Last January I made a New Year’s Resolution to write an editorial on climate change in 2019. Well, it’s December 29 and here I am, down to the wire. So here I go.
I’m not gonna talk about how many parts per million of carbon in the atmosphere is safe. I’m not gonna talk about cap and trade legislation or whether nuclear energy is part of the solution. I’m not gonna talk about mass extinction. Others are more qualified to address those points. It’s just me, the non-scientist non-statistician talking to you about how we can do more in our own lives.
I am continually dismayed at how most people, even those who profess to care about climate change, do so little in their own lives to combat it. I’m amazed how few people bring reusable bags to the grocery store. I’m amazed how many people don’t turn out lights when they leave a room. I’m amazed how many people buy bottled water and use plastic straws just for convenience. I could go on.
I’ve heard all the excuses. I’ve made them myself. I can’t remember to put the bags in the car before I shop. My drink comes with a straw already in it. Bottled water is how I get my family to drink water. I’m too busy to sacrifice convenience.
Here are some suggestions. Always put the reusable bags back in the car after unloading groceries; keep them in the front seat so you’ll see them when you get out of the car. Keep a reusable straw in your purse (or a few). Get it out as soon as you sit down at the restaurant as a reminder to tell the waiter you don’t need straws. Or just don’t use straws unless you really need to. Buy a water thermos for each member of the family and put name on it, something dishwasher safe. Use a reward system to train your kids/yourself to turn off lights and TVs. Set up piggy banks for each person and put a token in the bank each time someone turns off a light. Kids can earn their allowance or another reward when they earn a certain number of tokens. You can set a goal and reward for yourself as well. (This may not work with spouses! They have to buy in to it.)
Keep in mind it takes about three weeks of regular practice to establish a new habit. So don’t give up in frustration. You and your kids can form new, good habits. Make a New Year’s resolution to make one or more of these changes in your life. Your effort counts—just like your vote counts.