Every year on 5 June, we celebrate World Environment Day. But is one day enough to care for the planet we call home? Not quite. Especially in Bangladesh, where plastic chokes the rivers and cities get drowned in smog, we cannot press snooze on acting for the environment.

But you don’t have to be a superhero to make a difference. Practicing small daily habits can do wonders. Here’s a quick list of simple ways that you can be more eco-conscious without breaking a sweat (or your bank).

1. Spend wisely

Think of every note you spend as a ballot paper used to vote for the kind of world you want.  Support brands that use resources responsibly; look for companies cutting emissions, reducing waste, and using sustainable materials. 

Instead of fueling fast fashion, thrift your next outfit and fix your gadgets. Remember the order of the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

2. Stop wasting food

When it comes to wasting food, Bangladesh outdoes countries like the USA, Russia, and China! 

According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024 released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), households in Bangladesh waste 14.10 million tons of food annually. 

Do not over-order at restaurants, plan meals to avoid overbuying, finish leftovers, and be sure to compost food scraps.

3. Eat more plants

You don’t need a protein-packed gym body to be strong. In fact, a Stanford Medicine-led study has found that a vegan diet improves overall cardiovascular health. A beef hamburger patty has around 20 times higher carbon footprint than a vegetarian patty. 

Start small: swap beef for chicken, shrink meat consumption by adding lentils, legumes, and nuts to your meals, or experiment with plant-based traditional recipes. 

4. Use public transport  

Traffic in Bangladesh is a nightmare anyway; why add more fumes? Metro trains, buses, rickshaws, and walking are not just cheaper; they’re cleaner. 

But if you must use private cars or motorbikes, switch to cleaner fuels, plan your trips wisely to cut down on carbon emissions, and share your ride with friends or family.

5. Avoid using one-time plastic

Single-use plastic is like that toxic ex of yours—convenient now, disastrous later. As per the World Economic Forum, it is hypothesised that by 2050 there will be more plastics than fish in the ocean (WEF, 2016). In 2010, Bangladesh was one of the top 20 mismanaged plastic waste-generating nations. Carry reusable bottles and shopping bags, say no to plastic straws, and switch to metal or clay utensils.

6. Save water and electricity 

Saving water is another simple step that you can take to protect the environment. Fix leaky taps, take shorter showers, use a container to store water for washing things instead of running the tap forever.  

Moreover, turn off lights and fans, unplug electronics when they are not in use, avoid using air coolers and keep the temperature above 25 if you must. Switching to energy efficient electronics like LED bulbs can also protect the environment bit by bit. 

7. Plant local species more  

Houseplants have become a trend nowadays. But instead of planting decorative plants to flaunt your aesthetics, go for native species. 

Plant fruits and vegetable trees on your rooftops in large drums or old paint buckets. They need less care, support local birds and insects, keep your roof cooler and provide you with fresh and healthy food! 

8. Use natural products 

Organic products can be pricey, but not unaffordable. If you cut down your spending on restaurants and coffee shops, it’s possible to buy at least one natural product. Try a natural soap or shampoo. That way you are not only protecting the environment but also your body from harmful chemicals. The purchase will be totally worth it. 

9. Clean up your environment

A survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) revealed that only 3.15% of the 80 lakh tonnes of solid waste produced in the 2020-2021 fiscal year were recycled. 

Do not throw your waste on land and water, they’re part of our home too. Dispose of the trash properly, recycle what you can and join or start a community clean-up for the streets, parks, lakes, rivers, beaches etc.

10. Raise your voice  

Speak up and get everyone else to join the climate action as much as possible. Talk to friends, family and neighbours about it. Work with local parks and schools to push businesses to go green and demand action from leaders. 

Make your neighbourhood aware of the climate change consequences and take initiative to encourage reflection on their role in a changing planet.

Combating climate change isn’t a solo mission; it requires a joint effort from everyone. But this effort can start with you. Don’t just think your action alone cannot help the environment. Remember that quote, “But what can I do, I’m just one person – said seven billion people.”