saving the environment one step at a time

Minimizing one's environmental impact is quite easy to do. Especially in a country like America where the average person's impact is enormously out of proportion compared to the rest of the world. Americans easily consume and waste double of what their European and Japanese counterparts do. And since those countries have an equally high standard of living, and one that translates into a state of well-being and happiness that is similar if not better than ours, the facts confirm that our excesses are unnecessary and counterproductive. So what is keeping us from doing the right thing?

Many set out with good intentions only to be frustrated and disillusioned by a myriad of obstacles, rules, and practical considerations. Unfortunately, there is also a fair amount of peer pressure. Peer pressure that is not just limited to teenagers and young adults. In many cases, adult peer pressure is embedded in neighborhood rules and home owner association prescriptions. Peer pressure pushes us to buy bigger cars than we need, and maintain unnecessarily manicured lawns. It may force us to use dryers instead of hanging up our laundry. It may also compel us to leave our porch lights on all night.

Americans have a busy life-style. They are more on edge than Europeans or Asians. Many are so busy putting out fires left and right that they truly believe there is no other way. It is an excuse that is often heard, and one that the sufferer experiences as real even though there is little reality to it. In many cases people enslave themselves to become taxi drivers for their kids or friends. Many also feel a constant need to drive to shopping malls to take advantage of ever present sales. A great many drive to workouts and other leisure activities.

Here are some things to consider if you feel too busy. One, turn off your TV and your radio. The constant barrage of ads has a detrimental effect on you, urging you to spend more and eating up your valuable time. The whole rhythm of TV and radio shows is also meant to keep you on edge. The constant flashing and high speed music are not good for you.

Turning off your TV will save you money and carbon emissions. Especially if you turn off that TiVo box or HD cable/satellite receiver too. Be aware that these devices may need to be unplugged to achieve success.

Two, stop driving your kids to their "activities." Let your kids play. They will be happier and so will you. They will also learn more. Humans learn by playing and our brains are wired to learn. There is no need for extra stimulation here. It is bad enough that you drive your kids to school. Kids should walk to school or ride their bike. If they did, we would not have a childhood obesity epidemic.

Three, stop driving to the mall to take advantage of savings. They are taking advantage of you. You cannot save by spending. If you turn off your TV and radio, and dump your junk mail, you won't know about all the great savings and you won't be tempted to waste your time. If you have less stuff you will need less time to clean up and organize. Don't become a slave to your gadgets. They are wasting your time.

Walk, jog, or run around the neighborhood instead of driving to the gym. Ride your bike. This will save you gas, reduce air pollution, and keep you in shape. If everyone drove less there wouldn't be an asthma epidemic either.

Turn off your lights and throw away your nightlights. Darkness is good for you. It promotes restful sleep and you will be less tired the next day.