Other steps you can take

Land:

  • Sign petitions that support the mandatory labeling of all products that contain ingredients like palm oil which are produced as a direct result of deforestation. Holding large corporations accountable for their participation in these destructive activities is the first step in initiating change.

  • The UN observes the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought every year on June 17. This day is a great opportunity to raise awareness of these important issues. On June 17, post about these issues on social media, tell your friends, and learn more about what is being done. There is strength in numbers, so getting as many people as possible to understand the detrimental effects of deforestation and desertification puts power behind the movement to stop it.

  • As desertification puts greater numbers of people at risk of becoming environmental refugees, you can get involved with groups like the Climate Refugees organisation who work to educate the public and organise think tanks. They provide letter templates you can use to easily contact your government about these issues.

    Food:

  • If you do want to go vegan, go at your own pace. If you’re trying to move from an omnivorous diet to a vegan diet overnight, it may feel overwhelming. This could mean you’re more likely to give up, and slip back into old eating habits. You can go at your own pace, making one or two swaps at a time, until you’re ready to cut out animal products altogether. Learning how to veganize your favorite meals is a good way to help with the transition!

  • Surround yourself with likeminded people. With social media, finding people who think the same as you do is easy. Change up your feed by following plant-based accounts that inspire you, be it vegan chefs, animal rights activists, or sustainability advocates (or a mix of all three!). This helps to create a sense of community and support, especially if you’re early on in your vegan journey.

  • Energy

  • Turn down your central heating. The lower the temperature, the more energy (and money) you’ll save. Most families are happy with a setting somewhere between 64°F and 70°F (18°C and 21°C), but you may be hapy with it being colder or you may need it warmer, especially, if there are any elderly or infirm people living on the property. Remember that different people have different tolerances for cold, so be kind.

  • Install timer plugs. Many deviceds still use electricity when plugged in, even if they’re not being used. Such devices include your TV, microwave, and washing machine. Installing timer plugs, which can be online for as little as $6.80 (£5.50), means that you make sure devices are turned off at times you won’t use them without having to think about it.

  • Insulate your house. A huge amount of energy spent heating our homes is wasted due to poor insulation - in a typical British home for example, $1.25 (£1) is wasted for every $3.75 (£3) spent. Improving the insulation of your housee prevents heat being lost, giving your central heating system less work to do. Even simple fixes can help. For example, fitting your hot water tank with an insulating jacket can save over $87 (£70) per year. You might like to think about draft-proofing your doors and windows and insulating your floors, walls, roof, tanks, pipes and radiators. While there are quick wins, you can do yourself, many long-term fixes require professional installation.

  • Switch to a renewable-energy provider. Buying electricity from renewable sources will support the growing renewable energy economy. Renewable energy is getting cheaper and - depending on where you live and the energy market at the same time-may already be cheaper than energy from fossil fuels, so the switch could save you money. Some energy providers may not provide renewable energy to all customers, but may provide a package that does if you ask for it. Many countries have comparison websites that will help you find a renewable energy provider that’s right for you.