As we become more and more environmentally aware, most of us finally understand how important it is that we do our part to save our planet. It is crucial that we prioritize protecting our land, water, air, and wildlife.  

“We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change,
and the last who can do something about it.”
Barack Obama

There are many things we can all do to help protect our environment. When shopping, we can bring our own reusable bags and avoid buying items that are packaged in plastic. We can buy in bulk when possible, and try to plan a few vegetarian meals per week.

Fill a reusable water bottle and use reusable lunch containers when heading to work or school. Try to use paper wisely and reuse it when possible. Switch to electronic statements and pay your bills online. Turn off and unplug electric devices when not using them. Adjust the temperature inside the home. Try washing full loads of laundry and hanging clothes to dry outside on a nice day. Install low-flow plumbing fixtures for less water waste and encourage your family to have shorter showers and less baths. Recycle what you can when you can and perhaps even try your hand at composting. Your garden will thank you!

Did you know that food production is a major driver of wildlife extinction? Studies show that what we consume contributes close to a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for almost 60% of global biodiversity loss. Farming animals for meat and dairy requires space and huge amounts of water and feed. One of the biggest contributors to forest loss is the expansion of agricultural land for animal feed production, such as such as soy. 

To avoid wasting food, get creative with leftovers and come up with interesting meals with ingredients you have on hand. It is estimated that a third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted.

We need to do better.

Use your voice and speak up. Talk to your MP about your environmental concerns and show support for their actions that protect our natural world. Contact the brands you love and encourage them to switch to more environmentally friendly packaging, to ethically source ingredients, to produce products in a sustainable way, and to use less packaging when shipping. Support brands that are eco-friendly and have reuse-it programs with the proper recycling protocols in place.

Making changes to the way we shop, eat, reuse, recycle, and reduce can have a big impact on where our natural world is headed. We all need to do our part. 

What else can we do?

• Sign up to receive community supported agriculture (CSA) and receive deliveries of fresh, local produce.
• Only buy local produce at the supermarket.
• Plant trees and native plants at home and don’t use chemical fertilizers that can leach into groundwater.
• Join tree-planting activities or wetlands restoration efforts in your area and volunteer to take part.
• Ask your Congressional representatives to support the Best Management Practice initiative which helps farmers reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers that create dead zones in oceans and rivers.

Some helpful links:

Local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

American Farmland Trust  - American Farmland Trust is the leading national organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting healthy farming practices and supporting farms and farmers. Contains suggestions for citizen action.

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition - The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is an alliance of family farm, food, conservation, rural and urban organizations that take common positions on federal agriculture and food policies, and engage and support the broad and vital grassroots efforts across the country to win long-term policy change. It contains a section of information on the Farm Bill.

Food & Water Watch  - Food & Water Watch is a non-profit organization using research, public and policymaker education, media and lobbying to work with grassroots organizations around the world to create an economically and environmentally viable future. Click on Farm Bill 101 for an overview of US agricultural policy and its effects.

Organic Consumers Association - The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an on-line grassroots public interest organization that deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children’s health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics. Their web site lists a plethora of actionable issues for concerned citizens.

Natural Resources Defense Council - The Natural Resources Defense Council is an environmental action organization that combines grassroots power with legal action to protect the planet’s wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.

Bioneers - Bioneers is a non-profit organization of engaged citizens from all backgrounds and fields, who work to solve environmental problems using methods that mimic natural processes.

Conservation International - Conservation International helps societies adopt sustainable approaches to development in order to ensure a stable climate, clean air, fresh water, abundant food, cultural resources and biodiversity.

Rainforest Action Network - The Rainforest Action Network is an international grassroots organization that uses hard-hitting market campaigns to align the policies of multi-national corporations with widespread public support for environmental protection.