Every action we take—whether small or large—uses energy and materials, which in turn adds to carbon emissions, global warming, and the ongoing climate crisis. Therefore we must act to correct the climate every day. Just Skip It!
Professor Chetan Singh Solanki has designed seven simple, powerful actions, one for each day of the week, to help you save energy, materials, and reduce your carbon footprint.
The seven activities covers the major area where we end up consuming energy and material that includes travel, cooking, electricity purchases, fashion and waste generation. Skipping energy and material use saves carbon emissions , which otherwise, once emitted, will remain in the atmosphere for an average of 300 years, continuously contributing to global warming and climate change. Let’s make sustainable living a daily habit by skipping one activity at a time.
Activity: Skip the Ironing
Description: Wear non-ironed clothes to save electricity, time, and reduce carbon emissions. Ironing may seem insignificant, but it consumes a surprising amount of energy. By choosing to embrace the natural wrinkles in our clothes, we set a new trend that values sustainability over perfection, contributing to a greener planet.
Why it Matters: Ironing contributes to significant electricity use, which can be avoided by embracing natural fabrics and minimalism.
What We Save: Skipping one ironing session saves 100-200 grams of CO₂ emissions.
Activity: Skip the Stove, Go Raw
Description: Enjoy a raw meal with fruits, vegetables, or sprouts, promoting a healthier lifestyle while saving energy used in cooking. Preparing meals without heat not only conserves resources but also preserves essential nutrients in food. This small step towards eating raw occasionally brings benefits to both your health and the environment.
Why it Matters: Cooking consumes gas or electricity, both of which contribute to carbon emissions.
What We Save: Each skipped cooking session saves 200-400 grams of CO₂ emissions per person.
Activity: Skip Single-Use, Embrace Reusables.
Description: Avoid single-use items like paper napkins, plastic bottles, and disposable bags. Opting for reusable alternatives reduces waste that often ends up in landfills or oceans. Every time we choose reusables, we minimize environmental degradation and help preserve natural habitats for future generations.
Why it Matters: Single-use items often end up in landfills or oceans, polluting ecosystems for centuries.
What We Save: Reduces landfill waste and the environmental impact of disposable items.
Activity: Skip Extra Power
Description: Be mindful of electricity use by avoiding unnecessary lights, adjusting AC settings, and reducing high-energy device use. Each small action, like turning off lights when not needed, collectively makes a big difference in lowering our carbon footprint. This mindful approach to power usage lightens the strain on the power grid and reduces overall emissions.
Why it Matters: Excessive electricity use strains the power grid and contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions.
What We Save: Saves up to 1-5 kg of CO₂ emissions in a day.
Activity: Skip the Car, Walk, Bike, or Share
Description: Use alternative transportation, such as walking, biking, or public transit, for at least one journey instead of driving. Skipping just one car trip can significantly reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. Choosing eco-friendly transport is not only good for the planet but also promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Why it Matters: Vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gases and air pollution.
What We Save: Reduces approximately 3 kg of CO₂ emissions for every 15-20 km traveled.
Activity: Skip Any Purchase, Enjoy the Day
Description: Take a “No Purchase Day” to avoid unnecessary buying, save resources, and reduce waste. Spending the day without purchases allows us to focus on what we already have, fostering gratitude and reducing consumerism. It’s a practice that not only saves money but also nurtures personal well-being and sustainable habits.
Why it Matters: Avoiding unnecessary purchases reduces waste and resource extraction.
What We Save: Reduces waste and environmental impact, leading to more personal well-being.
Activity: Skip Replacing, Choose Reuse and Recycle
Description: Avoid replacing items and choose to repair or reuse instead. When items are well-maintained or repurposed, we conserve resources and reduce waste. This approach encourages a lifestyle of mindfulness and responsibility, where we extend the life of products and lessen our impact on the planet’s resources.
Why it Matter: Constant replacement of items increases resource depletion and waste generation.
What We Save: Reduces landfill waste and conserves natural resources, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.