Choices
My eighth grader just finished an assignment for Science titled “Human Impact on the Environment”. I think it’s time we all take a minute (or our lifetime) to review the lessons we are called to learn and embrace. The Test is being given now. Here are our Learning Objectives and our Assignments:
Our Carbon Footprint is real. We can and must change our habits to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the air. Since we can’t stop breathing (Side note: We ought to give more attention to this life energy source!), this means changing what and how much we buy and consume.
Everything we buy has a carbon footprint associated with it. From harvesting the natural resources, manufacturing the product and its packaging, transporting the product to a store, driving to the store to get it and bring it home (or have it brought to you), every phase of the production and consumption process uses energy. Try to take a good look at what form that energy takes, and if it contributes to greenhouse gases. For example, the pre-packaged container of tomatoes that was shipped from another state or country has a much higher carbon footprint associated with it than if you were to buy tomatoes from a local farmer at the farmers market or grow them yourself. The factory-made sweater in a store, much higher carbon footprint than if you were to buy a hand knit sweater from someone who raises sheep.
It can seem overwhelming when you start to think of all the ways in which our choices affect the planet. You don’t have to change everything or make changes all at once. You might choose one thing to change to lesson your environmental impact on the planet. Here’s a roadmap to get started:
Shop local businesses that sell locally produced items.
Grow some of your own food and cook from natural ingredients rather than buying prepackaged food.
If you eat meat, try reducing the amount you eat or skipping meat one or two days a week.
Reduce waste (how much you throw away) by buying or taking only what you will consume.
Shop smart. Look for less packaging, seek natural and long-lasting materials, buy items that are produced closer to home.
Repair broken or torn items rather than throwing them away and buying new.
Try to avoid buying new clothes that will only be worn once or once in a great while.
Give away, donate, or sell used items rather than sending them to the landfill.
Avoid single-use plastics. Recycle and buy recyclable products.
Travel smart. Vacation locally, use group transit, combine errands for one trip rather than several. BIKE or WALK! Plan ways to reduce how often or how far the car is driven.
Conserve energy in your home (unplug devices, conserve water, lower the thermostat, eliminate air conditioning by insulating and cooling home more efficiently.
USE LESS STUFF !