NATIONWIDE —  What we do affects the world around us.

It can be a small thing (using a cloth bag instead of a plastic bag) or a big thing (quitting your job and joining an aid organization). 

What follows is a list of small things. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, here are some tips you can incorporate into your daily life.

Take a hike

Walk short distances or ride a bike instead of taking a car—if your health permits. And pay attention to long trips too. Most of the world’s transportation systems are powered by fossil fuels, and the less they need to be used, the better. (Fewer trips by plane, please.)

Cut back on plastic

Using fewer items packaged in plastic means less will end up in the ocean or leaching into the ground and our water. Try reusable bags or paper bags and avoid single-use bottles. 

Think before you shop

Consumers power our economy and keep small businesses afloat. But shop with attention. If you’re shopping for wants and not needs, considering what you already have before you buy something might free up cash to purchase from a local store.

Choose your food

If you can, many sites say, choose local, plant-based food. 

Conserve energy and water

Turn down the thermostat, unplug the energy suckers, take shorter showers, wash dishes by hand (turning the water off between rinses) and not in a dishwasher. Tips like these have been around since the 1970s at least. 

Dress mindfully

The clothing industry doesn’t just take up a lot of landfill space. See Amanda Olsen’s story, page 13.

Clean your stuff

Especially your appliances. Vacuum those coils on the fridge; replace filters on anything that has them. And if you have a dryer, really work at getting the lint out. Consider upgrading to ENERGYSTAR appliances if you haven’t already.

On vacation, stay close to home

Not only will you save money, but you’ll cut back on emissions. Tourism accounts for eight percent of all emissions—and most of it relates to transportation. 

Plus if you stay closer to home, you’ll see your region with new eyes.

Deal with the scary things

Those old cans of oil-based paint? Bottles of… something? Give your county or municipality a call or check online to find out when the next hazardous waste collection event will be held.  

Sources: Center for Biological Diversity, the United Nations Environmental Programme, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.