This planet was home to just 2.8 billion people in 1955, the year I was born. Today, just 65 years later, the population spills over 7.7 billion. While significant changes in the way we power our vehicles and homes, and major shifts in government policies and priorities, are key in avoiding the worst effects of our rapidly changing climate, small things do add up as well.Imagine if we all made even small changes to our lives to contribute to a more sustainable future. The power of the many.
So, for this last issue in our Green Teasers series, here’s a fast and furious list of ideas that are within your control. You’re quite likely doing a number of them already, but why not grab onto a handful of new ideas and make them part of your own personal effort to leave a better planet to the next generation.
Conserve Fossil Fuels
Carpool.
Ride-share.
Take public transit.
Work-share.
Work from home.
Walk and cycle more.
Combine errands.
Grocery shop once a week. Plan your meals. Don’t overbuy.
Shop local.
Join a local CSA
Invest in a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Conserve Water
Turn off the tap when brushing teeth or rinsing dishes.
Invest in a low-flow showerhead.
Invest in a low-flow toilet.
Install a low-flow faucet aerator.
Get a rain barrel. So handy for watering plants.
Don’t run dishwaters or washing machines until there’s a full load.
Use a broom instead of the water hose to clean off walkways and driveways.
Put mulch around your plants and trees to help them retain water.
Switch to an alternative lawn with drought-resistant plants and shrubs.
Save Paper, Save Trees
Only print if you have to.
Save documents electronically.
Switch to e-billing.
Use tea towels instead of paper towels.
Always buy recycled printer paper, or alternatives like hemp or sugar cane waste.
Use a reusable coffee mug.
Try audio books. Read on an e-reader.
Plant trees.
Wrap gifts in tea towels or other usable items.
Curb Plastics
Use glass containers for food storage instead of plastic ones or plastic bags.
Refuse plastic water bottles, use refillable stainless steel drink bottles.
Install a water filter at home, instead of buying bottled water.
Use reusable lunch containers rather than plastic bags.
Refuse plastic straws. Invest in a purse-sized stainless steel or glass one.
Use cloth grocery bags.
Use fabric produce bags.
Reduce. Recycle. Repurpose. Reuse.
Donate to and shop at pre-loved clothing stores.
Check out crafty repurposed products.
Turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags.
Swap clothes with a friend.
Have a garage sale.
Invest in a reusable coffee filter. And pods.
Use rechargeable batteries.
Save Energy
Invest in a programmable thermostat
Turn out the lights.
Change the heat or A/C settings by a degree or two.
Open the windows, turn off the A/C.
Let the blinds and curtains assist with temperature control.
Install motion sensors.
Switch your lights to LEDs
Invest in renewable energy.
Wash in cold water.
Use a clothes line.
Eat less meat.
Insulate your home better.
Great habits
Buy less. Repair things.
Borrow. Trade.
Ditch the disposables.
Don’t waste food. Plan to eat the leftovers.
Use green cleaning products. Try using baking soda. And vinegar.
Buy biodegradable.
Compost.
Protect wildlife. Cut up those plastic can holders.
If you have to fly buy carbon offsets.
Demand environmentally-responsible choices from your leaders.
