Climate change can feel overwhelming, often leaving individuals wondering if their actions truly matter. But small, everyday choices made at home can add up to meaningful change. Keep reading to learn about what you can do to make a difference.
Climate Anxiety
Most people have heard it, and most people have even said it, the infamous phrase “I can’t make a difference.” This is an understandable feeling that is often rooted in climate anxiety, or a chronic fear of environmental doom. According to a recent study from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communications, over half of Americans feel some sort of climate or eco anxiety, which can warp perceptions of their individual impact. It’s frustrating to see climate change mitigation and sustainable practices in mainstream media polarized when there are many simple changes you can make in your household that will make a difference! Some changes you can make instantly, others you can try in moderation over time. Here are some family-friendly adjustments you can do to make a difference in your life and home.
What Can You Do?
1. Turn off your lights when not in use and switch to LED lighting
Light accounts for over 10% of energy usage in average American households. By simply turning off your lights when you don’t need them, you can lower your electric bill and reduce your general energy usage. If you haven’t switched over to LED lights, do that! Incandescent lights produce lots of thermal energy (heat) which results in turning up the AC and spending more money. LEDs are much more efficient than their alternative, making them a better choice for you and the planet!
2. Buy from local markets and support the local economy
Farmers Markets are becoming much more prevalent in cities and towns, and they are a great way to buy fresh, ethically sourced, delicious food. Sarasota County has a farmers market every Saturday from 7am to 1pm located downtown at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenues. Venice has a farmers market every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. When you buy from markets you are also putting your money into the local economy, which puts more money into local goods and services like schools.
3. Walk or ride a bike instead of driving when you’re able to
If you can’t bike or walk, don’t stress it! Try carpooling, public transportation or driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. It’s not all or nothing- you can drive sometimes and walk other times. Look up some public transportation routes and times, and familiarize yourself with the system so you can utilize it! Transportation accounts for about 28% of greenhouse gases nationally, and in Sarasota County it accounts for 48%. By reducing the amount you drive even slightly, you are helping to reduce climate pollution.
4. Use your dishwasher instead of handwashing
Handwashing dishes takes time and significantly more energy and water than using a dishwasher. If you have a dishwasher, use it efficiently by scraping off any food on the dishes and maximizing washer space. This not only saves time, water, and energy, but it also saves you money! If you are ready to invest, try buying an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher – they use 30% less water and 12% less energy than generic washers.
5. Start a home garden with usable produce and native plants
Plants are amazing for food, shade, aesthetics, and CO₂ absorption. Planting gardens can offer habitats for many native species and give you delicious produce. Try to plant native species that have adapted to your local climate, this reduces maintenance and irrigation needed to sustain landscapes and gardens. By planting a small garden you can increase local biodiversity and reduce CO2 emissions.
6. Buy second-hand clothes and home decor
Thrifting has become a popular pastime and there are many economic, social, and environmental benefits to it! Buying second-hand not only allows you to find unique, practical items for lower prices, but it also helps to minimize consumerism and reduce the carbon footprint that accompanies the production and transportation of material goods.
7. Invest in or make a rain barrel
Rain barrels are an easy and practical way to conserve water. They are simple to install and maintain, and you can use the water you collect for handwashing, watering plants, and washing your driveway. Rain barrels also reduce erosion and flooding by capturing rainwater and reducing stormwater runoff. With all those benefits it’s hard not to choose a rain barrel for your future!
8. Green Living Toolkit
Don’t shy away from online resources like our local Green Living Toolkit! It’s filled with tips, tricks, and information on energy, food, waste, water, and nature. Using this toolkit allows you to familiarize yourself with sustainable living on Florida’s Suncoast, and learn about all the different facets of sustainability. It’s everything you need to love life and live green, all in one place!
Sustainability Doesn’t Have to be Hard.
These actions that reduce our carbon footprint are simple and cost effective. Climate change is happening fast and right now, but there are ways in which you can help combat its speed individually and community wide. Spread awareness about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encourage others to take easy steps towards slowing climate change. Together we can make a change, but big changes can start with small, individual choices.
For more information about Climate Change and what you can do, try visiting these sites:
UF/ IFAS Extension and Sustainability
What is Climate Change (United Nation)
Sarasota County Sustainability page
Get involved with community climate focused action and awareness:
Sustainable Communities Workshop on November 6th
Eventbrite classes on climate science and solutions
Sarasota Green Drinks – have a free drink and chat with like-minded, sustainable, collaborative professionals!
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