Introduction

“Save the planet” is a poor choice of words by environmentalists. The planet will be fine; it will continue orbiting the Sun, and likely continue supporting life, long after humans are gone. What is important is saving the particular ecosystem (environment) required for us to survive. What needs saving are the resources that we require as humanity: air, water, food, minerals, etc., the specific temperature range in which we can safely operate, and the other lifeforms (like pollinators) that we can’t live without.

Following are simple, non-expensive ways to reduce our negative effect on the environment. In most cases, they don’t cost any extra money. In some cases, they’ll save money. The lists are organized around the popular mantra: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

First, it’s important to note that we as individuals have very little inherent power to protect the environment or slow humanity’s collective destruction of it. Each of us is such a small percentage of the global whole that my own efforts can’t even be considered drops in the bucket. We have reached the stage in climate change, in pollution, and in land use, where only government and corporate action will have any real or lasting effect. Only if enough of us change our ways and insist on changes from our governments and corporations will anything meaningful be accomplished. We must avoid blaming ourselves.

For example, if you fail to recycle everything that has a “recycle” symbol on it, don’t feel guilty. Most of it isn’t recyclable anyway, and a lot of what is recyclable will end up in landfills no matter which bin we put it in. Some products we need can only be purchased in these plastic containers, so we as consumers don’t have the choice that manufacturers do.

So the absolute most important thing each of us can do is vote, and do so with the environment in mind. Stop voting for candidates who publicly insist they will encourage pollution and/or ignore the threat of climate change. (In the U.S., this means Republicans.) Start voting for candidates who intend to protect it.

 

Reduce

“Reduce” is rightly the first of the three Rs. It means reducing consumption. When we buy less, the manufacturers make less (and therefore extract less), and there’s less to worry about reusing and recycling (or throwing in landfills). It also almost always means you save money.

Of all the items listed below, the one that will have the most massive positive effect is the first. Because no matter what consumption you reduce, every new human has to consume too. Reducing the future population is essential.

• Produce two or fewer children *† (More info)
• Eat less meat, especially beef *† (More info)
• Use less gasoline/petrol *†
  • Combine multiple errand trips into one *†
  • Don’t drive kids to school if a bus will take them *†
  • Don’t drive when you could walk (example: to check the mail) *†
  • Avoid flying *† (More info)
• Use less electricty *†
  • Set thermostat more reasonably *†
  • Ceiling fan instead of A/C when possible *†
  • Windows open on nice days *†
  • Keep the refrigerator full *†
  • Natural light when possible *†
  • When replacing light bulbs, use LEDs *†
  • Set clothes dryer to “low”, run it in the morning *†
  • Use cool water for clothes washer when possible *†
  • Take cool, quick showers *†
  • Turn off the TV / computer when not in use *†
• Avoid single-use containers of food/drink *†
  • Skip fast food restaurants; all their containers are single-use / throwaway *† (when you do visit these restaurants, skip buying the drink; bring your own reusable container)
  • Groceries: buy larger packages (usually less packaging per ounce) *†
  • Avoid paper plates, plastic/styrofoam cups, and plastic flatware at home *†
• Use less paper *†
  • Use washable cloth napkins instead of disposable paper napkins *†
  • Use washable cloth rags instead of disposable paper towels *†
  • Enroll in paperless billing *†
  • Make notes / lists in digital form when possible *†
  • If you must use paper, print / write on both sides of paper *†
• Use less plastic †
  • Reusable fabric shopping bags instead of throwaway plastic/paper †
  • Choose products with less plastic packaging material †
  • Use refillable lighters instead of disposable lighters *†
  • If you use straws, acquire reusable stainless steel straws †
• Avoid replacing devices every time a new model comes out *†

 

Reuse

If you must buy something, try to buy something that can be reused as something else when you’re done with it (see examples below). Consider not buying something at all if it can’t be reused later (like paper napkins, the only purpose of which is to be thrown in the garbage). And remember “buying something” includes the packaging.

• Plastic condiment jars: nail/screw holders in garage *†
• Old CD/DVD shelf: shoe rack in garage corner *†
• Old Pringles can: photography DIY project *†
• Lawn clippings: leave on the lawn or rake into low spots so they can naturally decompose *†
• Replaced mobile phone: donate to local women’s shelter
• Replaced mobile phone: give to child for a toy *†

 

Recycle

Recycling is the last resort of the three Rs. If you can’t/won’t reduce consumption, and you insist on buying things that can’t be repurposed, then make sure it’s recyclable. Recycling is resource-intensive and not exactly “green”, but it’s better than throwing things in landfills, which will eventually overwhelm us.

• If your city doesn’t have municipal recycling, there are likely drop-off centers in your area.
• If your city has voluntary recycling (like Killeen used to), sign up for it. †
• If your city has mandatory recycling (like NYC), embrace it.
• Lots of items aren’t taken by normal recycling programs, but can still be recycled
  • CFL and other flourescent bulbs
  • Batteries, both single-use and rechargeable
  • Mobile telephones
  • Plastic shopping bags †

 

I began this page as simply ‘notes to myself’. Then I started listing things I had already been doing. Then I added things I wanted to start doing. Now it’s more of a general tips page, an ideas box.

* indicates items that save money and/or time, as well as the environment
† indicates items I do (or have done)

 

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