Do you know that during the 2015 Paris Climate Conference and Conference of Parties (COP) 21, held in Paris, France, Malaysia made a commitment to reduce carbon intensity against GDP by 45% by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels?
This is a global commitment that is made by our country at a macro level to stay true to our goals to promote environmental sustainability for our planet Earth.
At a micro level, we have also seen a new and more specialised portfolio being introduced after a recent cabinet reshuffling in December 2023 — the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
This new ministry will be helmed by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who previously led the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC).
Now that we have talked about initiatives to care for our planet at a macro and micro level, have you ever thought about your personal resolutions to make this planet a healthy and sustainable planet to live in?
In this article, we will review five simple yet meaningful actions that you can take to conserve and protect our planet Earth.
Action 1: Maximise Public Transportation And Carpool Activities
According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2019, Malaysia’s carbon dioxide emissions amounted to 250.3 million tonnes in 2018.
Now, that's a lot of CO2.
One of the simplest ways you and I can do to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in our daily lives is to use public transportation or opt for carpooling.
The more we optimise public transportation, the fewer vehicles will be on the road, which will in turn minimise energy consumption and also carbon dioxide emission.
That said, Malaysia has an abundance of public transportation. You can always consider taking the KTM, LRT, MRT, BRT, monorail or even the regular bus when it comes to travelling for work or visiting your favourite malls during the weekend.
Are you aware that the fare of a one-way KTM ride from Seremban to KL Sentral is only priced at RM7.40? And if you are planning to visit the KLCC from there, it only costs you RM2.10 (cashless transaction) to travel by LRT.
It is certainly more cost-effective to travel by public transportation in the long run.
On days when you are planning to do sports at a nearby training centre or community club, you can either take the bus or carpool with your friends to reduce your carbon footprint.
On the other hand, when it comes to short distances, you can even opt for walking or even cycling too.
Photo by Mark Cook on Unsplash
Action 2: Consume More Plant-Based Diet And Reduce Excess Meat Intake
Livestock farming and animal agriculture are a few of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and other climate issues such as deforestation, water pollution and water use.
That's why it is not a surprise that more and more people are more open to the idea of becoming a vegetarian or adopting a plant-based lifestyle for health or environmental reasons.
Many people have the assumption that vegetarian meals and plant-based diets are not as delicious as the regular ones but that's very far from the truth.
Plant-based diets are not only rich in nutritional value but also more environmentally sustainable.
For instance, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, minerals and fibre. It can be enjoyed as a salad, dessert or even drink.
Different kinds of legumes such as lentils, soybeans, beans, peanuts, peas, and chickpeas are already commonly used in our daily diet. They are already a huge source of protein by itself.
Not forgetting our fellow nuts and seeds lovers which contain healthy fats and protein such as:
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Cashew nuts
- Almond
- Hazel nuts
- Pine nuts
Switching to a less meaty diet can help you to achieve a healthier and fitter body. That's because plant-based diets have lower saturated fats as compared to animal-based meals.
Many individuals resort to plant-based diets to lose weight because they have lower calorie density, which is the number of calories per weight or volume of food.
Food with lower calorie density helps you to feel full (because they are usually high in fibre) without needing to take in lots of calories.
For individuals who are looking for alternatives to plant-based dairy products, you can also consider consuming oat milk, soybean milk, almond milk, and coconut milk in your daily consumption or cooking.
You can start by trying out one plant-based meal in a week and make it a fun group activity that you can have with your family and friends. For example, you can go on a quest to search for the best vegetarian or plant-based restaurants.
Action 3: Recycle and Donate (Practice Waste Reduction)
I am sure we are all familiar with the 3Rs narrative when it comes to recycling — reduce, reuse and recycle.
As we are celebrating a new year, perhaps it's time to have a spring cleaning of your wardrobe, closet and yes, cabinets.
Whether it is unworn clothes (that are still in good condition), old books, your teen magazines, mugs, cans and bottles, it's time to either categorise them to recycle them or see if you can donate them to someone who truly will use them.
It is important to be mindful of what we truly need to keep and what we truly need to let go, for the best purpose and reasons.
Perhaps you can even turn some of your belongings into lovely handcrafts or beautiful paintings and transform them into decorative arts.
Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash
For example, you can even explore mug painting and make some of your mugs a stationary holder or even gift it to a friend during their birthdays.
Looking for ways to improve your painting and artistic skills? We got the perfect solution for you!
Introducing to you, Superprof! Superprof is an amazing digital platform that connects tutors and students from different cities and countries to have the best knowledge-sharing experience.
You can find an experienced home tutor who specialises in ceramic painting or watercolour painting or opt for flexible online painting lessons in just a few steps at the Superprof homepage.
As soon you enter your desired subject and current location in the search box, you will be directed to a wide selection of tutors who specialise in the subject.
Take your time to browse through and review the basic information of the tutors via the profiles. Once you have decided on the tutor, you can contact them personally via the messaging feature at their respective profiles.
Action 4: Volunteer With An NGO [Environmental Focused Organisation]
One of the best resolutions to make when it comes to advocating for environmental sustainability is none other than volunteering.
You are literally involved, and 100% hands-on to make a difference, whether it is in terms of offering your expertise or time to carry out an activity.
Volunteering is also undeniably a great way to boost your mental health.
We have listed three NGOs in Malaysia below that offer amazing volunteering opportunities for you to explore.
1. Trash Hero Malaysia
Trash Hero is an organisation that aims to stop plastic pollution, to clean and reduce waste.
Currently, they are looking for volunteers in the areas of translation, fundraising, digital advertising and WordPress development.
2. Global Environmental Centre (GEC)
Under the GEC volunteer programme, you can volunteer in these areas:
- Photography
- Training
- Writing and media relations
- Advertising and design
- Administration and organisation
- Researching
- Fund Raising and Campaign Activities
Some of the qualities that GEC are specifically looking for in a volunteer include having a strong desire to contribute back to the environment and society.
You must also be willing to learn and contribute innovative ideas for GEC’s projects and campaigns. You should also have a fun, friendly and honest character while being enthusiastic and motivated to work hard.
3. Reef Check Malaysia
Reef Check Malaysia focuses on the sustainable management of coral reefs in the country. If you love the sea, this is your call to join them!
Their main work focuses on monitoring the health of coral reefs at over 200 sites every year.
This organisation works mainly on three islands in Malaysia namely: Tioman Island (Pahang), Mantanani Island (Sabah), and the Mersing Group of Islands (Johor).
Photo by Jesse Schoff on Unsplash
Action 5: Opt For Reusable Items and Sustainable Habits In Everyday Life
Following our call on recycling earlier, it is also important to incorporate reusable and sustainable items into our daily lives.
Minimise the usage of plastic cutleries and bottles and use reusable tupperware when you are out there "tapauing" or ordering food via delivery apps.
Reduce paper usage and go paperless when it comes to digital communication.
You can also research beforehand when you are buying any product from a company which adheres to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Some examples include The Body Shop, Amazin Graze, The Modest Brand and many more.
Remember, every transformation starts with an intention followed by an action. Everyone has a role to play and every single action counts.
With that, we will end this article with a hopeful insight, as sung by the legendary Michael Jackson:
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could've been any clearer
If they wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
We hope you will be inspired to make these actions part of your upcoming New Year's Resolutions soon!
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