, the human species is the only one on this planet that searches for so much sense and meaning in life — and in nature. We can interpret nature and find metaphors and symbols that “tell” us something. It’s a very individual process. Depending on our background or our current state of mind, reading nature can differ completely from person to person and moment to moment.

A seedling can, for example, symbolize our own desire for children, a growing business idea, or a new life plan. A mighty tree standing in a wild place, defying wind and weather, can trigger associations with steadfastness. I recently saw a perennial growing out of a sidewalk grate. It took root in a small handful of soil that had collected there, and it was in full bloom. I suddenly thought how it’s possible to make so much from so little, when there is a will. This association came to mind while I was looking at the determined perennial.

Or think of a sprouting willow tree after a clear-cutting. The tree defies its destiny, revitalizes itself even after a radical interference in life, and attempts a new beginning. It grows above and beyond the harm done. Those who are in a similar situation, wanting to leave old wounds behind and to feel revitalized, might find solidarity with this unfaltering willow and feel inspired to find new energy. The willow may be whispering, “You’re not alone. I made it. You can rise again, too.” The symbolism of a damaged, downright mutilated tree that defies its destiny and maintains its will to live is intense. It may also be relevant in cases of physical trauma — for example, if a person has to cope with a physical impairment or negative physical changes and wants to say yes to life, just as the mutilated willow does.

The value of retreating into nature

Nature offers us impressions that we can see and interpret as symbols and, at the same time, it offers us a place of retreat, where self-reflection is accessible. It thus supplies us with the material and, at the same time, the space to reflect on it. The value of the wilderness experience lies in the “being away;” that is, being elsewhere. When we get out of the usual everyday experiences and find ourselves in a completely unfamiliar, inspiring environment, we gain a little distance from our problems.

Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, environmental psychology professors at the University of Michigan, identified “being away” as one of the most important mechanisms through which our nature experience affects our psyche and gives our soul space. These conclusions came from their numerous studies with test subjects who found a retreat in nature and then reported on what the wilderness did for them. “Being away” also means having a time-out from society, escaping human civilization for a while, alone or in selected company. It represents being away from consumerism, away from the digital world, away from the expectations of others, away from the performance pressure and the corset into which modern life often squeezes us. It signifies being far away from a world in which we must constantly fit a certain image and in which we are force-fed what it means to be a “good” person, a “well-adapted” person, a “hardworking” person, or a “productive” person.

“Being away” means we are in an environment where we can be as we are. Plants, animals, mountains, rivers, the sea — they are not interested in our productivity and performance, our appearance, our paycheck, or our mental state. We can be among them and participate in the network of life, even if we are momentarily weak, lost, or bubbling over with ideas and hyperactivity. Nature does not send us utility bills. The river in the mountains does not charge us for the clear, clean water we get from it when we wander along its banks or camp there. Nature does not criticize us. “Being away” means freedom from being evaluated or judged, and escaping from pressure to fulfill someone else’s expectations of us.

“Being away” is the ideal way to experience the therapeutic biophilia effect of nature.

If you really want to reduce your carbon footprint, have fewer kids and ditch your car…!

Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.

The most common way to reduce the carbon footprint of humans is to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse. In manufacturing this can be done by recycling the packing materials, by selling the obsolete inventory of one industry to the industry who is looking to buy unused items at lesser price to become competitive. Nothing should be disposed off into the soil, all the ferrous materials which are prone to degrade or oxidize with time should be sold as early as possible at reduced price.

This can also be done by using reusable items such as thermoses for daily coffee or plastic containers for water and other cold beverages rather than disposable ones. If that option isn’t available, it is best to properly recycle the disposable items after use. When one household recycles at least half of their household waste, they can save 1.2 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Another easy option is to drive less. By walking or biking to the destination rather than driving, not only is a person going to save money on gas, but they will be burning less fuel and releasing fewer emissions into the atmosphere. However, if walking is not an option, one can look into carpooling or mass transportation options in their area.

Choice of diet is a major influence on a person’s carbon footprint. Animal sources of protein (especially red meat), rice (typically produced in high methane-emitting paddies), foods transported long distance and/or via fuel-inefficient transport (e.g., highly perishable produce flown long distance) and heavily processed and packaged foods are among the major contributors to a high carbon diet.

Finally, throwing food out not only adds its associated carbon emissions to a person or household’s footprint, it adds the emissions of transporting the wasted food to the garbage dump and the emissions of food decomposition, mostly in the form of the highly potent greenhouse gas, methane.

The carbon handprint movement emphasizes individual forms of carbon offsetting, like using more public transportation or planting trees in deforested regions, to reduce one’s carbon footprint and increase their “handprint.”

Furthermore, the carbon footprint in the food industry can be reduced by optimizing the supply chain. A life cycle or supply chain carbon footprint study can provide useful data which will help the business to identify critical areas for improvement and provides a focus. Such studies also demonstrate a company’s commitment to reducing carbon footprint now ahead of other competitors as well as preparing companies for potential regulation. In addition to increased market advantage and differentiation eco-efficiency can also help to reduce costs where alternative energy systems are implemented.

The most significant way individuals could mitigate their own carbon footprint is to have fewer children, followed by living without a vehicle, forgoing air travel and adopting a plant-based diet.

Having one fewer pair of small human feet padding around your home can help the environment, at least those were the findings of a study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. Looking at 39 peer-reviewed articles and governmental reports, the researchers determined that the best way to reduce your personal carbon emissions was to have one fewer child.

In reality though, shrinking one’s carbon footprint is difficult, and conscious choices have to be made to do it.

Researchers are aware of this, advocating that textbooks shift away from advocating for the low-impact solutions, like plastic bag reduction, and put forth possible solutions that are more radical, or at the very least, will have a bigger impact.

“Though adolescents poised to establish lifelong patterns are an important target group for promoting high-impact actions, we find that ten high school science textbooks from Canada largely fail to mention [high-impact] actions (they account for 4 percent of their recommended actions), instead focusing on incremental changes with much smaller potential emissions reductions.”

Of course, high impact and low impact choices can vary depending on where a person lives, something else the study points out.

For instance, switching from a gasoline automobile to an electric car still emits the equivalent of 1.15 tonnes of CO2 a year, but this number can go up if the electricity used in your area doesn’t rely heavily on renewable sources of energy.

“We provide mean values for our recommended actions,” the researchers write, “but we do not suggest that these are firm figures universally representative of each action, but instead best estimates.”

Still, taking bigger swings to help the planet may have enough of a spillover effect to save it, the researchers believe. At least until we’ve all gone vegan and are walking everywhere.

Take an action today to help the environment.