How can we protect our planet?

Bigbear

I do make small changes but I don't think they actually amount to much. The changes that would actually matter need to be done at a government level around the world. Things like population planning & control, phasing out single use plastics, reducing carbon heavy industries (regulation, laws, high taxes), transitioning workforce to return to traditional local manufacturing and repair. Also building up renewable energy sector.
I've installed solar panels, LED lighting and reduced thermostat on heaters and coolers. Population growth is a contributor to the current problems so another action is probably stop procreating since the largest impact to environment and future outcomes is the sheer number of us.
Technology is always evolving so I am sure there is more solar powered solutions in the future.

ozycash

Have less children. The population is unsustainable. Less people means more of everything for each person.

Bazz

G'day Harry, I can still remember way back in 2000 when everyone was in a mad panic that one way or another, the end of the world was nigh. The conclusion or solution reach by an enormous number of scientists worldwide showed up in the Inter-Governmental Climate Change Panel Report that year. If everyone went vegan today, they concluded, there would be no climate change related disasters that couldn't be quickly and easily be reversed. The most cost-efficient, personally-empowering and effective solution that everyone can do.

MarkF

Pick up your litter and put it in the bin

capfantastic

The economy is at loggerheads with the concept of reusing something. In other words, your "carbon footprint" is smaller if you buy less products, reuse things and stay at home more often, where you don't burn fuel or buy goods. I try to recycle things. Some bottles are very hard to wash out to put into the appropriate bin. It makes you wonder, by the time you've washed them, do we actually save anything? Definitely not the water, which we are also encouraged to use sparingly. I wonder whether the sorting of waste actually makes any difference, or whether it all goes into the same hole in the end? My daughter has a disability. She is still in nappies at 25. The bin is full of soiled nappies every week. It's depressing, but there's not much I can do about it. I'm sure there are many people in her position. People shouldn't make me feel depressed for not being able to do anything about the extra waste accumulated by incontinent people. However, I agree that some folks make no effort whatsoever to sort their containers. This is also depressing. Perhaps we can put signs on the bins to help them remember? For example, on the yellow bin, you could put a sign that says, " STOP! I'm Mr Yellow Bin and I make sure what you put inside me can be recycled. Please read what you can put into me before you throw - I might get sick if you put the wrong waste inside me. Thank you for keeping me healthy and clean."

funnysag

Fine people who don’t recycle properly….
Most people do not care sadly what goes where in the rubbish.

AdelaideM

I think a lot of the blame lies with large corporations who are motivated entirely by profit. Our government needs to (and in turn, we need to vote people in who will take action) ensure that large organisations with enormous greenhouse gas emissions are taxed or punished for those emissions, to motivate them to find better ways to function.
I think of LinFox, who found ways to lower emissions by mapping roads and figuring out which path trucks can take to create the lowest possible pollution... but the main reason they bothered had nothing to do with climate change and everything to do with saving money on petrol! Large corporations will always do what it takes to make as much money as possible, so we need to make sure that their pockets are what's being impacted, they won't do it out of the goodness of their own hearts.

On our ends, we can reduce the amount we're buying. I look at the clothes that are purchased to then be thrown away, we feel like we have to have a new outfit for every event instead of rewearing what we already have, even things like Christmas decorations - how many people are buying tinsel (pure plastic) every few years, instead of enjoying what they've already got at home? We live in a society where we feel like we have to be 'up to date' and on trend, instead of keeping what we have and making do and mend.

frasercrown

So be conscious of the plastics you use, be aware of your water usage, be mindful at the shops when buying foods to avoid food waste.

frasercrown

Everyone should think how can I affect change rather than I’m only one person what difference can I make. If we all think this way it becomes a little less overwhelming and do able!

UnLucky

To use recycling bins properly
Reuse shopping bags
Watch what goods you buy

If still usable pass it on don't bin it

nanzapan

Make the producers of weapons used in war accountable for the environmental harms their products are having. Every building destroyed creates toxic waste that will need to be removed to somewhere. We are told to be responsible and dispose of toxic materials safely but who takes responsibility for the toxins produced by using drones, bombs, and all incendiary devices to destroy buildings?

jilln

I am saving all my soft plastics hoping that supermarkets will soon start to have collection bins to collect them

capfantastic

There are new initiatives to recycle textiles into new and trendy articles of clothing. It seems a pity to throw away some of these beautiful garments too soon, when there is still life in them. One Woman's trash is another Woman's treasure.

Mixxsteria

I have always maintained that the world would be much better off without people, if this was so then all the environmental problems would be solved, along with wars, greed & corruption of course.

chickenman

almost everything around has at least one other use than the one it was devised for. compost left over vegetable scraps, explore alternate uses for used and/or unwanted items instead of putting into landfill and don't purchase more than can be used.

Caperteewaratah

Reduce or eliminate use of plastic, buying things in plastic, as it us an environmental hazard, and is ruining the planet wildlife and the environment. it's a totally unnecessary product to use and so insidious. Educate yourself on how to avoid it and why it us beneficial to do so.

Osters

Reduce or eliminate use of plastic, buying things in plastic, as it us an environmental hazard, and is ruining the planet wildlife and the environment. it's a totally unnecessary product to use...

100%.
If only we had a leader willing to put his opinion out there and acknowledge the problem and stop relying on public groups to do his job. Of course that will never happen, he (they) are too busy trying to protect their elected position to waste the public purse on everything but the daily distruction of our pristine (for now) nation. Charities and not for profit groups make a much greater contribution to the community than any government.... why do we pay taxes?
Osters

Courtney31420537

Recycle more, and turn off any appliances you aren’t using, at the wall

Izzie

We buy - and dispose of - way too many clothes. Particularly talking about women here, and often sadly younger women, who will feel the brunt of climate change much more than an oldie like me who won't be here in 40 years time.... I can't believe that people wear something only 2 or 3 times, then chuck it out. Please don't put unwanted clotihing in the bin - at least recycle it... And we should just be buying what we REALLY need, and then be happy to wear it over and over again. I just read and was horrified to learn that Australians are the world’s biggest consumers of fashion, purchasing an average of 53 items of clothing per person each year. And some of it is put into rubbish without even being worn!! It's hard for many to afford good quality clothes, but sadly a lot of cheaper fabrics used are not environmentally friendly. Protecting our planet means we all need to take action in some way .... before it's too late...

Caperteewaratah

We buy - and dispose of - way too many clothes. Particularly talking about women here, and often sadly younger women, who will feel the brunt of climate change much more than an oldie like me who...

Yes I don't understand why people buy junk clothing made if synthetics .. maybe cheaper, but awful to wear, so hot and unconfortable. Someone said to me they are easy to wash. I don't agree as they smell horrible are hard to iron and awful to wear. I wear only cotton and natural fabrics, which can be reused as rags, or composted, or cut up to make something else.

Paul3258

Still not over this song tho it’s just a good one I think I might listen too

Radda

It starts with our own homes! Use the recycle bins accordingly its specific purposes! Recycle the batteries in the special boxes at the supermarkets or other places. This beautiful planet is literally destroyed by us, people! If every single one of us would care and treat this nature with respect, this world would be a better place to live in 🌼🍁🌿🌳

buttonpops

Firstly, I believe we all need to stop buying so much. Make do with what you already have, borrow or upcycle, shop at Op Shops, go on facebook local 'free' pages or the Freecycle website. I have salvaged so many items this way and also given many things away in this manner.

Sahida31983077

it’s a daily habit shift that reduces demand for plastic production and waste. If enough people make this small change, it can drive systemic change in manufacturing and waste management.

Deejay11

When you’re out and about, pick up other people’s rubbish and bin it! This particularly relates to takeaway food and drink wrappings and containers. We visit a coastal area daily to walk our dog, and are disgusted by the continual rubbish that is discarded by visitors. At least we’re helping to keep the environment in its natural state by binning rubbish.

Sus1

I think the single biggest ways individuals can help our planet is to buy less and when you do buy, buy things that will last. We may not he able to do much about commercial impacts on the environment but we can send a message that we are not just going to buy stuff that keeps being thrown out and adding to the waste.

abarnes

One powerful action everyone can take: reduce consumption.

That might sound broad, but it's deceptively simple and deeply effective. Whether it's energy, water, food, clothing, or electronics—consuming less means:

- Lower carbon emissions (less production, transport, and waste)
- Less strain on natural resources (fewer materials extracted, less habitat destruction)
- Reduced waste (especially plastics and e-waste that linger for centuries)

Why it matters: Our current systems are built around convenience and abundance, but the planet thrives on balance and restraint. By choosing to repair instead of replace, reuse instead of discard, and pause before purchasing, we shift from passive consumption to active stewardship.

It’s not about deprivation—it’s about intentionality. Every small decision becomes a vote for a more sustainable future.

Izzie

One powerful action everyone can take: reduce consumption.

That might sound broad, but it's deceptively simple and deeply effective. Whether it's energy, water, food, clothing, or...

I love your response. It really makes so much sense, and you've described it so well....

jtmorri

With Donald Trump stating publicly at the U.N. that climate change is a con that does not promote action and protection of the planet. Personally, I would love to see governments of all countries strengthen their climate policies to reduce emissions, develop new environmentally friendly energy sources and stop oil, coal and mining activities (or at least regulate them better, don't approve them and tax them higher).

As for actions I take. I am a low consumer in all areas of life, a minimalist and energy and water efficient. I buy local, eat less meat, avoid plastics and plastic packaging and I do not waste food. I support and vote for government parties with the stronger environmental policies over those with none or backward ones, whereby they deny that climate change is actually occurring. My personal habits ensure I do not waste water or energy, I do not have things that I do not need, I do not contribute to the waste problem, and I support policies that will contribute to a healthier planet.

antibreeder1m

Hi Harry, unfortunately the online information that you get is very vague and inaccurate. The most robust studies (and your own thinking about the issue) will reveal that the most important ways to help the environment are: (i) being antinatalist, and (ii) being vegan. There is still a LOT of stigma against mentioning these as they often impact on people's personal choices. I am so glad you want to help the ecology, but it will take self-sacrifice which is too much for many people. I recommend watching 'Endgame 2050' free online!! I am very happy to answer your questions.

harry31626210

Hi Harry, unfortunately the online information that you get is very vague and inaccurate. The most robust studies (and your own thinking about the issue) will reveal that the most important ways to...

Thanks so much for your thoughtful answer 🙏. You’ve given me a lot to think about, and I’ll definitely check out Endgame 2050! Really appreciate you sharing this with me.