#255: The Most Effective Things One Can Do
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Kayleen Schaefer, in Curbed, has constructed a lengthy list describing the big and little things that, together, amount to Living Sustainably.
Since we're all looking for ways to save energy, money, and the planet, here's my top ten version, a weighted mix of cheapest, easiest, and most important. I'll also note whether I, personally, have made any headway on an item (score 0-100). And, hopefully, I'll have something to say about each.
First, though, it should be noted that some pundits dismiss personal responsibility, insisting that without direction from above (government putting a price on carbon; corporations offering green options) the actions of individuals amount to mere drops in the bucket. But choice itself requires practice (am I buying things out of habit, or because I've actually thought through my actions and choices?), which suggests there's no downside to this list.
Top Ten Actions For Living Sustainably, Fighting Climate Change
#10: Fly Less -- 70% I am at 6 years without flying, though there was much jetting about in my younger days. Direct flights and carbon offsets are ways to feel better, as are trains and other public transport.
#9: Change Lightbulbs to LEDs or CFLs -- 95% Easy and relatively cheap (these slightly more expensive bulbs pay for themselves, many times over, in energy savings).
#8: If You Build New, Construct A Passive Energy House -- 0% Passive energy is when the house heats up or cools down naturally--by allowing the sun, for example, streaming in windows, to heat things up in a super-insulated home, rather than using energy to run a furnace.
#7: Renovate An Old Home -- 35% We shared the cost of energy saving upgrades with our local utility 5-10 years ago; but, there's so much more to be done.
#6: Go Electric -- 35% Recent: mower, weed eater, power saw. Big ticket item still to go: car.
#5: Downsize -- 75% I lead a comfortable life, but there are many things I do without. Just one: I buy perhaps 50% of clothes at thrift stores, paying steeply reduced prices.
#4: Install Solar Panels -- 5% I asked a contractor to complete the work, but after emailing me a cost estimate, he couldn't find time (back then there was nobody locally).
#3: Avoid Bad Corporations -- 95% Here's the link that Schaefer provides. I narrow down the list to a 'dirty thirty' (scroll to bottom of this page) that are the more recognizable. Avoid them, if possible. Also, if you can afford it, buy local, from small businesses, and those that value sustainability.
#2: Promote Renewables (by easily switching to Wind/Solar) -- 100% We use our local electric utility, but the electricity itself is supplied by a company called Arcadia Power, which charges a small premium for wind energy. I have also been offered a solar equivalent, 'community solar', by the same company.
#1: Elect Candidates With Good Climate Plans -- 100% This is a top concern when I vote. But, it gets tricky when one considers which candidates are broadly popular enough to have a healthy Senate majority with which to work (otherwise, stalemate).
Another 20 Suggestions -- from the original list of 101
Buy Sustainably Harvested Wood Furniture (so carbon-sequestering forests aren't lost)
Purchase Fair Trade Products (don't support human misery and environmental loserdom)
Weatherproof Your Windows
Hang-dry your clothes (if, like me, you live in a 'dry' house)
Clean/Replace Air Filters in heating/AC systems (saves $$)
Plant Your Own Veggies
Ditch Your Lawn (if your town's rules allow)--or try a lawn that's fed grass clippings
Use Washable Cloths Instead of Paper Napkins/Towels
Plant Trees
Push Your City To Move To Clean Energy
Subscribe To A CSA (farmer's produce sign-up plan)
Back Transit-Oriented Development (light rail, etc.)
Plan Mindful Itineraries (combine errands for a single 'run')
Say “No” To Over-Laundering (your clothes/sheets will last longer, for one)
Stay in Sustainable Lodging (or, try requesting no room service: "do not disturb")
Stop Drinking Bottled Water (I am currently using a one-time salsa jar)
Disinvest From Fossil Fuels (if you're that wealthy)
Buy New Appliances With The Energy Star Label (google relevant reviews, looking for efficiency)
Don’t Use One-Day Shipping (ask for USPS -- no extra emissions with the same daily route)
Cook At Home (big batch cooking lasts for days, and is much cheaper)
Eat Less Meat (canned salmon that's 'wild caught' is relatively benign)
Compost (if you have the space)
Recycle Better (google your community's recycling rules)
Bring Your Own Shopping Bags (it becomes second nature)
Learn From Greta (young adult = inspiring)
The 'Dirty Thirty' List
American National Insurance
Amerco
Black Knight
Chemed Corp
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Cinemark Holdings
Cintas Corp
Dish Network
Dollar General
Dollar Tree
Domino's Pizza
Dunkin Brands
Extended Stay America
Flowers Food
Herbalife Nutrition
Kirby Corp
Madison Square Garden
McDonald's
Michaels Cos
Monster Beverage
Pilgrim's Pride Corp
Servicemaster Global
Six Flags Entertainment
Sprouts Farmers Market
Stericycle
Tesla
Trinity Industries
US Steel
Wendys
WR Grace
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