WHAT YOU CAN DO To Protect the Earth**

Some people just can't wait to get started to do something. These are specific actions that can be taken on behalf of the Earth. Consider it a personal checklist that you can fill out once a year or so, as well as a list of subjects to start conversations with friends, family, co-workers.

I Want to do Something! (First Steps)
  • You can use a washable coffee mug at work and keep one in the car.
  • You can use a cloth or mesh bag on all shopping trips.
  • You can write or print drafts on a clean side of used paper.
  • You can replace one incandescent light bulb with a energy-efficient compact fluorescent.
  • You can ride the bus or trolley or carpool to work at least one day a week.
  • You can shop at a clothing consignment store.
  • You can turn the water heater thermostat down to 120¡F.
  • You can buy recycled toilet paper, tissues and paper towels.
  • You can replace paper napkins with cloth napkins.
  • You can become a member of a local food coop, CSA (community supported agriculture) or your local EarthSave chapter - organizations that promote the impacts of food choices on human health and environmental well-being.

But I Want to do More! (Requires a Bit of Effort)
  • You can buy organically produced and locally grown food.
  • You can decrease your time in the shower by 25%.
  • You can air-dry your laundry at least a third of the year.
  • You can buy grains, legumes, pastas spices, oils, and soap, and shampoo in bulk from your local natural food coop or store.
  • You can purchase recycled copy paper & office supplies.
  • You can ask your utility company for a free energy audit.
  • You can eat at least two meatless dinners each week.
  • You can start a compost pile for yard and food scraps.
  • You can water your lawn and garden before sunrise or after sunset.

I Still Want to do More! (Hard Core)
  • You can walk, bike, carpool, or ride the bus to work.
  • You can sell a car.
  • You can declare your yard a chemical-free zone.
  • You can shift to an entirely plant-based diet.
  • You can eliminate disposable products from your kitchen.
  • You can hand wash clothing rather than dry clean.
  • You can replace part of your lawn with a garden or native plants.
  • You can weatherize your home or go solar.
  • You can write letters to companies letting them know why you don't purchase their excessively-packaged products.
  • You can regularly volunteer time and resources to organizations such as your local EarthSave chapter that help create awareness to protect the Earth.

**Adapted from Northwest Earth Institute's Deep Ecology and Related Topics for EarthSave - San Diego Chapter. PRINT AND SAVE!