Sometimes, like voting, you might wonder think about the value of individual actions. How can one person’s vote make a difference. But, if, like voting, everyone voted for the right thing, the sheer weight of those individual votes could change the world. And, curiously, with climate change, it doesn’t even have to be difficult. Turning out lights, eating less meat, conserving water , walking or biking instead of driving-- all simple and take neither time nor money. Not even inconvenient.
This section is packed with valuable things to do whatever your resources, whether you have five minutes or 5 hours a week, whether you have the ability to reduce plastics in your world, add solar to your home, or organize a climate change advisory board in your town.
Just a few other places on the website for some deeper dives, after you have made your NYT New Year Resolutions!
And, if you could do with a bit of hope, try this…
And, if you have patience for a quiz, researchers at Columbia University have created a survey to find out which actions you think are most effective: How well do YOU know what is better for the environment? Only 3 minutes! And, no-one will ask you to donate at the end! Take the quiz here !
100 Steps to a plastic-free life. From carrying reusable shopping bags, coffee containers, utensils, water bottles & straws to saying NO to convenience…
My Plastic-free LifeThe worst impacts can still be avoided if we compel local and national leaders to step up and lead the fight against climate change. Call on your officials today.
NRDC40 percent of edible food is thrown away by retailers and households in the US. Buy less, reheat and reuse, store properly, compost, donate.
52 Climate ActionsIn addition to lowering your carbon footprint, electric vehicles are more affordable to run, have lower maintenance costs, and tax incentives can reduce the purchase price.
My EVKeeping everything else (chicken, dairy, pork) we could achieve between 46 and 74 percent of the reductions needed to meet the 2020 greenhouse gas emission goals. Yikes. We can do that!
Climate CrocksGive your yard a climate makeover and convert it into a carbon sponge. Get Rid of the Gas Guzzlers, and focus Instead on Native Plants and creating a Bird Friendly Habitat.
AudobonSaving water is easy. Really easy. Here are more than 100 useful water-saving tips for your home and office. Learn how to save water indoors and outdoors. Incorporate these tips into your everyday habits. Before long, you’ll be a natural at water conservation.
Water Use It WiselyEnhance the soil, protect the climate, and reduce waste.
The Institute for Local Self-RelianceEvery day 66 million bottles end up in landfills, or, more likely, as land or ocean litter.
Rainforest AllianceMany appliances use just as much power when off. Washing machines with digital displays, smart TVs, toasters and computers are all drawing power. A coffee maker can use as much in a day as someone in Niger uses in a year.
New York TimesA bicycle doesn’t burn gasoline, creates less fossil fuel pollution, and is more cost efficient.
Mother Nature NetworkEvery degree reduces your energy use by 3-5%. Add a sweater, a blanket or a nice cup of hot chocolate.
ECOSYSTEMSSwitch out your light bulbs, and reduce your electricity by more than 80%.
The New York TimesFrom getting an energy audit to setting your water heater at 120 degrees to installing a programmable thermostat, here are simple cost saving solutions.
Huffington PostWashing your clothes in cold water uses 15X less energy than hot and gets clothes just as clean.
Climate Change ConnectionA typical two-person household reduces their carbon emissions by three to four tons annually with a solar power system.
Solar Energy WorldThe average air conditioning unit in American homes releases about two tons of carbon dioxide each year.
The Takeaway New York Public RadioUnderstanding and adapting to climate change is a massive, interdisciplinary undertaking and the sites listed here have lots of information from every possible angle.
Environmental Science DegreeStarting with a heat pump
To replace your HVAC and your hot water heater