Handout: Taking Action: Minimizing Your Impact on the Planet

•    The most important thing individuals can do is to become educated about the global crisis and act in accordance with newly acquired information. Follow local and federal legislation and contact your elected officials regularly to let them know how you want them to vote on issues affecting the environment. Write letters to the newspaper so that your commitment becomes public and energizes others.


•    Shape policy by voting with your dollar. Support corporations that have good business practices and respect the environment by buying their products


•    Form community groups around the topics that are important to you by visiting www.11thhouraction.com. There, you can provide and find support, share ideas and solutions, and learn how to make a difference in your communities policies and programs.


•    Recognize that small steps can be important. Turn off heat and air conditioning when you leave a room. Buy low wattage light bulbs. Use compact fluorescent bulbs. Recycle everything that can be recycled. Turn off and unplug appliances that drain energy when not in use. Buy local and organic food. Eliminate chemicals from your life as much as possible. Be vigilant but not sanctimonious so that others are inspired, but not turned off, by your commitment.


•    Avoid paper and plastic plates and cups whenever possible. If you have regular committee meetings have committee members bring their own coffee mugs to the meetings and serve snacks that do not require plates.


•    Whenever possible, carpool with others to avoid using a car, walk, or ride a bike, or use public transportation. If you do drive, keep car tires inflated appropriately; under-inflation uses excess fuel. Be conscious about all decisions regarding transportation.


•    Use Energy Star appliances and wash clothes in cold water.