“You can’t get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Jane Goodall
As I write this, I’m traveling home from a reunion trip in Sedona with college friends. After four days of fun, I’m equal parts exhausted and mentally energized. These funny, clever, dynamic, and caring women inspire me in so many ways. So, in the spirit of small changes, big impact, I picked their brains for any favorite eco-friendly tips.
Small changes, big impact
First, one point: climate change is a big problem requiring big systemic solutions. That said, the little changes we make in our lives really do add up and make an impact. Importantly, these things don’t just help with climate change. They benefit us too. I compiled a list, and in each case, highlighted the benefits to the climate and to you.
Win-win changes
- Drive an electric or hybrid car
- Benefit to the climate – less CO2 emissions, less air pollution
- Benefit to you – save money on gas, fewer repairs
- Laundry sheets instead of liquid detergent
- Climate – fewer chemicals and no plastic waste
- You – comparable cost, lightweight, and take up less space
- Wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets
- Climate – less waste, less energy
- You – clothes dry faster, lower energy bills
- Hang clothing to dry
- Climate – reduced energy use
- You – lower utility bills, helps your clothes last longer
- Start a garden
- Climate – fewer pesticides, reduces emissions, no packaging
- You – fresh organic vegetables, spend less on groceries, relaxing hobby
- Re-insulate the attic
- Climate – saves energy
- You – more comfortable home and lower utility bills
- Eat less red meat
- Climate – less methane emitted from cows
- You – lower grocery bill, health benefits
- Refillable water bottles instead of single-use (loved seeing all of them on our trip!)
- Climate – saves energy from production of bottles and reduces plastic in our oceans
- You – save money, and your back from carrying cases of water bottles
- Waste less food
- Climate – less methane coming from landfills, lower emissions
- You – smaller grocery bill
Extra note about food waste
Wasting less food is one of the most impactful changes individuals can make. And it’s especially timely with Thanksgiving around the corner. Americans will throw away over 300 million pounds of food this Thanksgiving alone. Mind-boggling!
Buying only what you will use and trying to finish leftovers helps. If you do need to toss food, it is better to use a garbage disposal than to throw it away. Decomposing food in our landfills emits methane, which is a significantly more powerful heat-trapping gas than CO2. Every bit we prevent from getting there is a win.
What are your tips?
Not a bad list, right? What would you add? If you have ideas, email me at karen@unheating.com and I will do a follow-up post.
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.