Here are some examples of lifestyle changes we can each make to shrink our footprint on the planet. Keep a keen awareness of the choices you make every day.

Daily Habits

• Buy less stuff.
• The stuff you do buy, make sure it's of good quality.
• Take time to drink your tea or coffee in the morning in a reusable cup. It's so nice to relax at home or in a cafe. If you are in a hurry or know that you need to bring it back to your desk, carry a reusable cup with you. There are some fun cups available, which are lightweight and keep your drink warm.
• Turn down the lights and unplug electronic power supplies (they consume energy even when not in use).
• Buy plants instead of cut flowers. Cut flowers are usually transported from far away. They also have harmful pesticide residues.
• Use cotton towels instead of paper towels.
• Choose recycled paper for your home office.
• Buy at farmer's markets and avoid overly packaged foods. There is no need for a plastic bag or box for 4 apples you buy..
• Get a reusable coffee filter instead of disposable paper filters.
• Use handkerchiefs insead of tissues. If you have allergies, this can save lots of tissues.
• Get a job working from home, or with a short commute, or use public transportation.
• Turn down the heat.
• Use natural products instead of chemicals to clean your home. You can make a lot of products yourself.
• Install solar panels on your home.
• Take public transportation or walk.
• Buy organic produce. This supports sustainable agriculture and is better for your health.
• Buy local to support your community and to reduce oil consumed in transportation.
• Don't take food to go or take leftovers home. Food packaging is rarely recycled, since plastic needs to be clean in order to recycle it properly. The memory of each to-go meal will linger for hundreds or thousands of years. The environmental cost is just too high.
• Buy used when possible. Books and furniture are easy.
• Do not use disposable chapsticks or utensils. It's so easy to bring your own. Just wrap them in a cloth napkin and keep in your bag. You're ready to go.
• Resist the urge to upgrade. You don't need bigger, better, latest versions/models. Living simply can be just as rewarding and is so much better for the environment.
• Take your bicycle. Riding to work or for errands will keep you fit and reduce the amount of CO2 and gas. It's nice to know that you can power yourself.
• Be a role model. Many years ago my friend Leah refused to take a ride on Car-Free Day in San Francisco. She really impressed me by standing by her values and motivated me to do the same. The rest is history.
  

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