Tom Suchanek, Ph.D.

"50 THINGS" YOU CAN DO PERSONALLY

 TO HELP SOLVE THE CLIMATE CRISIS...

 

Energy / Product Consumption:

• If possible, power your home with alternative (non-fossil fuel) energy sources: solar, wind, hydro-electric, etc. {A}

• Use energy efficient (e.g., “Energy Star”) appliances {A}

• Swap your gas stove for an electric stove {A}

• Turn off all unused lights {A}

• Transition to LED or other energy efficient lights {A}

• Keep thermostats as low as possible (in winter) and as high as possible

   (in summer) {A}

• Use a programmable thermostat {A}

• Clean or replace HVAC filters every 3 months {A}

• Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle… EVERYTHING!…(Especially plastics) {B}

• Eliminate single-use items {B}

• Use your own re-usable grocery bags {B}

• Use less fossil fuel based products, including plastics  {B}

• Eliminate electric “vampire power” drains  {A}

• Remove fully-charged devices from their charging stations {A}

• Remove all non-active devices from their power sources {A}

• Wash clothes in cool or cold water  {A}

• Opt for paperless billing and/or pay bills electronically {B}

• Unsubscribe or cancel all junk mail {B}

• Do a home energy audit {A}

• Weatherize/Reinsulate your home: walls, attics, floors, etc {A}

• Use double or triple-pane windows {A}

• Calculate your own household Carbon Footprint (click below)

       https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/household-carbon-footprint-calculator

                                                     

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Water / Vegetation:

•  Plant more trees {C}

• Conserve all water {D}

• Don’t overwater your lawns {D}

• Convert lawns into gardens {D}

• Turn the water off while brushing teeth or washing dishes {D}

• Use a dishwasher and washing machine only when there’s a full load {D}

• Use commercial car washes {D}

 

Transportation:

•  Fly less {A}

• Carpool/RideShare {A}

• Take Public Transportation {A}

• Drive an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle {A}

• Don’t let your gasoline car idle when not in use {B}

• Keep your tires properly inflated  {E}

• Walk or ride your bike when feasible {E}

 

Foods:

• In general, consume less animal protein (ex: adopt a Meat-less Monday strategy) {F}

• Eat chicken or fish in place of beef {F}

• Don't waste food {G}

• Grow your own food {G}

• Try the new “Beyond Meat” or other alternative non-meat products {F}

• Try eating insects! (lower on the food chain)... (Ha Ha, you never know, you might like them!) {G}

• Buy your foods from local growers/producers {G}

 

Personal Responsibility:

•  "Unplug" at least once per day: enjoy nature and the environment around you {H}

•  Educate Your Friends, Enemies, and Acquaintances About Climate Change {I}

•  Buy Carbon Offsets {B}

•  Donate to your favorite environmental and/or political cause {J}

•  Join an activist group to MAKE A DIFFERENCE out there... {I & J}

 

And... MOST Importantly...

#50 --> VOTE !  

In all Local, State and Federal Elections…

--> To support those individuals that will

fight to solve this Climate Crisis!

 

And... Keep in mind… An Old Native American Proverb…

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children…“