Here are some great ideas for you to put into practice. By changing just a few small things, or by making that extra effort, you really would be helping to change the world.
The information on this page is taken from the book, '365 Ways to Change the Planet; How to make a better world every day', Author Michael Norton (2005) Harper Perennial, London.
Freecycle for fun
‘Think globally, recycle locally’ – the Freecycling Network has been set up for those who want to recycle things, rather than throw them away. Whether it’s a chair, a fax machine, a piano or an old door, your local Freecycling group will provide you with an opportunity to advertise the things you no longer need in the hope that you can find someone who would like them. Or if you’re looking to acquire something yourself, this is a good place to start.
Freecycling helps keep good stuff out of landfills. It is a virtual response to a global problem. There is just one rule – everything that is advertised must be free. There are now over 1500 cities all over the world with a Freecycling group, with over 525,000 members in total. The largest group is in Portland, Oregon, with over 10,000 members. There are 120 groups in the UK. Freecycling can be started in any city, and is open to anyone who wants to participate. Groups are run by a local volunteer, who facilitates the group. The Freecycling newsletter gives itself a pat on the back: ‘This is grassroots action at its best!’
Harvest the Rain
Rainwater comes direct to you whenever it rains. If your house sits on a 400 square metre plot and a storm dumps 2 centimeters of rain, you’ve just received 8000 litres (1750 gallons) of water on your house and garden. This water is largely clean and chemical free. Most people don’t utilise this rainwater – they just let it run away. But in countries where rain comes seasonally or where there is simply not enough of it, communities will set up elaborate water catching systems to collect rainwater and stop it running off into the sea.
This is called rainwater harvesting. It can include storing and utilising the water that falls on roofs, building dams, ponds and other systems for stopping the water running away, and using the rainfall to recharge the ground water. Harvesting rainwater and using water sensibly are crucial in a world running short of water. Parts of the UK are coming under water stress, particularly the South East, where there are now regular hosepipe bans.
Catch all
Design a rainwater-catching system to harvest all the water that falls onto the roof of your house. Use the rainwater to water your pot plants and to wash your dog and your car. You would need to filter it to make it drinkable.
Think of others on World Water Day, March 22nd
Face up to Global Warming
Climate change poses a bigger threat to the world than terrorism. David King, UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor.
Since the beginning of time, the Earth has been warmed by sunlight, which penetrates the insulating atmosphere of carbon dioxide, water vapour, ozone, methane and nitrous oxide. This atmosphere traps heat on the Earth, creating the greenhouse effect and keeping the climate stable enough to sustain life. Without it, Earth would be too cold for living things.
Since the industrial revolution, the burning of fossil fuels has increased greenhouse gas emissions. These gases trap heat which would otherwise escape into space. Unless something is done, the world will become too hot for life as we know it.
Do your bit
Make a 24 hour personal energy log to see how much you are consuming.
Plant one tree. This will consume more than enough CO² to offset the CO² you are breathing out.
Use Recycled Toilet Paper
Reducing the amount of paper you use and increasing the amount that is recycled, can help reduce the pressure on the worlds timber resources. This saves energy as well as trees, as recycled paper manufacture only uses half the energy and water required for new paper.
Everyone in the UK uses about six tees worth of paper every year. This is six times more than 50 years ago. Most paper in the UK has been imported, which adds to transport pollution. Making paper uses a huge amount of energy. To produce a tonne of paper requires the same energy as is used in producing a tonne of steel. New paper is often white, not because this is paper’s natural colour, but because it’s bleached. This bleach is a major cause of water pollution.
Toxic wastes, including dioxins and other waste, are discharged from pulp mills. Yet until recently there was little control of these discharges. Even though paper can be recycled and the amount being recycled has been increasing, more than half of all paper used is still thrown away. One in five of the world’s trees is used to make paper. Check out your own dustbin. On average 30 per cent of your waste is paper and card. That’s two trees worth each year just caused by you!
Roll back waste
Buy recycled toilet paper. This is available from many supermarkets, and also from eco shopping services. Just for a challenge, see if you can cut down the amount of squares you use.
Start to use other recycled paper products – tissues and kitchen rolls.
Help the Environment
When it comes to saving the environment, every bit helps. To mark World Environment Day (June 5th) 2004, the Environment Agency came up with 60 ideas. Some of them are listed here:
Clean Air
Drive intelligently – accelerate gradually, obey speed limits, combine several errands in one trip.
Limit how long your car engine runs when you stop. Use a car with a three-way catalytic converter.
Water
Take showers instead of baths.
Limit use of garden hoses and sprinklers.
Collect rainwater to water your plants with.
Put a bag of water in your lavatory cistern to reduce the water flushed.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
Use full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Repair dripping taps and turn taps off properly.
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Energy Use
Buy local produce or grow your own.
Fly less frequently.
Use thermostats that turn off the heating.
Insulate your home and hot water tank properly.
Use a fan instead of air conditioning.
Turn off appliances and lights when not needed.
Fit energy efficient light bulbs.
Heat small meals in a microwave.
Dry your clothes on a clothesline.
Waste
Use a doorstep recycling scheme.
Choose products with recyclable packaging.
Cook fresh food which has less packaging.
Reuse plastic shopping bags or use cloth bags.
Use rechargeable batteries.
Print and photocopy on both sides of paper.
Reuse envelopes.
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