by Ivan Anthony

Created on: September 06, 2007

We're constantly inundated these days with near apocalyptic warnings of global warming. By now, no reasonable arguement can be made that global warming isn't real, or isn't so bad. But with it blown up so much and so constantly, it can easily feel hopeless. I know lots of people who can't be bothered with this issue because they really believe it's by now, a lost cause. So what can one person do to stem the tide? Actually, quite a lot.

We all know to reduce, re-use and recycle (catchy slogan, that), but what does that really mean in our day to day lives? And how can the power of one rival such a severe global problem? Well believe it or not, it definitely does make a difference. Every little bit counts. If EVERYONE did just a tiny little bit, that's actually a huge amount. For instance, if only one out of every thousand people around the world were to send you just $1 each, you would have something like $6,000,000. Far more than one in every thousand actually do things to help curb the impact of global warming. That's an example of the overall presence of the "power of one" philosophy.

Simple things to do on your own start at home. When you go shopping, always keep the plastic bags you get. They're perfect for bathroom or office trash cans and you'll find many other uses for them, if they're around. It also saves you money directly, if it replaces buying other bags for these purposes.

If your going somewhere near, walk don't drive, whenever possible. This is actually a big one. It's better for you and the environment. Not to mention the gas you'll save and the fact that frequantly turning your vehicle on and off is terrible for it. So in the long run you'll save on maintenance costs, as well.

Compost what you can. If your a gardener, you probably already do. It's pretty quick and not as smelly as you might expect. Mix it into your garden and you should see larger, healthier plants that produce superior fruits and vegetables with greater nutritional content. And of course, you save on fertilizers.

Recycle what you can. Most of us have no problem doing this with beverage cans and bottles simply because we get money directly for them. But less are willing to take the time to do newspapers, cardboard, milk jugs, tin cans, etc. The things that don't pay. I encourage all levels of governments to add insentive to this, however possible. Curbside pick-up programs paid by property taxes could be a viable solution.

And finaly, I encourage people to consciously choose products that don't overpackage. Few products need to be on a plastic tray, in a plastic wrapper, in a paper bag, with a plastic coating. Cookies are bad for this. By your cookies at a bakery. They're fresher, have less preservatives, and taste way better anyways. Food for thought.

Learn more about this author, Ivan Anthony.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.