Improving one’s impact can be as much about what we don’t do, as what we do; and advocating for wider change.
Generally, I try not to use what I don’t need, use what I need wisely and purchase things made with good social, environmental and economic practices.
Here are some basic practices I’ve adopted over time, and that I continue to work to deepen and expand. These came about step by step, one after the other. Small steps add up if e do what we can and keep going.
• As above, buy few new items, buy mostly bulk foods, buy items in reusable, compostable, recyclable packaging; reuse/donate, compost, recycle
• Research companies’ social, environmental and economic practices, and buy from those with the best practices
• Use reusable versus disposable items – linens, mug, water bottle, etc.
• Eat only organic foods, almost all bulk/non-processed, preferentially local/regional, and virtually only grown in US, almost exclusively vegan
• Member of the organic CSA farm and volunteer there
• Grow some of my own food and preserve for winter
• Haven’t owned a car in 3 years, get around by bike, walking, carpooling, public transit, etc.
• Use 1,200-1,500 kWh elec per year in all-elec house: Use only CFLs, turn off water heater after shower, don’t use fridge when it’s cold out, switched out full size fridge for mini-fridge6
• Dishpans in all sinks to catch water and reuse on non-food plants and toilet tank
• Hand wash clothes with shower water and line dry
• Don’t get any junk mail, get paperless billing statements and pay bills online
• Use only biocompatible, organic/plant-based personal care/cleaning supplies
• Support causes I believe in with time and dollars
• Advocate for change – ask stores for more bulk items, let local recyclers know about opportunities to recycle additional materials, contact elected officials on policy decisions of concern, contact companies to ask for better practices, etc
• Thank companies with good practices and refer them to others
• Learn from others and educate via my own blog and freelance writing
This post was submitted by Melissa Schweisguth.
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