You want to live more sustainably, but everyday life is overwhelming enough without trying to rethink the habits and structures that make it work. So you ask: what’s one meaningful thing I could do? 

9th graders have answers!

In their Living Sustainably class, 9th graders did a quick assessment of their personal eco-footprint (you can do it, too–see this tool). Then they chose a category of emissions to work on and listed some actions that would help. It feels good to take a step toward sustainability! When it becomes routine, you can take another. Let us know in the comments below if you take one of the students’ suggestions.

Food

Waste less. Keeping food out of the landfill can dramatically cut methane emissions. Can you enjoy that last piece of bread if you toast it? Try eating the bruised apple first instead of leaving it in the crisper drawer to rot.

Eat less meat, whatever that means for you. Maybe cut down to once a day, maybe try Meatless Mondays. Maybe just replace beef with chicken in your diet.

Plant a vegetable garden. 

Compost in your back yard or pay a service (CompostNow) such as we use at school. Getting a neighbor or two to go in with you on the service can significantly reduce cost. 

Mobility

Try to use public transit, even once! Do it near home and/or when visiting other cities.

When you fly someplace, stay a while. Do as much as you can in one trip to avoid multiple, short trips.

Use the Veracross Directory button to find households near you. Offer someone a ride!

Goods 

Buy local, esp. at farmer’s markets, co-ops, and thrift stores.

Mix your own Gatorade from powder–ditch the single use bottles.

Avoid items with lots of plastic packaging. Bring your own bags and containers.

Bring your own water bottles, hot cups, produce bags, etc. Can you go a whole day without single use plastic? 

Up next: Conversation starters

Knowing that talking about sustainability is the single best thing to do, 9th graders came up with some ideas about how to start.