We have it in us to change the world we live in and leave it a better place for the future generations if each of us act now.

Do you…

• Drive an SUV in the city?
• Run your dishwasher or washing machine half full?
• Print a lot?
• Use a lot of heating or air conditioning?
• Shower too long?
• Use plastic and paper grocery bags?
• Leave your computer on when it is not in use?
• Drive all by yourself in your favorite car to work everyday?
• Dump all your home waste into the garbage can thoughtlessly?
• Continue using old home appliances just because they work?
• Leave your electronic items plugged in all the time?
• Crank up the heating system to high in winter?
• Use plastic water bottles?
• Avoid buying organic groceries because they are pricier?

 

You could…

• Drive an energy-efficient car or a hybrid.
• Run your dishwasher or washing machine only when full.
• Opt for recycled paper for your printing needs.
• Set your thermostat two degrees lower in winter and two degrees higher in summer.
• Take shorter showers and save 2/3 of your heating costs.
• Switch to your own re-usable grocery bags.
• Shut off your computer or use the sleep mode.
• Carpool or use the Metro to save fuel.
• Sort your garbage and items to be recycled while also buying products with less packaging.
• Replace inefficient appliances with energy efficient ones.
• Turn off electronics when not in use; they use energy.
• Use a sweater instead of turning up the heat.
• Use re-usable metal water bottles and say “no” to plastics.
• Buy organic food, since chemical pesticides pollute the water supply.

Annemarie Brink Olsen & Vidya Rangan