Learn about it.
As in so many other areas
of life, behavioral change simply does not occur without education, so becoming
informed about environmental issues and then teaching others are crucial first
steps to take.
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Educate yourself about
environmental issues, how they affect you, and how they will affect your
children.
Probably the single most important first step you can take is to
learn about environmental issues in your region, because if you are like most
people, you will want to take actions to correct problems after you learn about
their consequences. As you learn, consider making “Leave No Trace” one of your
life goals so that future generations will have a better environment than the
one your parents gave to you.
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Begin to educate others.
As you learn about and take action on issues, extend what you have learned to
others so they too can take action. Remember many of our most pressing
environmental problems are the result of lots of small individual actions, and
that’s the way they need to be fixed. Beyond that, take your kids fishing,
hiking or get them involved in some other outdoor activity so they will learn to
love and respect our natural resources as you do.
Energy conservation— These are probably
some of the most effective actions you can take. You’ll save money, reduce the
need for more power plants, and be a responsible steward all at the same
time.
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Conserve energy at home.
Turn down the thermostat a bit (it’s healthier for you anyway), cut your shower
time down, make a habit out of turning off lights when not in use, keep
electrically powered equipment (including computers) off when not in use, and
pay attention to energy ratings when buying appliances. Also, look for
opportunities to replace light bulbs with high efficiency versions, and use only
the amount of light that you need.
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Conserve energy as you travel.
Carpool or take public transportation whenever you can, and combine trips
where possible to save time and energy. Consider upgrading to a high mileage
vehicle such as a hybrid gas electric model. And look for ways to use
heart-healthy transportation every time you can - it will benefit both you and
your children’s environment.
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Conserve energy at work or at
school.
Actively look for ways to save your company or school money as well
as reduce their environmental footprint. For example, commercial facilities are
often grossly over lighted - suggesting a 1/3 reduction in lighting could result
in big annual environmental and economic savings with very little difference in
your work environment. Whenever possible, encourage more telecommuting by
employees. It is more productive for the bottom line and also has big benefits
for the environment while reducing highway congestion.
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It’s the law
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Obey environmental regulations
and natural resources laws, at work, at home, and at play.
The vast majority
of rules and regulations pertaining to natural resources are based on good
science and need to be obeyed. Without compliance, we face unchecked pollution,
unrestricted overharvest of fish and game, and greatly reduced quality of life.
If you see someone breaking the law, report them.
The need for green
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Support land protection
initiatives.
It’s a fact protection is far more effective than restoration
and consequently far easier on the taxpayer. Elected officials need to know
this, and be reminded that we aren’t making land anymore.
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Choose green energy sources.
One of the most pressing and potentially severe environmental and foreign policy
problems we face is the burning of fossil fuels. An important step in converting
to alternative, renewable energy sources is to demonstrate public interest in
conversion. One small but important step in this process is for individuals to
willingly select green energy suppliers for their electricity needs.
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Waste not, want not…
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Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Buy minimally packaged goods, goods with recycled content, and goods that are
reusable. Separate food compost and any recyclable materials from your trash,
and look for other opportunities to reduce what goes to the landfill as waste.
Remember, in nature nothing is wasted, so why should we be any different.
Keep in touch…
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Become an active voice for the
environment.
It is the nature of our political process that most elected
officials focus their energies where they perceive their constituents have the
greatest concerns. The fact is a relatively small number of citizens can have a
powerful influence on political actions by making their voices heard. Be that
voice for the environment, as well as for your grandchildren's environment.
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