_This is the fourth in a series of occasional articles on organizations fighting climate change. Earth Hero’s previous interviews are: [Scientist Rebellion](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/earth-hero-interview-scientist-rebellion/), [As You Sow](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/earth-hero-interview--as-you-sow/) and [Climate Justice Alliance](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/earth-hero-interview--climate-justice-alliance/)._

Even as the amount of installed residential solar energy increases around the United States, only so many homes can fit a full photovoltaic system. That’s where balcony (or plug-in) solar comes in.

A single unit can be placed in an apartment on a balcony, railing, wall, or other location that is exposed to the sun. It can then be plugged into an outdoor outlet to provide a small amount of clean energy — generally 400 or 800 watts, enough to help juice appliances and lower a home’s energy bills as it pulls less electricity from the grid.

Plug-in solar has proved exceptionally popular in Europe, with over 1.5 million systems deployed across Germany alone,[ according to the organization Sun Hours](https://sunhours.app/blog/balcony-solar-panels-usa). Yet remains a work in progress in the United States, where under 50,000 units are in place.

The nonprofit organization Bright Saver wants to change that. Through a membership program costing as little as $29 annually, participants get access to plug-in solar kits at market cost (currently $285.30). Bright Saver is also advocating for legislation in all states to promote deployment of the technology. These laws are needed to exempt plug-in solar from the interconnection regulations designed for significantly larger systems, barring them from ([per Solar.com](https://www.solar.com/learn/guide-to-balcony-plug-in-solar/)) sending electricity back into residential outlets, said Cora Stryker, co-founder of the California organization. 

To date, [10 states have passed this legislation](https://www.brightsaver.org/is-plug-in-solar-legal): Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia. Legislation remains active in five other states.

“In Germany, you have this incredible thing where you can go to IKEA or even a grocery store, a local hardware store, buy balcony solar for a few hundred euros, bring it home, plug it in, and that's it. We will never get there unless we pass these laws that make it that easy,” Stryker told Earth Hero.

In the following interview, Stryker discusses Bright Saver’s background and mission, the case for plug-in solar, and the outlook for these systems as more states pass interconnection legislation.

The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

**Tell us about Bright Saver's background and its mission.**

[Bright Saver’s](https://www.brightsaver.org/) a nonprofit. We started Jan. 5, 2025. It's been this meteoric ride. We started with this vision of, hey, solar is the cheapest energy on the planet. Let's make it accessible to everybody.

We're climate change people and tech founders, and we always saw balcony solar as the tip of the spear into wider clean energy awareness — a lot of people don't know it's cheaper than the alternatives — and growing from there into a broader clean energy movement, both on a consumer and a policy level. So that's our vision: We want everyone to have access to solar energy, particularly renters and folks who don't own their roofs.

**Talk about the nuts and bolts of your work, your operations and what you would say are the central accomplishments in the organization’s early existence.**

I'll answer that by talking a little bit about the story, where we started, where we are now. We started with this idea of starting small, like a hundred households. We're based in the Bay Area, so we imagined Cal students and folks in trailer parks. We imagined this small, 100-household proof of concept, showing that people save money, showing that there's an interest, and we imagined it growing slowly from there.

The fascinating thing is that, to our surprise, a couple months into that proof of concept, we got an email from PG&E [Pacific Gas and Electric Company]. It was not a legal threat, but it very firmly said, hey, even though these balcony solar systems you're installing have no interactivity with the grid, never feed electricity back, you still need an interconnection agreement. And it was one of these light-bulb slash roadblock moments. I think I went home and cried a little bit. I was like, oh my god, what are we doing, how are we gonna do this? And then, simultaneously, we saw that our hero [state Rep.] Ray Ward in Utah passed interconnection reform for balcony solar unanimously through Republican-led chambers.

Those two things happened at the same time. And that's where we thought to ourselves, ah, we need to repeat what happened in Utah. We thought a year ago, maybe we'll get two, three states to introduce legislation doing what Utah did. In the end, it was 35 states plus D.C. that introduced legislation.
But that has been just, honestly, the greatest thing that could have happened for this movement, because it gave us a movement to build, and it built very quickly, millions of people getting excited about this, for a number of reasons

Many of us in the climate movement, it seems so dismal, we're so depressed. We fought so hard for the [Inflation Reduction Act] and then the administration changes. Suddenly we no longer have the biggest investment in clean energy around the globe. So, what do we do? We think this balcony solar movement has captured the attention of a really frustrated group of people who care about climate. We've been crying Chicken Little, we've been waving our hands, and we don't understand why so many Americans aren't joining us and taking climate action. Balcony solar is the way in, because it expands the climate movement beyond longtime environmentalists to people who frankly don't care about climate or think they don't care about climate because they think they can't afford it. So that has been our central mission from the beginning: lower people's energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, and build this huge movement, sort of the AARP of clean energy meets the Costco of clean energy.

**What new or different laws are required to advance plug-in solar? And how is Bright Saver trying to help with that mission?**

We're a nonprofit, so primarily we're educators. We educate policymakers, fellow advocates, on the technology, on the policy trade-offs. I don't think it's too much to say we're leading the movement. We're the people who put this on the map, and we are the ones driving it forward in collaboration with a huge number of climate groups.

That's our role in changing the policy, which is the first necessary step. It's that interconnection reform. It says for these little systems, you don't need to go through the same process you would for rooftop solar for systems five to 20 times as large. It means submitting technical diagrams, applying for an interconnection. Sometimes it takes months.

In Germany, you have this incredible thing where you can go to IKEA or even a grocery store, a local hardware store, buy balcony solar for a few hundred euros, bring it home, plug it in, and that's it. We will never get there unless we pass these laws that make it that easy.

**What makes balcony solar particularly advantageous for consumers and as a resource against climate change?**

A couple things. Number one, if you get rooftop solar in this country, about half of the cost is what we call soft costs: cost of installation, cost of permitting, cost of this technical inspection. And we find that to be an atrocity — and we love rooftop solar. We think this interconnection reform should be the beginning of wider interconnection reform in the solar industry writ large in this country.

Here's why balcony solar is so revolutionary—the cost to you and me, the cost to consumers, is lowered to the actual cost of the technology, which is about half what it is in this country for rooftop. Because you're installing it yourself so you're just paying for the technology. That's what Bright Saver is doing. We are, as a nonprofit, selling this technology. I don't even like the word sell; we're offering it at exactly what it costs us. Why does it cost less to us? 

Because we do bulk purchases, we negotiate much lower prices for our members. We've already started building this movement, but this is the next step to really codifying this movement into a consumer block that shapes clean energy markets, starting with balcony solar, but not ending. And at the same time shapes and drives the clean energy policy that is going to make these clean energy technologies affordable to everyone and accessible to everyone.

**How many of the units has Bright Saver sold?**

Today's Monday. We started last Monday. We're at about 100 to 200 today, with no advertising, with no paid anything. It's just word of mouth. [At the time of writing, membership had grown to 1,000.]

Bright Saver's vision is that we build this huge membership in the millions, as formidable.as AARP, and we sell the cheapest clean energy options there are, like Costco, and simultaneously build the movement beyond those of us who have been waving our hands, screaming Chicken Little, of which I've been one.

**What will it take to meet your vision for the future?**

Let me say something else about the membership. We thought people would join because they want the cheapest balcony solar unit. Guess what? It's about three to one. More than half the people who join the membership don't buy the thing. We are kind of scratching our heads trying to figure it out. And honestly, I think it's because people believe in this vision, this self-sustaining vision, this market-driven solution to climate change that advocates like us just have to push over the edge.

The economics are in our favor, the technology is in our favor, but we have to fight the powers that be that want to slow down the clean energy transition. That's really what Bright Saver's doing, and that's really what this huge membership we are working on building does. We need tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions to really stand up and say, hey, we need this both to reduce our energy prices and also to save ourselves from climate change.

**How does the United States compare in uptake of these units to countries like Germany?**

We're super behind. Germany's been at this for 10 years; it started as kind of a DIY guerrilla solar movement. It started without legalization, sort of similar to how the rooftop solar movement in this country started. Because it started that way, it took 10 years to get to where we are now, which is 4 million of these units in Germany. One in 10, almost, Germans has these. But it took 10 years, and we don't have 10 years when it comes to climate or energy affordability.

We're trying to speed this up. If this year has been any indication, it's that we feel more hopeful than ever that we will move much faster than Germany, even without subsidies, even without policy that supports this, because it is simply the cheapest option for energy in general.

**What do you think will be the pace of legalization and the pace of deployment of plug-in solar?**

We wrote a white paper, we released it in November of last year, and we saw ourselves following the German adoption curve. If you follow that, you're looking at about 60 million Americans having these by the end of the decade. We actually think that's going to happen faster. The reason we think that's going to happen faster is because we already have 10, maybe 11, states where this legislation has passed. More than 30 are already coming to us saying, hey, we want to do this again next year or we want to do this for the first time. So, we think the demand is so clear that it's not going to take that long.

Now, there are other headwinds we face in this movement that we didn't expect. But we believe that with this combination of pressure on policymakers to pass the clean energy policies that benefit us and shaping consumer markets by standing together as a negotiating block, we think that's the way to make it happen much more quickly than it would otherwise. You know, we have been rather astonished at the speed of this movement. And when we take stock of the last year, we actually think the most meaning we have made, the biggest dent we've made, is not in the gigawatts of balcony solar that are already and will be added to our production, it's actually in this coalition of strange bedfellows — Republicans, Democrats — uniting across the ideological spectrum behind this no-brainer idea that the cheapest energy to produce should be the cheapest to you and me.

You don’t know what you don’t know, but we’re looking at that target, 60 million Americans, even faster than 2030.

The best indicator of whether you're going to get rooftop solar is do your neighbors have it? So, we see this really profound contagion that happens where you live in a neighborhood where no one has rooftop solar. Your neighbor gets one of these balcony solar units. You start talking to them. They talk about how their energy bills are going down, while yours are still going up. That is the tipping point. That's how people who think they can't afford, literally, to care about climate, adopt clean energy en masse. But someone has to be the organizing force.

**What have been those headwinds, both anticipated and unanticipated?**

Maybe naively, when we first started this, we thought, hey, utilities maybe will be psyched about this. There's no net metering agreement. You're completely exempted. You're giving them free electricity — a little bit, not a lot — we're taking load off the grid, they're delaying costly infrastructure updates. Turns out, surprise, surprise, that's not true. In some places it is – In New York, the biggest utility, Con Edison, did support this legislation, but generally they didn't.

We knew that was a possibility. There are other entities that just don't want to see this happen because they're not thinking about the benefit to you and me. They're thinking about the benefit to their bottom line.

So, we've got some barriers to knock down. We've got renter's rights. Germany did this in two legislative waves. The first one is what we're seeing this year, it's interconnection reform. But a couple of years later, they did renter's rights, saying you can't prevent your renter from installing these, except under very particular circumstances like it's a historical building. If you talked to me a year ago, I would have thought it would be impossible for any U.S. state to do that in one fell swoop. Guess what? Colorado did it, Virginia did it, New Jersey just did it last week. I think the most forward-thinking states have the power to make this go even faster.

**When it comes to the solar kit itself, what should consumers be thinking about when it comes to cost, installation, or other issues?**

Retail, the cheapest one costs around $499, $500. Because we're a nonprofit, we're offering it at $285.30, that's exactly what it costs us to buy it in bulk. We do it at a loss, because we have folks working very hard to make this happen, and we have to pay them so they can feed their families. Plus, a $29 a year membership. That's important, because if we don't build the membership that lasts beyond this year then we have a shorter runway of transforming the clean energy market and availability in this country.

It's very simple to set up. If you order one of these, it'll be shipped to your doorstep. You just open the box, you take it out, you connect the inverter to the solar panel, and you plug it in. That's all it is.

**Big picture, what can individuals be doing other than buying a unit to advance this vision?**

The most meaningful thing you can do actually is become a member of Bright Saver. As I mentioned earlier, less than half of the people who become members in the week we've been doing this, actually buy the kit. That makes us really hopeful because what it tells us is that it's not transactional necessarily, or rather it is for 30% to 40% of people, But that's who we want to reach – we want to reach the people who don't care. The most meaningful thing you can do is support the movement, support the big vision, become part of this collective negotiating block that will shape policy and consumer markets because this goes way beyond balcony solar. We are going to do this with clean energy technology after technology.


Earth Hero Interview: Bright Saver

Busy parents juggling work, school runs, and a household budget often want greener routines, but they hit the same wall: home sustainability challenges feel endless, and the most visible habits aren’t always the ones that matter most. Meanwhile, residential energy consumption, water usage in households, and waste generation at home quietly add up, shaping the environmental impact of homes day after day.

Sustainable living for beginners doesn’t require perfection; it starts with noticing where everyday comfort and convenience create the biggest drains. A calmer, clearer starting point makes sustainable choices easier to keep.

**Quick Summary: Sustainable Home Swaps**
- Start with energy efficiency improvements like switching to LEDs and sealing drafts to cut home energy use.
- Cut household water waste by fixing leaks, shortening showers, and running full loads in washers and dishwashers.
- Reduce single-use materials by choosing reusables for shopping, food storage, and everyday drinks.
- Buy more mindfully by purchasing less, choosing durable options, and prioritizing secondhand when possible.

**Upgrade Your Electrical Setup to Stop Quiet Energy Waste**

Once you’ve knocked out a few quick swaps, it’s worth looking at the “invisible” losses baked into how electricity moves through your home. Improving electrical efficiency isn’t only about using less – it’s about distributing power more cleanly and reliably, so you’re not quietly wasting energy through outdated components. Updating key parts of your electrical setup can help your household lower its environmental footprint by making everyday power use steadier and more efficient.

Before you begin any electrical project, start with top-quality parts, supplies, and accessories from trusted brands so repairs and upgrades hold up safely over time; if you’re comparing options, [the selection here](https://www.supplyhouse.com/Electrical-Supplies-20570000) can be a helpful place to browse what you’ll need.

**Work Through a Room-by-Room Sustainability Checklist**

Pick one room, do a quick scan, and choose changes that fit your budget and bandwidth. A simple [home sustainability checklist](https://drawdown.org/insights/whats-the-best-climate-action-you-can-take-you-tell-me) helps you turn good intentions into small upgrades and steady routines.

1. **Start at the switch plate (lighting + plug loads):** Swap the most-used bulbs first, then get in the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room. Unplug “always on” items like extra chargers, game consoles, and speakers, or group them on one power strip so you can flip them off at night. If you’ve already prioritized panel/breaker updates or smart controls, this daily habit helps those electrical upgrades pay off faster by cutting the steady background draw.
2. **Dial in comfort without cranking the HVAC:** Close blinds on hot afternoons, open them for winter sun, and add draft stoppers at exterior doors before you touch the thermostat. Replace or wash HVAC filters on a set schedule (monthly if you have pets, otherwise every two to three months) so the system moves air efficiently. In bedrooms, aim for “sleep-friendly” settings and use a fan or extra blanket so you’re not heating or cooling the whole house to match one person.
3. **Run the kitchen like a “waste audit” once a week:** Choose one day to look through the fridge, plan meals around what’s already open, and freeze leftovers in labeled containers. Set up three clearly marked spots, compost (if you have it), recycling, landfill, so everyone in the home can sort without thinking. When you shop, use the waste-reduction method of [avoiding excessive packaging](https://sixsigmadsi.com/waste-reduction/) by picking bigger sizes you’ll actually finish or choosing loose produce when it’s available.

**Habits That Make Sustainable Living Stick**

Like tending a garden, sustainable living grows through small, repeated actions. Give each habit a clear cue and a simple cadence, and you will build confidence while you learn what actually saves energy, water, and waste in your home.

**Two-Minute Night Shut-Down**

- **What it is:** Do a quick loop: lights off, cords tidy, and one shared power strip switched off.
- **How often:** Nightly
- **Why it helps:** It trims small, invisible electricity use that adds up.

**Weekly Leak and Drip Walk**

- **What it is:** Check under sinks, around toilets, and hose spigots for damp spots or slow drips.
- **How often:** Weekly
- **Why it helps:** Catching leaks early saves water and prevents repairs.

**Habit Seedling Tracker**

- **What it is:** Track one habit for 8 weeks since [habit formation](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11641623/) often takes time and repetition.
- **How often:** Daily for 8 weeks
- **Why it helps:** A short tracking window keeps you patient and consistent.

**Build a Practical Sustainable Lifestyle, One Home Change at a Time**

It’s easy to feel stuck when sustainable living sounds like an all-or-nothing overhaul and daily life is already full. The steadier path is incremental sustainability improvements, small routines with a clear reason, a simple method, and a pace that fits, so scalable home adjustments can actually stick. Over time, those small wins add up, building momentum for change and delivering long-term environmental benefits without burnout. Small, steady habits at home create the biggest impact over time. 


Simple Home Changes to Start Living More Sustainably Today

New business owners want to build something profitable, and many are sensitive to the fact that customers, partners, and communities expect businesses to take responsibility for their impact. Sustainable entrepreneurship - or “ecopreneurship” - offers a way to compete with a clearer purpose and stronger trust, especially in crowded markets where products blur together. With the right approach, green business opportunities can become a durable advantage.

**Understanding the Ecopreneurship Mindset**

Ecopreneurship is a way of thinking that tests every idea on three outcomes at once: financial health, human wellbeing, and environmental impact. The [triple bottom line](https://commonthread.antioch.edu/beyond-profit-understanding-the-triple-bottom-line-approach/) puts those three checks into one decision habit, so “eco-friendly” is not just a label.

Imagine choosing between refillable cleaners and “natural” single-use bottles. A [minimize negative impact](https://ideas.repec.org/p/pra/mprapa/41616.html) lens pushes you to ask about packaging, ingredients, worker conditions, and margins before you buy inventory. With that mindset set, your branding workflow can communicate substance with consistent, reusable visuals.

**Build Your Eco-Friendly Startup Checklist**

The first step is to turn your eco-aware idea into a real business model and green marketing plan you can run week to week. The following checklist can help you avoid “good intentions, messy execution” by validating demand, designing practical operations, and tracking progress from day one:

1. **Validate the problem and the green promise.** Start with a simple offer statement: who it’s for, what it solves, and what makes it meaningfully lower impact. Test it with 10 to 20 target customers using short interviews or a one-page landing page, and only keep claims you can prove. Use what you learn to choose one clear set of [environmentally-friendly attributes](https://ideas.repec.org/a/vrs/foeste/v20y2020i2p451-467n2.html) that genuinely influences a decision to purchase.
2. **Design a business model that makes sustainability the default.** Choose how you will earn revenue and reduce waste at the same time, such as refill and return, repair services, take-back programs, or digital-first delivery. Map the lifecycle from sourcing to disposal and circle where you can cut materials, energy, and miles traveled. Write down 3 non-negotiables (like recycled inputs or verified suppliers) so growth does not quietly undo your values.
3. **Set up low-impact operations you can repeat.** Pick suppliers, packaging, and shipping methods that fit your non-negotiables, then document them in a one-page “ops playbook” so you can repeat good choices under pressure. Start with small batch runs or limited service hours to learn before you scale. Add a basic compliance check for permits, labeling, and disposal so you do not have to rebuild later.
4. **Price for profit and for impact.** Choose a [pricing model](https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/startup/open-a-business-step-by-step) that matches how customers use your product, then test it with a small pilot before you commit. Build your price from costs upward, including sustainable materials, fair labor, returns, and customer support. If your price is higher, clearly explain the tradeoff in durability, refillability, or total cost per use.

**Using Current Tools to Look Professional**

Once you’re thinking like an ecopreneur, your visuals need to communicate that care and credibility at a glance. AI image optimization tools can help you create and refine sustainable branding visuals, eco-friendly product imagery, and targeted marketing graphics that feel consistent and engaging, without repeated rounds of manual rework.

A key capability here is AI upscaling: an AI image upscaler enhances image resolution and clarity, letting you enlarge photos while preserving detail and visual quality. That means the same eco-forward assets can stay sharp when repurposed across formats, from product shots to campaign graphics, so your materials look cleaner and more professional while supporting an environmentally conscious business model. An example to explore is [Adobe Firefly](https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly/features/image-upscaler.html), which includes an upscaler designed to boost clarity as you increase image size.

Of course, be mindful of [AI's Energy Appetite](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/ais-energy-appetite-how-nuclear-power-may-fuel-the-next-digital-revolution/) by limiting your total usage of AI tools if they are not needed for the tasks at hand.

**Turn Sustainability Commitment Into Profitable, Steady Green Business Momentum**

Starting an eco-friendly company can feel like balancing purpose with profit while navigating rules, costs, and customer skepticism. The way through is a disciplined mindset: treat sustainability commitment as a business system, measure what matters, make realistic tradeoffs, and improve in small cycles. Do that consistently, and raw entrepreneur motivation turns into ecopreneur confidence, clearer decisions, and repeatable progress toward green business success. Pick one measurable green improvement, set a two-week deadline, and always follow through.


A Practical Guide to Launching and Growing a Sustainable Business

Eco-friendly smart home remodeling promises lower waste and better day-to-day living, yet it’s easy to overspend on energy-efficient home upgrades that do not match the home or habits. The real challenge is balancing environmental impact reduction with real home comfort enhancement, and saving yourself money in the long-run. Learn how not to over-rely on buzzwords or guesswork. A clear way to think about “eco-friendly” and “smart” makes it easier to spot changes that truly fit your home.

**Understanding Eco-Friendly Smart Remodeling Basics**

Eco-friendly smart remodeling means upgrading your home in ways that cut waste and energy use, while using technology to run things more efficiently. The foundation is simple: improve the building first, choose greener materials where they matter, then add smart controls and renewable power that match your routines.

This matters because the smartest gadget cannot fix a drafty room or poor insulation, and “green” finishes do not help if your big energy loads and bills stay the same. With [the smart home market valued at USD 216.3 billion](https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/smart-home-market), options are everywhere, so a few basic principles keep you from buying noise instead of results.

Think of it like a balanced meal: insulation and air sealing are the protein, efficient appliances are the carbs, and smart thermostats are the seasoning that makes it all work better. Solar or a heat pump can be the dessert, but only after the main course is solid. With the basics clear, you can price high-impact upgrades and compare funding with predictable payments.

**Paying for the Work**

Once you know which eco-friendly smart upgrades matter most, the next question is whether you have the upfront cash to pay for them. Ideally, you want to avoid compounding interest from a loan, which can really eat into the return on your home improvement investment. However, for a high-impact project, a home equity loan can help by giving you a lump sum to put toward higher-impact improvements, using your home’s equity as collateral. Because you receive the money all at once, it can be a fit when you’re planning larger purchases and want predictable payments with a fixed rate, so your budget does not swing month to month.

Typical eligibility requirements include having enough equity in your home, solid credit, steady income, and a debt-to-income ratio that meets the lender’s guidelines. To compare current pricing and terms in one place, check [home equity credit rates](https://www.amerisave.com/loan/home-equity-loan). With your financing approach clarified, you’ll be ready to follow a step-by-step roadmap for planning and executing the remodel.

**Sequencing Your Eco-Smart Remodel**

The following roadmap can help you remodel in a clean, logical order so that eco-friendly materials, efficient appliances, and automation work together from day one. For most homeowners, the right sequence prevents expensive rework and avoids “smart” devices that feel like disconnected add-ons:

1. **Map goals, rooms, and a single control plan** **- **Start by listing what you want to improve first: comfort, lower utility bills, indoor air quality, security, or convenience. Then choose one “brain” for the house (a hub or platform) and decide which systems should connect to it, since [smart home systems](https://www.anthonyslabaughremodeling.com/the-ultimate-whole-home-remodeling-checklist-for-the-discerning-homeowner) work best when planned as one ecosystem.
2. **Upgrade the home shell before adding tech** - Prioritize insulation, air sealing, efficient windows, and low-VOC finishes so your home needs less heating and cooling in the first place. Doing this early reduces the size and runtime demands on HVAC and makes every smart setting more effective.
3. **Rough-in wiring, network, and sensor locations** -** **Confirm where you want outlets, dedicated circuits, Ethernet or conduit, and placement for thermostats, leak sensors, and smart switches. This “behind-the-walls” period is the best time to be future-proof, so you are not cutting into fresh tile or drywall later.
4. **Install energy-efficient appliances and core mechanicals** -** **Choose appliances and equipment that match your improved home shell, then verify they can connect to your chosen platform and that installers understand any connectivity requirements. For example, heat pumps for heating and cooling of air and water, and induction and convection for cooking. The growth of the energy-efficient technologies market, reaching [$200 billion in 2025](https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/residential-energy-efficient-technologies-market), reflects how common these upgrades have become, so ask for models with proven efficiency and dependable support.
5. **Layer in automation scenes and test integration room by room** -** **Set up simple routines like “Away,” “Sleep,” and “Morning” that combine lighting, temperature, and security, then test each room for a full week. Adjust one variable at a time so you can spot what is causing issues, and document device names and settings for easy troubleshooting.

**Eco-Friendly Smart Remodel Q&A**

**Q: What eco-friendly smart upgrades give the best payback?**
**A:** Start with comfort and efficiency basics: insulation, air sealing, and a smart thermostat that can actually control your HVAC well. Then add high-impact controls like smart switches and leak sensors to prevent costly damage.

**Q: How do I decide what’s worth the cost without overbuilding?**
**A:** Do a simple [cost-benefit analysis](https://redleafwi.com/visual-checklist-home-you-wont-outgrow/) for each upgrade: upfront cost, expected utility savings, maintenance, and comfort benefits. Rank projects by “impact per dollar” and start with the top two or three. This keeps your plan realistic even if your budget changes midstream.

**Q: When should I install smart devices during a remodel?**
**A:** Install anything that requires wiring or in-wall boxes before paint and final finishes. Save plug-in devices, cameras, and voice assistants for the end so you are not protecting gadgets during dusty work. A quick dry-run with temporary power can confirm coverage and placement.

**Q: Can I mix brands, or should everything match one ecosystem?**
**A:** You can mix brands, but pick one main platform and confirm each device integrates cleanly before you buy. Look for local control options and solid app reviews, not just feature lists. Keep receipts until everything stays connected for at least a week.

**Q: How do I keep an eco-friendly remodel from hurting indoor air quality?**
**A:** Choose low-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives, and ask installers for product data sheets before work starts. Run ventilation during and after installation, and swap HVAC filters when dust-heavy phases end. If you are sensitive to odors, schedule “cure time” before moving furniture back in.

**Take a Step-by-Step Approach**

Eco-friendly smart remodeling can feel overwhelming when budgets, timelines, and tech choices all compete for attention. The best path is to start small, stay consistent, and let savings guide the next upgrade. Pick your first two upgrades and schedule the first install or DIY session, then treat that momentum as your next steps for smart home transformation. That kind of steady progress builds a healthier, more resilient home you can rely on.


Eco-Smart Home Remodeling 101

In the world's hottest cities, where summers are brutal and reliable air conditioning isn't a given, the heat at home has become hard to escape. The sun no longer just passes through; it lingers in the glass, the walls, and the spaces between rooms. The air turns heavy and warm, and by noon the thermostat reads what feels like unbearable heat.

In these parts of the world, the question is no longer about the weather outside, but how much of it is being trapped inside. Much of this is driven by the Urban Heat Island Effect, which can raise local temperatures by 5 to 10°C above surrounding areas, especially during heat waves ([UNEP's Global Cooling Watch Report, 2025](https://www.unep.org/resources/global-cooling-watch-2025)). As the planet continues to warm because of burning oil and gas, it becomes an issue that more of us have to face.

**Rising Heat Waves**

Heat waves, as we already know, are becoming a more severe natural hazard. For over a decade, there have been approximately 489,000 deaths every year due to heat stress alone, according to the World Health Organisation. Health-related costs are projected to reach around USD 2–4 billion by 2030.

Rising heat reflects failures to mitigate climate change, making adaptation increasingly unavoidable. For many people, that means relying on air conditioners to keep homes cool. As a result, the number of installed air conditioners could triple by 2050, leading to emissions of 7.2 billion tonnes CO₂e, even with energy-efficiency improvements and refrigerant phase-down policies. But many households worldwide cannot afford or obtain air conditioners. The real challenge, then, is how to adapt to the unbearable heat at home while protecting both livelihoods and the environment.

The answer may lie in sustainable solutions such as passive cooling strategies.  The strategies include changing the building orientation, shading, window sizing, and natural ventilation.

**Building Codes**

Building energy codes help ensure that passive cooling elements are built into structures from the start. These measures include optimized building orientation, double glazing, external shading, and cool roofs.

Pakistan and Kenya have revised their building energy codes, introduced mandatory energy-efficiency measures and emphasized passive cooling (Global Cooling Watch Report, 2025). In fact, optimizing the building envelope and orientation alone can yield energy savings of up to **37%** and reduce energy needs by up to **4.5%** (World Bank, 2025).

Simple things like planting trees and requiring them with new construction also reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect. Trees provide shade, cool the air, and help absorb heat that would otherwise build up on streets, sidewalks, and buildings. When neighborhoods have more trees and green spaces, they can feel cooler and more comfortable, especially during hot days.

**Windows**

Upgrading windows—for example, switching from single glazing to double glazing, can cut GHG emissions by 0.07 tCO₂e per m² per year, while improving thermal comfort (Project Drawdown analysis).

**Cool and Green Roofs**

**_Cool Roofs_**
Using highly reflective roof colours, such as white or other light shades, can reduce roof surface temperatures. This can also lead to energy savings of 15% for newly constructed buildings (Santamouris et al., 2022). In Ahmedabad, India, a cooling plan helped 7,000 low-income households paint their roofs white (UNEP, 2024). California’s updated building code in 2023 also mandated cool roofs for new buildings to reduce heat-island effects.

**_Green Roofs_**
Green roofs and green walls can cool buildings while sequestering carbon through photosynthesis, and they can reduce surface temperatures by about **3°C** (Wong et al., 2021).

Other passive cooling measures include building shading, optimized window sizing, and the use of water bodies. For example, the Cheonggyecheon Stream in South Korea has reduced surrounding temperatures by 3–5°C, according to the [World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/).

**Energy Efficient Solutions**

**_Heat Pump_**
Heat pumps cool efficiently by moving heat rather than “burning” fuels, which can reduce emissions from fossil-based heating and refrigeration. Many countries are already incentivizing heat pumps; for example, the UK aims to install **600,000 heat pumps by 2028** (Zahiri & Gupta, 2023). Canada’s adaptation plans also recommend heat pumps to reduce heat-wave morbidity, according to the [Canadian Climate Institute](https://climateinstitute.ca/).

**_Hybrid Cooling_**
Another energy-saving approach is combining ceiling fans with an AC set at an optimal temperature. In Singapore, using a ceiling fan and setting the AC temperature to 26°C led to 32% energy savings while improving thermal comfort (Kent et al., 2023).

**Changing Habits to Beat the Heat**

To beat the heat, start with habits you can control at home. Open windows strategically to create cross-ventilation and reduce reliance on AC. During the hottest hours (around noon), use blinds to reduce solar heat gain. Add simple, natural support like aloe vera to improve comfort. With hybrid cooling, overall energy consumption can drop by 30% (IEA, 2025), and passive cooling can reduce AC load by up to 80%.


Beating the Heat In Our Homes

For busy professionals who live on a phone and laptop, the convenience of everyday digital behaviors can hide a substantial digital carbon footprint. The environmental impact of technology is not limited to buying a device; it also comes from the energy consumption of devices and the behind-the-scenes systems powering routine clicks, storage, and streaming. With mindful digital habits, however, everyday tech use can remain convenient while becoming noticeably lighter on the planet.

**What a Digital Carbon Footprint Really Means**

A digital carbon footprint is the greenhouse gas pollution linked to your online activity and the tech that supports it. The [digital carbon footprint](https://giki.earth/what-is-your-digital-carbon-footprint-and-how-can-you-reduce-it/) includes data centers storing your files, the networks moving your data, the electricity your devices use, and the emissions tied to making and disposing of hardware. While some of the electricity used to power those things comes from clean sources, like solar and wind, many electrical grids still rely on burning oil and gas.

This matters because small choices add up when they happen dozens of times a day. Once you know where emissions come from, you can cut impact without giving up the tools you rely on for work and life.

Think of your digital life like a leaky faucet: each email attachment saved, autoplay video, or extra backup trickles energy use. Streaming in high resolution, keeping thousands of old photos in the cloud, and leaving devices on all day can quietly increase demand across the internet infrastructure. This is not to say you need to cut out all of these things, but consider making intentional choices and not causing unnecessary pollution.

**Run a Quick Digital Audit and Cut Energy Use Fast**

A quick audit is the fastest way to find the few digital habits that quietly drive most of your energy use. You can adjust device settings, clean up unnecessary data, and choose lighter software defaults that work at home and at work.

1. **List your daily digital touchpoints** - Start by [thinking about all the digital tools](https://focuskeeper.co/glossary/what-is-digital-habits-audit) you use in a typical day: streaming, video calls, cloud storage, email, social media, gaming, smart devices, and work apps. Next to each, jot down how long you use it and where it runs (phone, laptop, smart TV, work computer). This gives you a clear map of what to optimize instead of guessing.
2. **Flip on the biggest built-in energy savers** - Turn on power-saving mode on phones and laptops, and set screens to dim sooner and sleep faster after inactivity. On desktops and monitors, enable sleep after 5 to 15 minutes and shut down at the end of the day, since always-on devices draw power even when you are not using them. These changes cut waste without changing what you do online.
3. **Shrink streaming and meeting data by default** - Set streaming services to “Data Saver” or standard definition for everyday viewing, and only switch to HD or 4K when you truly care about the details. In video meetings, try audio-only for routine check-ins or turn off your camera when you are not presenting, and avoid unnecessary screen sharing. Less data moved and processed means less demand on networks and back-end infrastructure.
4. **Declutter cloud files and inboxes with a simple rule - **Delete duplicates, blurry screenshots, and old downloads, then empty “Recently Deleted” folders so the cleanup sticks. Keep one trusted backup location instead of three overlapping ones, and unsubscribe from newsletters you never read to slow future inbox growth. This matters because [4.4% of total U.S. electricity](https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-releases-new-report-evaluating-increase-electricity-demand-data-centers) went to data centers in 2023, so reducing unnecessary storage and transfers has a real impact.
5. **Choose greener defaults in the apps you keep** - Prefer lightweight apps, use a single browser with tab limits, and remove extensions that run in the background. Turn off autoplay where possible, pause automatic cloud sync for folders that do not need it, and disable app background refresh on mobile. You will keep the tools you need while lowering always-on activity.

**Habits That Keep Your Digital Footprint Low**

Small tweaks only matter if they stick. These habits turn one-time settings and cleanup into a steady, low-effort rhythm you can follow confidently, even on busy weeks.

Two-Minute Power Down

- **What it is:** Shut down computers, monitors, and consoles fully when you’re done.
- **How often:** Daily
- **Why it helps:** It cuts idle electricity draw that adds up overnight.

Streaming Quality Check

- **What it is:** Watch in SD by default and switch to HD only for special shows.
- **How often:** Daily
- **Why it helps:** Lower data transfer reduces network and data center workload.

Camera-Optional Meetings

- **What it is:** Use audio-only for routine calls and enable video only when needed.
- **How often:** Per meeting
- **Why it helps:** It reduces unnecessary video processing and upload traffic.

Weekly Digital Declutter

- **What it is:** Do [digital decluttering](https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/the-impact-of-digital-decluttering-on-mental-health-and-tech-performance/46663753) by deleting junk files, old screenshots, and unused apps.
- **How often:** Weekly
- **Why it helps:** Less stored clutter means fewer background syncs and backups.

**Quick Answers on Cutting Digital Emissions**

**Q: What are the most effective digital habits I can adopt to reduce my carbon footprint at home and at work?**

**A:** Start with the biggest repeat offenders: turning devices fully off when idle, reducing video streaming quality by default, and limiting video calls to when they add value. Add a short weekly cleanup of downloads, duplicates, and unused apps to cut syncing and backups. Consistency beats intensity, so pick one habit for seven days, then add the next.

**Q: How can I audit my current digital behaviors to identify areas where I can minimize energy use and data storage?**

**A:** Do a 15 minute “digital receipt check”: look at your screen time, top streaming apps, and cloud storage breakdown (photos, videos, backups). Then identify your top three actions by frequency and data use, and choose one change for each (lower quality, fewer auto uploads, fewer always on devices). Keep a simple note so you can see progress without guessing.

**Q: What software choices and energy-saving settings have the greatest impact on lowering my environmental footprint?**

**A:** Prioritize settings that reduce always on work: enable sleep and display off timers, use dark mode on OLED screens, and turn off auto play in video apps. Choose software defaults that limit background syncing, high resolution uploads, and constant notifications. If you work in tech, these defaults are worth treating as part of the job, since the digital sector represents between 3 and 4% of [global greenhouse gas emissions](https://www.carbone4.com/en/article-digital-cloud-hidden-emissions).

**Q: What are responsible ways to dispose of or recycle old digital devices to prevent e-waste pollution?**

**A:** First, extend life where you can: repair, replace batteries, or repurpose devices for a single job like music or alarms. If you are done with it, wipe data, remove accounts, and donate if it still works. Otherwise, use certified e-waste drop offs or retailer take back programs, and avoid disposing of electronics with household waste.

**Q: If I feel overwhelmed by technology and want to deepen my understanding of sustainable digital practices, how can I best gain the knowledge and skills to create lasting changes?**

**A:** Keep your efforts structured and bite-sized: choose one topic (device settings, cloud storage hygiene, or streaming and meetings) and practice for a week. Look for flexible courses or guides that include checklists, real-life scenarios, and a way to measure results so you feel in control. Since the [tech industry accounts for 7% of global emissions](https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/technology-environmental-impact), building steady skills is a practical form of climate action.

**Turn Everyday Digital Habits Into a Smaller Carbon Footprint**

Digital life is convenient, but it’s easy to stream, store, and scroll on autopilot without noticing the emissions behind it. The workable fix is a mindful, habit-based approach: small choices paired with a quick personal environmental impact reflection so effort stays focused. With a clear commitment to digital eco-friendly changes, daily tech use becomes lighter, more intentional, and easier to sustain over time. That’s how long-term mindful technology use becomes sustained digital behavior modification that supports a steadier, more resilient future.

**Also see:** [5 Easy Tips to Start Working and Living More Sustainably](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/5-easy-tips-to-start-working-and-living-more-sustainably/)


Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint with Easy Changes

Let’s be honest: Somewhere in your fridge right now, there is a container of something you cooked with the best intentions and never quite got around to eating. A bag of wilted spinach, limp carrots, or half a piece of lemon that has seen better days. You bought it all with good intentions, but the planet pays the price in carbon and resources that went into growing and transporting it.

Food waste is an under-discussed climate villain. It clearly hides in plain sight: in our kitchens, our waste bins, and sometimes in our mild sense of guilt. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global food waste generates more greenhouse gas emissions than any country in the world except for China and the United States. 

The good news is we can all fix this problem immediately with just a pen, paper, and an added sense of will. Plus it saves money along the way.

**Step One: Get Brutally Honest with Your Shopping Habits**

Most food waste does not really start in the trash. It starts when we are at the supermarket aisle or at the edge of the local vendor’s cart, when delusional optimism briefly overtakes reality. Meal planning, even loosely scribbled on a paper napkin, has been shown to cut down household food waste by up to 25%. Before you shop, open your fridge or pantry, look inside, and write a list based on what you actually need and what needs to be finished first.

A few tips before you head to the market:

1. Move older items to the front of the fridge, and place newer groceries toward the back
2. Designate one weeknight as the Mystery Basket Challenge: cook whatever’s inside your pantry, no grocery runs allowed.
3. Freeze before you waste – Bananas, Breads, Herbs, Citrus fruit, leftover meals freeze surprisingly well.
4. Vegetable scraps make excellent stock. Blend and freeze them in cubes and drop one into your soups/ curries.

**Step Two: Store Food the Right Way**

Storing food the wrong way is one of the quietest and costliest mistakes in any kitchen. Your fridge has microclimates that you can use to your advantage. The door and top shelves run warmest; the bottom and back of the fridge run the coldest. Condiments are door items, whereas meat and fish need the coldest temperatures, which means the bottom shelf, pushed toward the back. Fruits and vegetables belong in the crisper drawers, where humidity is controlled. 

A simple additional habit helps, too: Buy whole fruits and vegetables to avoid unnecessary plastic packaging and extend their shelf life.

**Step 3: Respect the ‘Best Before’, Don’t Worship It**

“Best Before” dates are about quality, not food safety. They are often conservative estimates designed to ensure consumers experience the product at its best taste and texture. That yogurt that’s three days past its label? If it smells fine, it probably is fine. We’ve outsourced our senses to a printed date and it’s costing us billions of tonnes of perfectly edible food every year. Your nose is older and wiser than the label.

**Step 4: Sustainable Swaps**

A climate-friendly kitchen also requires a few quiet swaps around the kitchen that can eliminate an embarrassing amount of daily waste that gets tossed in the garbage. Find alternatives to using paper towels, such as using a stack of rag cloth cut in squares or washable cloth napkins. Beeswax wraps and silicone lids can replace plastic wrap. Replacing plastic containers with glass jars or steel containers not only reduces waste but also avoids microplastic exposure while keeping the food genuinely fresh. Don’t throw away the pasta sauce glass bottles – they are free storage.

**Step 5: Energy and Cleaning Hacks**

Sustainability in the kitchen is also about how the entire operation runs. 
The lemon you just juiced? Toss it into a jar of white vinegar, leave it for two weeks, strain it, and dilute it with water in a 1:2 ratio. You now have an effective all-purpose kitchen cleaner at almost zero cost.

Match your pot to your burner - a large pot on a small flame is not cooking faster. Put on a lid while cooking. Trapped heat uses less energy, less time, and better results. 

Finally, compost your kitchen scrap. Not everyone has a garden, but countertop composters and municipal compost programs are increasingly available. When organic matter breaks down in a landfill, it generates methane (a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than CO2 (also see “[Let’s Pay More Attention to Methane](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/let-s-pay-more-attention-to-methane/)”). In a compost pile, however, it becomes nutrient-rich soil instead. Same waste, radically different outcomes. 

A climate-friendly kitchen just takes a little more attention with intention, while quietly saving you money along the way.

For more on sustainable eating, see the “Food” section of this Earth Hero article: [30 Easy Ways to Kickoff a Sustainable Lifestyle](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/30-easy-ways-to-kickoff-a-sustainable-lifestyle/)


The Climate-Friendly Kitchen

​The climate crisis is sometimes framed as a sudden catastrophe, a freak accident of history that caught humanity off guard. However, a more holistic view reveals a different truth: climate change is the cumulative result of decades of intentional decisions. It is the physical manifestation of a global civilization that, for over a century, has prioritized speed, scale, and convenience above all else.

From the way we produce our food to the fast-fashion cycles that clog our landfills, our modern systems are built on a philosophy of constant, carbon-intensive growth. This has led us to a polarizing crossroads: must we retreat into the past to save the planet, or continue our reckless sprint toward a precarious future?

​Between these two extremes lies a potential "third path" - one that does not demand a regression to pre-industrial living, but instead calls for a radical redefinition of progress. By leveraging the very technology that helped create this crisis, we can ride the natural and economic cycles of our society toward a more balanced and sustainable existence (see, for example, “[The Sun is Not Setting on Solar](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/the-sun-is-not-setting-on-solar/)”).

**​The Industrial Legacy and the Digital Solution**

The advanced technological landscape we navigate today is a relatively recent development. Much of the infrastructure of the digital age cloud computing, high-speed automation, and global telecommunications has matured only within the last few decades. While these tools were initially used to accelerate extraction and consumption, they possess an untapped potential to enhance human productivity while simultaneously reducing our ecological footprint.

​One of the most profound opportunities for climate mitigation lies in the normalization of remote and flexible work. For over a century, the "industrial" model of labor dictated that productivity was synonymous with physical presence in a centralized office. This model created the daily commute, a massive driver of global carbon emissions and urban congestion. Today, however, we have proven that physical presence is no longer a prerequisite for meaningful output (see, “[Alternative work arrangements: Individual, organizational and environmental outcomes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023091077)”).

The shift toward a "work from anywhere" model offers a direct pathway to emissions reduction. Every worker who stays home or works from a local hub represents a decrease in fuel consumption and a lower demand for energy-intensive office infrastructure (see “[Remote Work: Making it Work for the Environment](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/remote-work-making-it-work-for-the-environment/)”). Beyond the environmental data, there is a human element: time once squandered in traffic is reclaimed for rest, creativity, and community connection, fundamentally improving the quality of life.

**​The Rise of Generation Z and the New Value System**

​This transition is being accelerated by the shifting values of Generation Z. Unlike previous generations that may have accepted environmental degradation as a necessary trade-off for economic gain, Gen Z is increasingly unwilling to separate their career aspirations from their ethical standards. This cohort prioritizes well-being and demands transparency and accountability from the institutions they work for and buy from. ”[The Vital Role of the Young Generation in the Transformation of Indonesian Agriculture towards a Brighter Future](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v2O8-xQSNSTzLi148WTLAcWvjwNfAucQ/view)”

​As companies adopt distributed work models to attract and retain this talent, we see a ripple effect across urban planning. When employees are no longer tethered to expensive, overcrowded megacities, they gain the freedom to relocate to smaller towns or rural areas. This redistribution of the human population eases the immense pressure on urban energy grids, water systems, and transportation networks, allowing cities to "breathe" and redesign themselves as sustainable hubs rather than congested transit points.

**​Reconnecting with Ecological Cycles**

​The redistribution of labor also facilitates a deeper, more personal reconnection with nature. In the traditional urban sprawl, gardening or local food production was a luxury of space. In a more distributed society, these activities become accessible again. This isn't about a forced return to survivalist farming; it is about a conscious choice to participate in ecological cycles (see “[Building Climate Resilience: Where Function Meets Fun](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/building-climate-resilience-where-function-meets-fun/)”).
​
Modern technology can act as a bridge here. Smart systems, such as integrated waste management and hydroponics, allow households to create closed-loop ecosystems. For example, fish-waste-rich water can nourish plants, which in turn filter the water back for the fish. These technological applications make sustainable living not just possible, but efficient and integrated into a modern lifestyle.

**The Corporate and Economic Imperative**

​From a corporate standpoint, embracing this "third path" is not just an act of charity; it is a sound economic strategy. Remote and distributed models reduce operational overhead, accelerate digital transformation, and foster a culture of trust rather than rigid, top-down control. It humanizes the workforce by focusing on outcomes what is actually achieved rather than the performance of being "busy" in a cubicle.

​Even sectors often criticized for their environmental impact, such as telecommunications and logistics, can be reimagined. A telecommunications sector that invests heavily in remote connectivity enables education and economic opportunity in underserved areas, turning mobility into a tool for real needs rather than a byproduct of inefficient routines.
**​**
**The Canvas of the Future**

​Admittedly, these shifts are not easy. They require more than just the right software; they demand a significant change in political will, corporate coordination, and ethical frameworks. Technology alone is not a "silver bullet" for the climate crisis, but it is a powerful accelerator for better choices.

Young people are often told that they do not yet hold the "levers of power”, they do not sign the treaties or control the multinational supply chains (see “[Urban Evolution: How Jakarta Can Lead Indonesia’s 2045 Vision Through Sustainable Living and Smart Mobility](https://climatecardinal.com/urban-evolution-how-jakarta-can-lead-indonesias-2045-vision-through-sustainable-living-and-smart-mobility/)”) . They are often viewed by policymakers as a "canvas" to be painted upon. However, a canvas is also a space for vision. By redefining what productivity looks like and leveraging technology to rebuild our relationship with the planet, this generation can imagine and implement a future that does not leave the Earth behind.

​Riding the cycle means acknowledging that growth and restraint are not mutually exclusive. True progress does not mean endless expansion into the natural world; it means the smarter use of what we already have and the courage to choose a path of restoration over destruction. The choices we make today, guided by these new tools and values, will determine whether our technological power saves us or hastens our decline. Fragment by fragment, we can move forward without losing the world in the process.


Rethinking Progress: Technology, Remote Work, and a Third Path to Climate Resilience

Climate anxiety (also called eco-anxiety) is the human stress response to climate change: wildfires, floods, heat waves, and the nagging sense that the future feels shakier than it should. The American Psychological Association has described eco-anxiety as a “[chronic fear](https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/eco-anxiety)” about environmental harm, and you do not have to be “overreacting” to feel it. But take heart - you can take your feelings seriously without letting them run your life, and you can take action without burning out.

**If You Only Read One Section…**

Climate anxiety eases when you do two things at the same time: regulate your nervous system and reconnect to agency. Start small and specific (one habit, one conversation, one civic step), and treat consistency as the win. Aim for “enough” action that you feel aligned, [not so much that you collapse](https://mhanational.org/resources/coping-with-climate-anxiety/).

Here’s a small menu of actions that does not require a personality transplant:

- Choose one “repeatable” climate habit (less food waste, talk about climate to others, a home energy tweak) and do it weekly.
- Join a local group once a month (mutual aid, neighborhood resilience, conservation, climate advocacy).
- Call or email an elected official about one specific policy issue you support.
- Move one account you follow from doom to solutions (science communicators, local organizers, clean energy updates).
- Have a “two-sentence” climate conversation with someone you trust: what you are feeling + one thing you are doing.
- Donate (even a small amount) to a high-impact organization.

**Pathways to Action and Relief**

You can start with personal actions like reducing food waste, improving home energy efficiency, or taking fewer flights. These habits reduce your individual footprint while influencing those around you, which helps build personal steadiness through a routine. Moving into the community lane, participating in local tree care, mutual aid, or school initiatives builds shared capacity and local preparedness. This shift is vital for mental health because it converts feelings of isolation into a sense of belonging.

Civic engagement, such as voting, calling representatives, or [signing petitions](https://nationbuilder.com/petition_guide_new+), targets system-level levers. Engaging in these activities is a direct way to turn abstract worry into concrete agency. In your work or skills, you can scale your impact through institutions by pursuing climate-aligned projects or [volunteering your professional expertise](https://getzelos.com/volunteer-opportunities). This makes climate action a part of your identity rather than just a chore. Finally, financial choices like aligning your banking and investments or making targeted donations influence capital flows and incentives. Taking these steps can specifically help reduce the "I’m complicit" spirals that often trigger deeper distress.

**Turning Values Into a Livelihood (Without Greenwashing Yourself)**

One way people channel climate concern is by starting an eco-friendly business: repair services, refill shops, energy audits, climate-smart landscaping, low-waste products, or local logistics that cut emissions. If you go this route, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can have practical upsides, including limited personal liability, potential tax advantages, and flexibility in how you run the business (often with less paperwork than a corporation). Regulations and fees vary by state, so it’s smart to verify your state’s rules before you file, especially around naming, registered agents, and annual reports. The [IRS website](https://www.irsetax.com/ein-apply/) offers info and FAQ’s for getting started.

**Common Questions People Don’t Say Out Loud**

- **Is climate anxiety “normal”? **Yes. Many people report worry about climate change, and it can range from mild background stress to something that affects daily life.
- **How do I know if I need professional support? **If anxiety is disrupting sleep, relationships, work, or you feel stuck in dread most days, it may help to talk with a licensed mental health professional.
- **Does personal lifestyle change matter, or is it all systemic? **Both. Personal choices can reduce emissions and influence social norms, while civic and community actions help change systems.
- **What if taking action makes me feel worse? **That can happen when you take on too much, too fast—or only consume grim information. Pair action with rest and boundaries.

**A Practical Reset You Can Use on a Bad Day**

Below are a few things you can do to address feelings of climate-related anxiety:

- **Name it:** “I’m feeling climate anxiety right now.” ([Labeling helps reduce overwhelm](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-main-causes-of-stress-3145063).)
- **Body first:** Six slow breaths, longer exhale than inhale.
- **Micro-move:** 20 squats, [a short walk](https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a20485587/benefits-from-walking-every-day/), or stretching—anything to discharge tension.
- **Boundary:** Pick a time limit for climate news today (example: 15 minutes).
- **One next step:** Choose one action you can complete in under 10 minutes (email, sign-up, donation, calendar a meeting).
- **Close the loop:** Write down what you did. Proof beats vibes.

**A Resource Worth Bookmarking When You Need Solutions**

If you’re craving clarity on _what actually helps_, Project Drawdown’s solutions database is a solid place to land. The Drawdown Explorer [walks through climate solutions](https://drawdown.org/explorer) across sectors - food, energy, materials, buildings - so your next step can be grounded in evidence instead of vibes. It’s also useful when you’re stuck in “everything is pointless” thinking, because it breaks the crisis into specific levers. You can browse it casually, pick one solution to learn about, and then decide whether to act personally, locally, or politically.

Climate anxiety is painful, but it can also be a signal: you care, you notice, and you want to protect what matters. Start by calming the body, then pick one action that’s small enough to repeat. Let the community carry some of the weight. Over time, the combination of a steadier nervous system + steady agency is what turns dread into direction.


Climate Anxiety: Keeping Calm While Addressing the Problem

The U.S. residential solar industry faces supply chain obstacles and antagonism from the White House, but advocates remain confident that its future is (pardon the pun) bright.

“I think solar is inevitable. It's really a question not of if solar is going to be at the cornerstone of our energy system, but really how quickly will individual families, businesses, communities be able to benefit from it,” said Ben Delman, editorial director for the nongovernmental advocacy organization[ Solar United Neighbors](https://solarunitedneighbors.org/).

Solar panels cost 99% less than they did in the 1970s, [researchers at MIT have found](https://news.mit.edu/2025/surprisingly-diverse-innovations-led-to-dramatically-cheaper-solar-panels-0811). As costs plummeted, installation of electricity-generating photovoltaic (PV) panels rose steadily throughout the 21st century. By 2023, solar energy represented 55% of added electricity-generating capacity in the United States, according to Statista. Just over a quarter of all solar capacity comes from residential systems.

The benefits are multiple, the [U.S. Department of Energy points out](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/benefits-residential-solar-electricity): reduced utility bills, increased home values, and access to an energy source found everywhere.

The Biden administration sought to supercharge renewable energy with the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). That law offered a host of clean energy credit programs, including the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which provided tax credits equal to 30% of the expense for preparation, assembly, or installation of solar panels and other renewable energy technologies.  The IRA also established the $7 billion Solar for All program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which issued 60 grants for states, Indian tribes, municipalities, and other stakeholders to support residential solar installation in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

PV capacity installations in the residential sector rose from 4,200 megawatts in 2021 to 5,900 in 2022 and 6,800 in 2023, [Statista says](https://www.statista.com/statistics/185694/us-residential-annual-pv-installed-capacity-since-2005/). About 7% of homes nationwide have solar electricity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), leaving plenty of runway for further growth.

[But the Trump administration cut off the Residential Clean Energy Credit program at the close of 2025](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/clock-ticking-for-ev-clean-energy-tax-credits/), nearly a decade before it was originally scheduled to expire. The EPA also announced its intention to claw back the Solar for All grants, a move being contested in federal court by a coalition of states and the District of Columbia.

The Trump administration’s well-recognized antipathy to clean energy is not the only obstacle facing the solar industry. Even as would-be residential users rushed to install systems on their homes before the tax credits disappeared, they (among other stakeholders) faced solar panel shortages that are expected to continue through 2026, SEIA said in its[ fourth-quarter 2025 solar market report](https://seia.org/research-resources/solar-market-insight-report-q4-2025/). Still, “low costs, faster permitting and broad social acceptance are set to continue to drive the accelerating adoption of solar PV,” the industry trade organization. added “As a result, capacity is set to more than double between 2025 and 2030 compared with the 2019 to 2024 period.”

Delman does not dismiss the challenges coming from Washington, D.C., and beyond but emphasizes that is not the entire story when it comes to promoting solar.

“If you look at energy policy writ large, so much of it is made at the state and local level. And I think there's a real opportunity for solar supporters to make their voices heard in state houses, at local county commission meetings, as a way to protect and grow opportunities for solar energy,” he said.

Supporting permitting properties for solar use is one avenue, Delman stated: “What can we do to speed up the permitting approval process, the interconnection process, the process by which you get your utility to give the thumbs up to let you turn your system on.”

Individuals and communities can also monitor how their local utilities are managing net metering - the practice of providing credits to a customer’s bill for electricity they provide to the grid through renewable energy installations. He noted a proposal from Dominion Energy in Virginia that would decrease net metering customers’ compensation and add fees. “No matter where you live, there's probably some way that you can take part in fighting for more solar energy,” Delman said.

Consumer education is another important element, he noted. Solar United Neighbors offers a [help desk](https://solarunitedneighbors.org/help-desk/) to answer questions from prospective or current system owners as part of its mission to advance renewable energy, with a focus on rooftop solar. The organization also offers a service through which it will review up to three proposals a consumer receives for an installation to help the prospective owner get the best deal.

“One of the things that we see over and over is that when people share their story and tell their neighbors, tell their friends, hey, I went solar and I did good in solar, I'm saving money, I'm really glad I did this,” Delman said. “That sort of word of mouth I think is really valuable because just having that kind of personal recommendation from somebody you trust is worth its weight in gold.”

Here are some additional resources for residential consumers considering solar power:

- [Solar Energy Industries Association](https://seia.org/research-resources/residential-consumer-guide/)
- [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-solar)
- [EnergySage](https://www.energysage.com/solar/)
- [Center for Sustainable Energy](https://energycenter.org/thought-leadership/blog/solar-energy-adoption-information-homeowners-and-small-businesses)

Earth Hero also offers dozens of actions that energy-minded individuals and communities can take to reduce their greenhouse gas output. You can find them [here](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy/). 


The Sun is Not Setting on Solar

Artificial intelligence is arguably one of the most powerful tools humans have ever built. It can spot methane leaks from space, predict deadly storms, and help governments respond faster to climate threats. But the same technology promising to protect the planet is also applying more pressure on our environment.

Described in a [2024 Forbes report](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/10/31/why-artificial-superintelligence-could-be-humanitys-final-invention/) as “the genius that never sleeps”, AI processes information at digital speed and solves many complex problems far faster than humans. Its rise marks a major technological inflection point, reshaping fields from healthcare and finance to environmental protection. Studies show AI can support climate action, environmental monitoring, and sustainability planning in ways never before possible. Yet as its influence grows, so do the environmental costs behind the scenes, creating a tension between AI’s promise and its footprint.

**AI as a Tool for Environmental Protection**

One of the most convincing uses of AI in environmental governance can be found in initiatives led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP supports the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), a global platform that uses AI to monitor methane emissions and help in their reduction. According to a 2022 report by UNEP, IMEO’s technology allows for the integration of diverse methane data streams at an unprecedented level of accuracy. By leveraging AI, the platform connects data with science, transparency, and policy, enabling governments and stakeholders to make data-driven decisions, significantly strengthening global climate action.

Another UNEP co-founded initiative, developed in partnership with IQAir, is the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) Air Pollution Platform, the world’s largest air quality information network. IQAir aggregates data from over 25,000 monitoring stations across more than 140 countries and applies AI to analyze real-time air quality trends (see [how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges)). These initiatives help governments and health agencies design effective air pollution and public health protection measures.

Going beyond emissions and air quality, AI has also transformed hazard prediction and disaster preparedness. According to a 2018 research report by Columbia Climate School, AI systems can identify tropical cyclones, atmospheric rivers, and weather fronts with 89–99 percent accuracy, phenomena that are often difficult for humans to detect in time (see [artificial-intelligence-climate-environment/](https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2018/06/05/artificial-intelligence-climate-environment/)). This improved forecasting helps reduce loss of life, strengthen emergency response, and improve climate resilience.

AI also supports ecosystem and wildlife monitoring. Its rapid processing capacity enables near real-time satellite analysis to detect illegal logging, monitor biodiversity loss, assess water quality, detect underground leaks in water systems, and predict infrastructure maintenance needs. In disaster management, AI can simulate extreme weather events, identify vulnerabilities, and coordinate real-time response efforts.

Given all these applications, AI is increasingly viewed as a solution to many human and environmental problems. However, this optimistic narrative tells only half the story.

**The Hidden Environmental Cost of AI**

Building a world powered by AI requires enormous physical infrastructure, data centers, servers, cooling systems, and vast energy supplies. While AI enables better environmental monitoring, the process of training and deploying AI systems is itself environmentally expensive.

According to a 2025 report by the World Resources Institute, AI systems at scale require vast amounts of electricity and water. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that a typical AI-focused data center consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households, while the largest data centers currently under construction are expected to consume up to 20 times more. In the United States alone, peak electricity demand is projected to rise by 128 gigawatts by 2029, largely driven by AI-related data centers (see [insights/ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet](https://www.wri.org/insights/ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet)).

This surge in energy demand directly translates into higher greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in regions still dependent on fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal). At the same time, water-intensive cooling systems place additional pressure on already stressed water supplies, especially in drought-prone areas. Rising electricity prices and water scarcity further burden households that are already struggling to make ends meet.

UN officials have also warned that the broader information and communications technology (ICT) sector accounts for approximately 3–4 percent of global emissions, with data centres being major contributors (see [ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet](https://www.wri.org/insights/ai-promise-and-peril-for-planet)). While different initiatives by the UN such as the CODES Action Plan for a Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age, aim to reduce this footprint, the environmental cost of AI still remains substantial.

Another overlooked consequence of AI expansion is electronic waste (e-waste). As AI hardware becomes obsolete, discarded servers, chips, and electronic devices accumulate. According to the UN Global E-waste Monitor, only 17.4 percent of global e-waste is currently recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Alarmingly, global e-waste is projected to reach nearly 75 million metric tonnes by 2030 (see [how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges)). Without effective recycling systems and circular economy strategies, the AI revolution risks accelerating environmental degradation through toxic waste, resource depletion, and pollution.

**So, What Is the Way Forward?**

Every development trajectory comes with trade-offs, and artificial intelligence is no exception. In a world where AI is rapidly becoming the backbone of innovation, the critical question is no longer whether AI can help the environment, but how its benefits can be achieved without worsening environmental harm.

Solar-powered AI is increasingly discussed as a practical way to reduce the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence systems. Instead of relying solely on grid electricity, often generated from fossil fuels, AI infrastructure can be partially or fully powered by on-site or off-site solar energy, particularly for data centres and edge computing systems.

In regions with high solar potential, data centres can integrate large-scale solar farms and rooftop solar installations to offset a significant portion of their electricity demand. While solar power alone may not yet meet the constant, 24-hour energy needs of large AI systems, it can meaningfully reduce dependence on carbon-intensive grids, especially during peak daylight hours.

Also, addressing e-waste requires enforceable producer responsibility. Manufacturers and large AI firms can be required to participate in take-back, refurbishment, and recycling schemes, especially for servers and high-performance computing equipment. Extending hardware lifecycles through reuse will be better for the environment than replacement with new systems.

With the right research, laws, regulations, and energy choices, AI can become part of the climate solution rather than part of the problem.

**Also see:** [Are AI Chatbots Biased on Climate?](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/are-ai-chatbots-biased-on-climate/)


When Artificial Intelligence Meets the Environment

Clothing made of natural fabrics is better for our environment and [human health](https://www.unsustainablemagazine.com/effect-of-fabrics-health-environment/), and does not shed [microplastics](https://earth.org/microplastic-pollution-linked-to-synthetic-fast-fashion/) into local ecosystems when washed. Natural fabrics include cotton, linen, hemp, silk, and wool. These fabrics are biodegradable, renewable, and usually require less chemical processing and energy to produce.

In contrast, fast fashion is normally made with semi-synthetic or synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon. These fabrics are made from fossil fuels and require more energy to produce. They [linger in the environment](https://cottonique.com/blogs/articles/how-long-will-it-take-for-fabrics-to-decompose?srsltid=AfmBOooGk7uwfe2rOT4PdNClTXypWgsJoxmgPjh7Iuscm7Lc6PjiqhOF) for a long time, contributing to plastic pollution and polluting the land and water sources. They also typically do not last very long or are not good quality, so you end up needing to buy more sooner.

**CERTIFICATIONS**

Unfortunately, buying natural fabrics is not enough to fully protect yourself, your family, or the environment. As consumers, we also have to be aware of the chemicals that are used during the production process. Even cotton advertised as organic, although less likely to be saturated with chemicals and [PFAS](https://levinlaw.com/newsroom/10-things-you-about-pfas-in-clothing/), can be dangerous to human and environmental health. 

Shopping for pieces that are certified by reputable organizations that have standards for measuring the safety of textiles and clothing is the best option, but more expensive than clothing that is not regulated. Although this clothing generally lasts longer and protects you, your family, and our environment from chemical exposure, realistically, it needs be thought of as more of an investment, which is a barrier for some. 

Buying with brands that are known to be safe, sustainable, and that avoid chemicals is also not foolproof. Quince, for instance, offers some pieces that are Oeko-Tex certified, while others are not, but they are fully transparent about the certifications of each item. 

There is growing pressure on the fashion industry to remove PFAS from its supply chain to protect environmental and consumer health, but a lot of brands have not fully transitioned to cleaning up their production methods or use of chemicals.

**_Certifications to look for include:_**

- **GOTS certified, specially GOTS 7.0.** [GOTS](https://global-standard.org/the-standard) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for [Organic Fibres ](https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features/organic-fibres)including [Enviromental Criteria](https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features/ecological-and-social-criteria), backed up by [Third-Party Certification](https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features/third-party-certification) of [All Processing Stages](https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features/all-processing-stages). GOTS certified final products may include fibre products, yarns, fabrics, clothes, home textiles, mattresses, personal hygiene products, as well as food contact textiles and more. Check out [Ready to explore GOTS?](https://www.behindtheseams.eco/) for a list of GOTS certified brands.

- **Oeko Tex:** Oeko Tex ensures textiles like clothing, bedding, furniture, and other items are free from harmful substances. They aim to regulate chemicals that endanger human health, enforce fair working conditions, and protect the environment. Check out [OEKO-TEX® Directory](https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/oeko-tex-directory) to find companies that are oeko-tex certified.

- [OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100](https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100) 
- [OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON](https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-organic-cotton)
- [OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD](https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-leather-standard)
- [OEKO-TEX® STeP](https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-step)
- [OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT](https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-eco-passport)
- [OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS](https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-responsible-business)

- **Organic Content Standard**. [OCS](https://textileexchange.org/organic-content-standard/) works to make sure that companies produce textiles in ways that support planetary health. OCS does not ensure that clothing is free from toxic chemicals, including PFAS.

Check out [Spot eco-friendly clothing: Certified Fashion](https://ttps//www.considerate-consumer.com/certified-fashion) and [Understanding Europe's Sustainability Certifications for Fashion Brands](https://recovo.co/en/blog/article/europe-fashion-certifications) to learn more about identifying clothing and textiles that protect human health, the environment, and animal welfare. Europe, in general, is more strict about regulating clothing and textile safety than the states.

**TYPES OF FABRICS**

**Synthetic Fabrics**
_Synthetic fabrics are created from chemical compounds, often derived from petroleum, coal, or natural gas._

**_Nylon_** is a synthetic, man-made fabric sourced from petrochemicals or crude oil extracts. 

**_Polyester_** is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based chemicals. Its name is shortened to represent a synthetic man-made polymer and is commonly known as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

**_Spandex (Lyrca)_** is a synthetic fabric made from a combination of[ polyester and polyurethane](https://pubsapp.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/7707scitek4.html).

**Semi-Synthetic Fabrics**
_Semi-synthetic fibers are derived from renewable materials found in nature, the most common being wood pulp, that are chemically dissolved and then regenerated._

**_Rayon_** is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood and related agricultural products.

**_Modal_** is a semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp.

**_Lyocell_** is a semi-synthetic fabric primarily made from wood pulp, specifically the cellulose within the wood. 

**Natural Fabrics**
_Natural fibers are raw materials obtained from plants, animals, or minerals that can be used to create fabrics, textiles, and other materials._
**[Cotton](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cotton) **is a natural fabric made from a carbohydrate called cellulose.  

**_Wool_** is made from the fleece of animals, primarily sheep, and composed of the protein keratin.

**_Silk_** mainly consists of fibroin, a protein that certain types of insect larvae secrete to make cocoons.

**_Hemp_** is made from the stem of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.), a cannabis species.

**_Linen_** is made from the fibers of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum).

_Here’s a comprehensive list of [natural fibers](https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2021/12/20-natural-fibres-which-tops-list.html)._ 

**Where to buy natural clothing**

These stores sell 100% natural clothing, but be sure to check the label on each piece. Some items are a mix of natural and synthetic fibers and they may or may not be certified. I recently began shopping online for clothing made in Europe because the EU has stricter regulations on clothing and textiles. I try to buy sale items to save money.

**New Clothes**
- [Quince](https://www.quince.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopq6Ov6GVDGtIBhwbeqmeEyxEvuqOooCEQGHAyNbpIIPmFELaAI)
- [Pact](https://wearpact.com/)
- [MATE the Label](https://matethelabel.com/?srsltid=AfmBOore9EOH31-ecGxgCxTK6ZiYiEtO4cZYAz6KLLTfcP8iwIIbC4Kc)
- [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/) 
- and [many more](https://www.behindtheseams.eco/)

**Second-Hand Online**
- [ThredUp](https://www.thredup.com/women/tops?department_tags=women&category_tags=tops&referral_code=adwords_pla&iv_=__iv_p_1_a_22134616771_g__c__w__n_x_d_c_v__l__t__r__x__y__f__o__z__i__j__s__e__h_1018095_ii__gg_6546625483_vi__&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22134632821&gbraid=0AAAAADCdW5As-dXJFbyie2xyjSKNNgMfi&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-8ukpb2ojQMVlDIIBR0Y-B9QEAAYASAAEgJSXfD_BwE)
- [Poshmark](https://poshmark.com/)
- [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/)
- [Depop](https://www.depop.com/)
- [Patagonia Worn Wear](https://wornwear.patagonia.com/)
- [Swap](https://swap.com/)
- [The RealReal](https://www.therealreal.com/)

**More Reading & Resources**
Plastic Soup Foundation, [Do clothes make us sick?](https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/rapporten/Do-clothes-make-us-sick-Fashion-fibers-and-human-health-PSF2022-1.pdf)
Earth.org, [Microplastic Pollution Linked to Synthetic Fast Fashion](https://earth.org/microplastic-pollution-linked-to-synthetic-fast-fashion/)
Ecocult, [Beyond Organic: Brands That Use Traceable Cotton and Support Regenerative Cotton Farmers](https://ecocult.com/brands-traceable-organic-regenerative-sustainable-cotton/)
[Environmental Working Group](https://www.ewg.org/withoutintentionallyaddedpfaspfc)
[Good on You](https://goodonyou.eco/most-ethical-and-sustainable-clothing-brands-from-us/)

_Published originally on <a href="https://www.becomeaclimateactivist.org/all-posts/sustainable-clothes" target="\_blank">Act on Climate Change</a>_


Sustainable Clothing

Remote work may be reshaping what your personal “footprint” looks like day to day, mostly by changing _where_ energy gets used and _how much_ you travel. The biggest environmental shift is obvious: fewer commutes. But the full equation is more personal than people expect, because some impacts drop while others simply move from office buildings to your home. So if you work remotely, or are considering working from home, some of the impact will depend on you.

**The Current State of Remote Work** 

While remote work has stabilized since the height of the pandemic, it remains significantly higher than pre-2020 levels. As of late 2025, approximately 22% of the U.S. workforce is remote, a nearly fourfold increase from the 6.5% seen before the pandemic.

The landscape has shifted toward a "hybrid" norm:

- **Hybrid is Dominant:** Roughly 52% of remote-capable employees now work in a hybrid arrangement.
- **Exclusively Remote:** This has declined from a peak of 70% in May 2020 to about 26% today.
- **Employee Preference:** Despite "return-to-office" (RTO) pushes from some CEOs, 98% of employees recommend remote work, and 60% of remote-capable workers prefer a hybrid model.

**The Big Tradeoff: Less Commuting, More “Home-Based” Energy**

When you work from home, you often cut transportation emissions because you’re driving less (or not at all). At the same time, your home may use more energy during the day—heating or cooling a space, running lights, powering devices, and keeping everything comfortable for longer hours.

So the environmental impact depends on your specific situation:
- How far you used to commute
- What [kind of transportation](https://macfoxbike.com/blogs/news/commute-without-car) you used
- How energy-efficient your home is
- How your remote routine affects errands and travel

**What Remote Work Can Reduce for an Individual**

Here are the places many people see a clear environmental upside:
- **Commuting emissions:** [fewer miles driven](https://smartasset.com/mortgage/what-will-my-commute-be) and less daily traffic time
- **Office-related energy (indirectly):** fewer days relying on office lighting, HVAC, and shared building operations for your daily work
- **Business travel:** more meetings handled virtually rather than through higher-impact travel

**What Remote Work Can Increase (If You’re Not Intentional)**

Remote work isn’t automatically “greener.” A few rebound effects can creep in:
- **Higher [home energy use](https://www.arcadia.com/blog/the-hidden-energy-costs-of-working-from-home):** especially in extreme weather seasons
- **More non-work driving:** replacing commute miles with extra trips throughout the day
- **Always-on device use:** more hours with screens, chargers, and equipment running

**Learning for Remote-Friendly Work While Staying Sustainable**

Online learning can help you build skills for remote or hybrid work without the extra commuting and campus time of in-person programs. It’s also a practical fit when you want career momentum with a more efficient routine.
One field that is growing in the remote arena is healthcare. It's important to review [healthcare degree programs](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-healthcare-degrees.html) to determine if this would fit your personal goals. Many roles now include remote or hybrid elements, and the work can directly support individuals and families. 

Online learning:
- Builds remote-friendly skills on a flexible schedule
- Cuts [commute time](https://www.futuretracker.com/whats-your-commuting-carbon-footprint) (and related emissions)
- Supports healthcare paths with meaningful impact

**Key Environmental Levers You Control**

- **Commute Miles**
    - _Why it matters:_ Often the single biggest swing factor in your personal footprint.
    - _Practical move:_ Keep your “no commute” days truly car-light by bundling all your errands into a single trip.
- **Home Heating and Cooling**
    - _Why it matters:_ High energy use at home can erase part of the environmental benefit of not commuting.
    - _Practical move:_ Close off unused rooms, adjust your thermostat slightly, and use fans strategically to stay comfortable.
- **Work Setup**
    - _Why it matters:_ Personal devices and peripherals draw power constantly throughout the day.
    - _Practical move:_ Use energy-saving sleep settings and completely shut down equipment when it’s not in use.
- **Virtual Meetings**
    - _Why it matters:_ Continuous high-definition [video adds an unnecessary load](https://greenspector.com/en/videoconferencing-apps-2022/) to data centers and network energy.
    - _Practical move:_ Switch to audio-only when you don’t strictly need the visuals for the discussion.
- **Daily Errands**
    - _Why it matters:_ Frequent small trips in the car multiply fast and increase local emissions.
    - _Practical move:_ Set 1–2 specific errand days per week instead of making daily "pop-out" trips.

**A Simple “Greener Remote Work” Routine**

If you want the benefits without overthinking it, [start here](https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/company-guide/work-from-home-10-tips-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint):

- **Bundle trips:** treat errands like a route, not random pop-outs
- **Right-size comfort:** a small thermostat tweak and closing doors makes a difference
- **Power down:** unplug idle chargers and reduce “always-on” devices
- **Use video intentionally:** save it for calls where it helps
- **Choose walking breaks when possible:** it reduces short car trips and clears your head

**The Bottom Line**

Remote work changes your environmental impact by shifting the “center of gravity” from commuting and office life to home energy and local habits. For many people, the biggest win comes from fewer car miles. If you want the benefits to stick, focus on the basics: keep trips efficient, manage home energy thoughtfully, and build a routine you can maintain without making life feel restrictive.


Remote Work: Making it Work for the Environment

Throwing a party doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. With a little planning and creativity, you can host a celebration that’s joyful, stylish, and sustainable without feeling like you’re giving anything up. The key is to focus on small, intentional choices that reduce waste while keeping the fun alive.

**Sustainable vs. Conventional Party Practices**

The idea that “eco-friendly” equals “austere” couldn’t be further from the truth. Sustainable parties thrive on creativity. Think of it this way: you’re designing an experience that celebrates both people and the planet. Consider ideas like [swapping disposable decorations](https://lilymuffins.com/blog-2020-4-easy-eco-friendly-party-swaps-for-an-eco-concious-celebration/) for natural ones, like fresh herbs, leaves, or wildflowers in reusable jars. Ditch plastic cups and borrow or rent real glassware instead. This small mindset shift transforms your event from routine to remarkable. Guests often remember the thoughtful, earthy vibe long after the lights go out.

Here’s a simple view of how eco-friendly choices stack up against traditional ones:

**Party Element** - Decorations 
- **Conventional Approach** - Balloons, plastic streamers 
- **Sustainable Alternative** - Reusable bunting, potted plants, fabric garlands 

**Party Element** - Dinnerware
- **Conventional Approach** - Single-use plates and cups
- **Sustainable Alternative** - Borrowed dishes, compostable ware

**Party Element** - Invitations
- **Conventional Approach** - Printed cardstock
- **Sustainable Alternative** - Digital or printable invitations for free

**Party Element** - [Food Waste](https://stopfoodwaste.org/tips/blog/5-tips-for-a-low-waste-party)
- **Conventional Approach** - Portions too big
- **Sustainable Alternative** - RSVP tracking and creative leftovers

**Party Element** - Party Favors
- **Conventional Approach** - Plastic trinkets
- **Sustainable Alternative** - [Edible treats or seed packets](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/edible-party-favors-for-kids/)

These swaps are subtle yet powerful. They reduce waste and signal mindfulness and care to your guests.

**How to Plan a Green Celebration Step-by-Step**

Follow this quick guide to keep your party planet-positive from start to finish:

1. Choose a venue that already aligns with your eco-values—like a local park or your backyard.
2. Send digital invitations or printable templates instead of paper cards.
3. Decorate with natural, reusable, or biodegradable materials.
4. [Plan a locally sourced menu](https://get.grubhub.com/blog/locally-sourced-food-2/) and compost food scraps.
5. Offer drinks in reusable containers or encourage guests to bring their own bottles.
6. [Skip plastic cutlery](https://www.nylcv.org/news/skip-the-stuff-a-simple-solution-to-the-single-use-plastics-epidemic/) - opt for bamboo, metal, or rental sets.
7. Create a clear recycling and compost station.
8. Give practical or consumable party favors (like homemade jam or herbs).

A thoughtful checklist like this keeps you on track and ensures sustainability is woven through every layer of your celebration.

**The Invitation: A Digital Start to a Greener Party**

Before guests even arrive, your eco-conscious planning begins with the invitations. Digital invites reduce paper waste, and modern design tools make them look stunning. You can create[ printable invitations for free](https://www.adobe.com/express/create/print/invitation) using easy online editors that let you customize fonts, images, and colors to match your theme.

These flexible templates allow you to send them digitally or print a few copies for keepsakes—all without compromising style or sustainability.

**Smart Ideas for Decorating and Entertaining**

A beautiful, eco-friendly party is about rethinking the ordinary. Here are some ideas to inspire your setup:

• Use string lights or candles instead of energy-hungry fixtures.

• Set up a “create-your-own drink” bar to minimize waste.

• Incorporate local flowers and greenery as décor.

• Encourage guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers.

• Play acoustic music or [host live performers](https://tseentertainment.com/4-tips-for-propelling-your-event-to-the-next-level-with-live-entertainment/) for a personal touch.

This approach turns sustainability into an aesthetic—it becomes the theme, not a limitation.

**Common Questions About Hosting Sustainably**

Before we wrap up, here are answers to questions hosts often ask when trying to make their celebrations greener:

**How can I manage waste easily at the event?**

**[Set up clearly labeled bins](https://www.polishedhabitat.com/how-to-label-storage-bins-on-a-dollar-tree-budget/)** for recycling, compost, and trash in visible spots. Assign a friend to help guide guests if needed.

**What about leftover food?**

Encourage guests to take some home or partner with a local food donation program.

**Isn’t it expensive to host sustainably?**

Not necessarily. Renting items or borrowing décor often costs less than buying disposables, and digital invites are free.

**Can I make it fun for kids too?**

Absolutely—plan nature-based games, DIY crafts, or plant-a-seed activities.

**Wrapping It All Up**

Hosting an environmentally conscious party isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. By weaving sustainability into each decision, you create an event that’s meaningful and memorable. Your guests feel cared for, your impact lightens, and your celebration becomes something more than a moment—it becomes an example.

With every reused cup, every local bite, and every shared laugh, you remind everyone that the best parties are the ones that give something back.


Sustainability with Style: Hosting an Eco-Friendly Party

The world is on the move and increasingly, this movement is driven by clean energy. Electric mobility is not just a technological trend but a concrete step towards a healthier, more resilient, and fairer planet. In a time marked by climate challenges and accelerated urbanization, rethinking how we move around may be one of the most powerful decisions we make as a society.

**A new chapter in the history of transportation**
While for decades mobility was synonymous with burning fossil fuels, today we are witnessing a significant transformation. Electric vehicles (EVs) – from bicycles to trucks – offer a quiet, efficient, and non-polluting alternative, paving the way for cleaner cities and more sustainable lifestyles. The electrification of mobility is also an urgent response to the transportation sector, [responsible for around 25% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions (IEA, 2023)](https://www.iea.org/energy-system/transport/electric-vehicles). Replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with electric options can drastically reduce this impact. As electricity to charge EVs increasingly comes from clean sources, basically meaning not burning oil, gas, and coal, then less pollution ends up in our atmosphere.

**Growth that is already happening**
As most of us can see on the roads and elsewhere every day, the transition is already underway. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), [more than 14 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide in 2023, representing almost 20% of global new car sales](https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024/trends-in-electric-cars) – a jump from the 9% recorded in 2021. China is leading this movement, but countries in Europe, the United States, and even regions of the Global South have seen steady growth, driven by public policies, tax incentives, and greater environmental awareness. In addition, the variety of models available makes EVs accessible to different profiles and budgets. In many countries, an EV has already become the most cost-effective and better driving option thanks to technological advancements.

**Benefits that go beyond the environment**
Adopting an electric vehicle is also a choice that has a positive impact on everyday life. With a lower cost per kilometer driven and simplified maintenance, the driver's wallet will thank you. In addition, the lack of noise and smooth driving make the driving experience much more pleasant. Plus, some EVs have auto drive features that literally do 99% of the driving for you, which is a game-changer. Another important point is energy independence: when charged with solar or wind energy, EVs reduce our dependence on imported fuels and bring us closer to the much-desired energy sovereignty.

**Building a sustainable mobility ecosystem**
But electric mobility is not limited to private cars. In many cities, electric buses are replacing old fleets, and electric micromobility initiatives – such as shared bikes and scooters – are making urban transport more democratic and inclusive. Investing in charging infrastructure is also at the heart of this transition. According to the US Department of Energy, charging networks are expanding at a rapid pace: in the US alone, [there were more than 160,000 public charging stations installed by the end of 2024](https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity-locations#/find/nearest?fuel=ELEC), and with ultra-fast charging technologies, refueling a car could take less time than making a cup of coffee. Plus for many, it is much more convenient and cheaper to charge at home.

**An electric future that depends on all of us**
Electric mobility is a bridge between the present and the future. But its consolidation depends on conscious choices – from consumers as well as governments, companies, and communities. Every decision counts: supporting sustainable public policies, investing in renewable energy, and choosing vehicles with a lower environmental impact. Luckily, that is increasingly the easier choice to make with the technological advancements of EVs.

More than an innovation, electric mobility represents an opportunity. A chance to redesign our cities, reduce inequalities in access to mobility and ensure that the right to come and go is in line with the right to breathe clean air and live on a habitable planet. The engine of the future is already on. And it is electric.


Electric Mobility: Sustainable Paths to a Future in Motion

The search for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging is intensifying. While many innovative concepts have emerged, one solution looks really promising: leaf packaging. It is already a common practice in nations like China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and others, but it has not really been embraced by developed nations. The challenge therefore lies not in its newness, but in its widespread adoption by global corporations and consumers.

**The Urgent Need for Change:**

Conventional packaging is glamorous - focused on customer attraction and shelf appeal - making it the default choice for captivating consumers and enhancing brand visibility.  Its health and environmental costs are however undeniable. Research has found a significant relationship between the use of chemically processed packaging materials like nylons and polythenes, and an increase in cancer-related cases (see[ Plastic-and-Health-The-Hidden-Costs-of-a-Plastic-Planet](https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/%20Plastic-and-Health-The-Hidden-Costs-of-a-Plastic-Planet-February-2019.pdf) and [plastics-and-health](https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/plastics-and-health/)).

Plant leaves are nature’s alternative. They can make for good packaging because they repel water, do not impart harmful substances into food, and can be attractive in their own right. Not all leaves are created equal, though. Below are some identified leaf varieties with promising packaging potential:

\- Banana Leaves: Renowned for their flexibility, water-resistance, and ability to impart a subtle flavor to food, banana leaves have a long history of use in tropical cuisines.

\- Lotus Leaves: Known for their natural water-repellent properties and aromatic qualities, lotus leaves offer a unique and elegant packaging solution.

\- Water Hyacinths: Researchers are exploring this fast-growing plant for packaging. Its initial laboratory results confirm it is uncontaminated and safe for use.

Leaves are of course biodegradable, naturally decomposing without releasing harmful substances. Their decay process enriches the soil with nutrients, making them an excellent source of compost, a double win for sustainability. Also, using leaves at scale could significantly reduce pollution levels caused by plastics, particularly in landfills and oceans.

A common concern surrounding leaf packaging is the potential for deforestation. The counter-argument is that trees are naturally regenerative, and the harvesting of leaves doesn't necessitate felling entire trees. Sustainable harvesting practices can ensure a continuous supply of packaging materials without compromising forest health.

The key to widespread adoption lies in bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern consumer expectations. Innovators will need to focus on developing leaf packaging that is not only environmentally friendly but also visually appealing and functionally comparable to its plastic and paper counterparts. This requires research and development into techniques that enhance the durability, aesthetics, and versatility of leaf-based packaging  (see[ packaging-made-plant-leaves](https://biooekonomie.de/en/news/packaging-made-plant-leaves) and [nigerias-street-food-adds-to-the-plastic-problem-green-leaves-offer-a-solution](https://theconversation.com/nigerias-street-food-adds-to-the-plastic-problem-green-leaves-offer-a-solution-203618)).

Leaf packaging is more than a return to old-world practices; it is a forward-thinking step toward a sustainable future. By embracing innovation, addressing concerns, and promoting collaboration between researchers, businesses, and policymakers, we can unlock the vast potential of leaf packaging and create a healthier, more environmentally responsible world.


Packaging with Leaves: A Forward-Thinking Concept

Love it. Hate it. Fear it. AI has woven itself into our everyday lives - most visibly when we search the web or use one of the many available AI agents. There are compelling environmental reasons not to go near ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and the others given the [sheer amount of energy that AI consumes](https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/ai-energy-demand). But if you do partake, whether for research or daily information, you might ask: how do those agents respond when it comes to climate?

According to an article in Phys.org, “[AI is bad for the environment, and the problem is bigger than energy consumption](https://phys.org/news/2025-01-ai-bad-environment-problem-bigger.html),” the bots can be biased in how they present information. In the chatbot tests the researchers performed, they noted a “a reluctance to discuss the broader social, cultural and economic issues that are entangled in environmental challenges.”

So we decided to test it ourselves, using the most current versions (as of this writing) of the following chat agents: ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI (LLaMA), DeepSeek, Claude Sonnet, and Copilot. We asked the chatbots three primary questions (occasionally with follow-ups based on their responses): What is climate change and what are its causes? What are the primary causes of climate change? What are the optimal solutions for climate change?

Below is our analysis. You can also [read the complete answers here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rNUaozUC2rTzxG7X5IDCOD53Pn7KHCSVMhceRurlbII/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.aii16lsn1wlr) and draw your own conclusions.

**What We Found**
At first glance, all the responses were largely similar and correct. For example, in response to the first query, all agreed that climate change involves changing temperatures and weather patterns over a long time frame. They concurred that climate change is driven by human and natural activities, but diverged on an important point: Some chatbots stated directly that humans have by far been the greatest contributor to climate change in recent centuries, while others were less clear on that point.

For example:

From Gemini — “While some of these shifts may be natural, occurring due to changes in the sun's activity or large volcanic eruptions, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that the climate change we are currently experiencing is primarily caused by human activities since the 1800s.”

From Grok (X )— “Climate change is primarily driven by both natural and human-induced factors.” (Though it subsequently concluded by acknowledging that the current rate of climate change is “largely influenced” by human activities.

Pressed further on the second question, all the chatbots listed greenhouse gas emissions and burning of fossil fuels as the primary causes of climate change.

The chatbots likewise offered corresponding answers regarding the optimal solutions to climate change: transitioning to renewable energy, greater energy efficiency, electrification of transportation, carbon capture and storage, and so on. While all true, all the responses also fail to directly address the near-halving of emissions that would be necessary by 2030 to keep the Earth within 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming since the Industrial Age. This is in line with the findings of[ a far more rigorous study published in 2024 in the journal _Environmental Research Letters_,](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad95a2) that found, among other results, that “chatbots are prone to proposing incremental solutions to environmental challenges.”

**Letting the Bots Rate Their Own Answers**
We then got a little (lowercase) meta ourselves, and concluded the experiment by asking some of the chatbots to analyze and summarize the responses of all the chatbots to the three main questions. They largely gave themselves and the other AI a pass for what we might consider their failings.

“This comparison highlights that while different chatbots may approach the topic from slightly varied angles, the fundamental understanding and recommendations regarding climate change are aligned,” Copilot said, echoing the conclusions from ChatGPT and DeepSeek.

Their findings weren’t without interesting angles. ChatGPT concluded that Claude and Meta AI emphasized collective and policy measures to address the climate crisis, while ChatGPT and Gemini focused equally on individual and systemic measures. Meanwhile, Grok and DeepSeek highlighted “personal responsibility alongside governmental policies.” While individual and community actions have value, there is little question that it will take large-scale actions by governments and corporations to truly curb climate change.

In the end, it’s not clear whether there is an “intentional” bias built into any of the bots. Or whether it’s simply, as the Phys,org article noted, that they “present information in an oracular way, usually as a single text box written in an authoritative manner and understood as a synthesis of all digitalized (_sic_) knowledge.” What is clear is that we all, as consumers of information, should not take a bot’s answer as definitive and final. Perhaps we’ll get there one day soon, but for now don’t necessarily believe everything you read in a botversation.


Are AI Chatbots Biased on Climate?

The words “climate-resilient towns and cities” may not immediately bring to mind pictures of playgrounds, skate parks, or climbing walls. Yet, rethinking how human spaces are designed to address climate change also opens the door to creating dynamic, interactive environments. Around the world, cities are seizing opportunities to transform climate adaptation efforts into a chance to inspire joy and outdoor exploration.

By strategically integrating climate-smart features—like permeable surfaces, natural shading, or greenspace into parks and recreational areas, these spaces can mitigate flooding and help manage urban heat. Making places more walkable also reduces transportation carbon pollution. Plus it can enhance local biodiversity. It is a great opportunity to invite people to actively engage with nature, fostering a sense of stewardship for our environment.

**[Growing Up Boulder](https://www.growingupboulder.org/), Colorado, USA**
Parks and playgrounds are central to childhood, yet how often are children invited to imagine what they would like to experience in these spaces? The nonprofit _Growing Up Boulder_ empowers children to co-design parks in their community. From bold requests for zip lines to whimsical nooks for plants and insects, the children’s visions result in engaging play areas alongside valuable lessons in civic involvement. Children who see their ideas take shape gain a sense of ownership and responsibility, fostering a new generation of engaged, conscious citizens.

**[Underpass Park](https://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/our-projects/underpass-park), Toronto, Canada**
In Toronto, a gray, unremarkable underpass has been transformed into a playground hidden beneath the city’s highways. Basketball courts, skateparks, and public seating bring people together to relax and play in a spot that used to be full of dust and shadows. A mirrored art piece suspended on the bottom of the overpass reflects light and colors, brightening the area. The project integrates permeable surfaces to manage water runoff, reducing flood risks and protecting Lake Ontario’s health. As the success of Underpass Park shows, no place is beyond redemption.

**[CopenHill](https://www.copenhill.dk/en), Copenhagen**, **Denmark**
Wondering where to go for a day of skiing, hiking, and climbing? Residents of Copenhagen, Denmark visit their local waste-to-energy plant. Once an industrial area avoided by locals, the roof of CopenHill has been converted into a ski slope and the sides have been transformed into a huge climbing wall drawing people to visit this spot for a day of outdoor adventure. The original design’s 100 plant species have doubled, thanks to seeds carried by foraging birds. As a naturally flat country, Denmark’s first ski slope provides a novel, local opportunity for an exhilarating and sustainable experience.

**[The High Line](https://www.thehighline.org/), New York City, USA**
Urban expansion often leaves little room for new green spaces, but New York City's High Line shows how even the constraint of tight spaces can be overcome using a little creativity. This 1.4-mile park is built on an abandoned elevated railway, offering a lush walking path with over 500 species of plants, spots to rest, different views to enjoy, and unique art installations. The High Line park is practical as well as beautiful, incorporating sustainable water management techniques and ecologically mindful landscaping. Between pollinators and pedestrians this railway is alive with activity again - a reminder that even neglected infrastructure can transform into a community treasure.

**[Gardens by the Bay](https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/), Singapore**
Few places embody the fusion of nature and technology as seamlessly as _Gardens by the Bay_. Its towering Super trees, vertical gardens which rise up to 50 meters, collect rainwater to store as a resource for potential droughts while generating solar energy for the park’s needs. Ranked among the world’s top attractions, the Gardens reflect Singapore’s commitment to an enjoyable present and a resilient future. This urban landscape is a harmonious balance of beauty, utility, and sustainability.

**Creating Climate-Resilience**
Resilience is not limited to large-scale projects—individual actions can spark meaningful change. Here are practical steps you can take to foster sustainable design in your community:

**1. Engage Locally:** Attend community meetings and advocate for sustainable, inclusive green spaces. [Research and vote](https://www.earthhero.org/act/287-research-and-vote-accordingly/) for candidates in your area who will support climate resilience.

**2. Collaborate Across Generations:** Involve children, seniors, and people with disabilities in planning [discussions](https://www.earthhero.org/act/168-talk-about-climate/).

**3. Promote Sustainable Design:** Support initiatives featuring [renewable energy](https://www.earthhero.org/act/78-switch-electricity-to-clean-energy/), [regreening your area](https://www.earthhero.org/act/711-re-green-your-area/), and water-efficient landscaping.

**4. Volunteer Your Expertise:** Artists, engineers, gardeners, and organizers can play pivotal roles in transforming spaces.

**5. Host Events:** Create opportunities for community engagement through workshops, cleanups, and outdoor gatherings such as a [sustainable BBQ](https://www.earthhero.org/act/763-host-a-sustainable-bbq/).

**6. Support Resilient Infrastructure:** Advocate for public investments in stormwater management and renewable energy solutions.

**7. Celebrate Wins and Take Time for Whimsy**: It’s important to [turn off the bad news](https://www.earthhero.org/act/861-take-a-break-from-bad-news/) sometimes and make intentional space for fun.

By reimagining community spaces, we can weave joy into the ways we address climate challenges making our neighborhoods more resilient, exciting, and full of life.


Building Climate Resilience: Where Function Meets Fun

Busyness is a significant barrier that prevents people from advocating for political action aligned with climate science or from making sustainable changes in their own lives. Many of us are preoccupied with our own lives as the [cost of living rises](https://www.boston.com/community/community/2024/08/19/mass-residents-share-impact-of-secondary-income/) and the [pressures of parenting](https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4851621-us-surgeon-general-warns-parenting/) become overwhelming. After a long day or a stressful week, the last thing we want to think about is climate change or activism.

While it is unrealistic for most people to dedicate extensive time and energy to climate activism, setting aside just 5-10 minutes a day or once a week for a single action can make a difference. This could involve signing petitions, writing to politicians, educating yourself, or choosing to purchase [chemical-free products](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/greener-self-care--clean-up-your-routine-with-ewg/). Creating a habit to think about and take action to build momentum is important.

Additionally, it is important that we stay aware of for-profit corporate efforts to vie for our attention and free time, often to persuade us to buy things we don’t need, which ultimately harms the environment.

Here are some quick climate actions to consider:

**[Sign petitions](https://www.earthhero.org/act/196-sign-climate-petitions/)**: Signing petitions lets our representatives know where we stand on social and environmental issues, how we want them to vote, and what types of bills we want created. You can sign up to receive petitions from [Stand.earth](https://stand.earth/), [NRDC](https://www.nrdc.org/), [Greenpeace](https://www.greenpeace.org/international/), [Sierra Club](https://www.sierraclub.org/), [Friends of the Earth](https://foe.org/), and other environmental organizations that interest you.

**[Discuss climate change](https://www.earthhero.org/act/168-talk-about-climate/)**: Start conversations with friends and family to raise awareness about climate and ecological breakdown and actions we can take to prevent more environmental harm. It’s helpful to personalize it and talk about how climate will directly affect them, their children, and their health and safety. Research has shown that it can be helpful to focus on [stories](https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/climate-health-and-equity/storytelling#:~:text=Personal%20experience%20makes%20you%20your,stories%20generate%20empathy%20and%20understanding.) that elicit empathy and less on data and science.

**[Write to your representatives](https://www.earthhero.org/act/180-write-your-representatives/)**: Let your [representatives](https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials) know that you care about climate policies and that you expect them to create and vote for legislation that protects the environment and is in line with climate science. Get started by looking up the contact info for your local, state, and federal representative. You can schedule a meeting with your rep, call them, send an email, or mail a handwritten postcard or letter. Politicians have said that receiving a phone call, handwritten letters/postcards, and meeting in person are much more effective than emails and petitions. Elders Climate Action offers help with letter writing [here](https://www.eldersclimateaction.org/sendaletter/).

**[Research and vote for climate-aware candidates](https://www.earthhero.org/act/287-research-and-vote-accordingly/)**: Voting for candidates who are informed about climate change and ecological breakdown is one of the most important actions we can take to ensure that our society moves towards renewables and urgent protection of critical ecosystems. 

**Buy reusable and sustainable products**: Buying a [reusable travel mug](https://www.earthhero.org/act/49-use-a-refillable-water-bottle/), bringing reusable bags to the store, buying products made of wood, glass, metal, etc. and other small changes set a good example for people around us and shift the culture towards sustainability and environmental awareness. Avoid [fast fashion ](https://www.earthhero.org/act/561-avoid-buying-fast-fashion/)and other products that are only intended for short-term use. 

**Limit social media and be wary of advertisements**: There is a lot of money that goes into advertising on the internet that is designed to convince us that we need to buy more, upgrade our tech, and keep up with the latest trends. Reducing exposure to ads can help reduce impulsive consumption, comparison, and give you more time for other hobbies and in-person connection with family and friends. 

This results in a society that is under social pressure to buy and spend more than we ever have in the past to “keep up with our neighbors.” Even if it’s less popular, it’s important that we collectively transition away from [excessive consumption](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/30/capitalism-is-killing-the-planet-its-time-to-stop-buying-into-our-own-destruction) and energy use and individually and collectively respect planetary boundaries.

**Share articles about climate change on social media**: Posting an article about climate change on social media can educate others and normalize talking about climate change, which so many people still avoid, minimize, or deny. 

**[Buy second-hand](https://www.earthhero.org/act/140-get-clothes-second-hand/)**: Consider thrift shops or [online marketplaces](https://buynothingproject.org/) instead of buying new. This will help reduce waste and normalize gifting and a circular economy over the current linear economy which pushes trashing perfectly good things, buying new, and infinite resource extraction on a finite planet. 

**[Listen to a climate podcast](https://www.earthhero.org/act/509-listen-to-a-climate-podcast/),[ ](https://www.earthhero.org/act/509-listen-to-a-climate-podcast/)[read a book](https://www.earthhero.org/act/558-read-books-about-climate-change/), or watch a documentary: Continue to educate yourself about climate change and share your knowledge with others! **

Also see the Actions available on the Earth Hero website, and articles such as, “[30 Easy Ways to Kickoff a Sustainable Lifestyle](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/30-easy-ways-to-kickoff-a-sustainable-lifestyle/)” and “[5 Easy Tips to Start Working and Living More Sustainably](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/5-easy-tips-to-start-working-and-living-more-sustainably/)”.

**Additional Resources**
-[ Climate Action for Busy People](https://islandpress.org/books/climate-action-busy-people#desc) by Cate Mingoya-LaFortune
\- Amnesty International,[ The busy person’s guide to taking action for human rights](https://www.amnesty.org.au/busy-persons-guide/)



Quick Climate Actions for a Busy Life

Decarbonization is becoming increasingly common in companies, as part of carbon reduction goals and the creation of a greener production chain. The damage of climate change caused by large greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere (burning oil, gas, and coal, plus deforestation) has stimulated the mobilization of society in search of improvements. The conclusion is that decarbonization is essential, especially for highly polluting companies and sectors, such as transport and industry.

In North America, more than 6,800 companies have already set or are in the process of validating science-based emissions reduction targets, supported by the [Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)](https://sciencebasedtargets.org/companies-taking-action). The region has a significant number of companies committed to targets aligned with the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement, but significant challenges remain, especially in the financial services and communications sectors, where only about 20% have set targets. In addition, while many sectors, such as energy, materials, and utilities, are leading the effort with more than 40% adherence, the energy transition faces obstacles in engaging more carbon-intensive sectors.

Companies recognize the importance of the energy transition and NET Zero goals, [with approximately 21% of U.S. companies having set such goals, although the majority still focus on direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2)](https://www.spglobal.com/esg/insights/amid-urgent-climate-warning-from-ipcc-few-companies-globally-have-net-zero-targets). Less than half of companies have clear strategies for indirect emissions (scope 3), which represents a significant challenge, as these emissions often constitute the largest portion of a corporation’s carbon footprint.

Despite the growing number of decarbonization commitments, the transition to a low-carbon economy still requires concrete and sustained action. Talk is easy, but implementing structural changes to achieve climate goals is challenging. For example, [in 2021, Shell announced that it would reduce its ambition to reduce oil production](https://www.ft.com/content/df0190ce-3b73-485c-abc7-d0add5a944ff) by 20% from 2016 levels by 2030, 45% by 2035, and to net zero by 2050, but in 2024, shareholders backed the oil major’s move to weaken climate targets, contradicting previous decarbonization commitments. Furthermore, a study by Influence Map revealed that while many global corporations promote sustainability goals, [less than 10% genuinely align their lobbying strategies with the goals of the Paris Agreement](https://influencemap.org/site//data/000/024/Corporate_Climate_Policy_Leaders_2023.pdf).

For-profit corporations are almost always primarily focused on increasing the company's shareholder value, which is driven by the ability to increase profits. If decarbonization does not increase revenue or decrease costs (the drivers of profits) then decarbonization is unlikely to be carried out unless there is government regulation or laws encouraging it.

Sustainability promises without implementation can undermine credibility and public trust, however, putting global efforts to combat climate change at risk. Companies need to demonstrate tangible progress to avoid being seen as simply engaging in “greenwashing”. This can negatively impact brand perceptions and impact sales (i.e. revenue).

**Why is it important to decarbonize companies?**

The Assessment [Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change](https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_LongerReport.pdf) (IPCC), published in 2023, highlighted that the average global temperature has already increased by 1.1°C due to human activities, compared to pre-industrial levels. This warming is already resulting in more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves, and floods. The document reinforces that each fraction of the increase in global temperature will intensify the risks and damages.

The report concluded that it is technically feasible to limit global warming to 1.5°C, but this requires greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025 and be reduced by 43% by 2030. Models indicate that without significant changes, warming could exceed 3°C (5° F) or more by the end of the century. That will require a fortune to adapt to, harm lives, and cause [over a million species to go extinct](https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/climate-change/a-third-of-earths-species-could-become-extinct-by-2100-if-climate-change-isnt-curbed?utm_source=chatgpt.com). This reinforces the urgency of a global transition to clean energy and a low-carbon economy.

Therefore, organizations must commit to decarbonization to reduce climate change and the impacts that GHGs have caused. Furthermore, a crucial factor is the increase in investor demand for ESG objectives, which requires companies to be more transparent about their obligations and measures to reduce emissions.

For example, several companies have committed to becoming NET Zero by 2050. This implies that they will achieve carbon neutrality, balancing carbon dioxide emissions with the reduction or elimination of emissions from their production, throughout the chain involved. These measures are expected to be intensified in the coming years, with the emergence of various technologies to help these companies adapt and plan.

Personal commitment and the common good must be at the forefront of these signatures because most for-profit companies are unlikely to fully decarbonize unless it also serves as a way to grow profits. Because businesses exist primarily to generate profits, investors are often resistant to strategies that reduce profitability. This reality is partly why companies abandon ambitious targets. However, if decarbonization can be aligned with cost reduction or increases sales, then it becomes a mutually beneficial approach. For example, implementing energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting or optimized heating and cooling can lead to significant savings while simultaneously reducing emissions.

Recent examples include Walmart and Unilever, which have invested heavily in renewable energy projects and supply chain efficiency. [Walmart’s move to 100% renewable energy by 2035 not only reduces emissions but also cuts operating costs](https://corporate.walmart.com/content/dam/corporate/documents/esgreport/a-message-from-our-chief-sustainability-officer/fy2023-walmart-esg-highlights.pdf). Similarly, [Unilever’s efforts to reduce energy consumption in its manufacturing facilities have resulted in cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint](https://www.unilever.com/sustainability/climate/).

These cases demonstrate that decarbonization, when implemented strategically, does not have to come at the expense of profitability. Instead, it can drive innovation, reduce costs, and meet growing regulatory and consumer demands for sustainability.

**What can a company do to become more sustainable?**

Decarbonization involves reducing the carbon footprint of a specific context, such as a company, entity, or region. The carbon footprint refers to the total carbon emissions of a system, which includes the use of fossil fuels, waste, changes in land use, and other direct and indirect emissions.

This transformation can be achieved by switching from fossil fuels or energy sources to low-carbon sources. For companies, this process involves implementing changes in the production of their products and services, thus reducing their carbon footprint.

Investing in decarbonization can provide several advantages, in addition to environmental ones, such as increased attractiveness for investors, greater customer satisfaction, and strengthening credibility throughout the production chain.

Decarbonization can be achieved by implementing carbon savings objectives, setting targets and deadlines for all participants. It is feasible to segment the phases into four stages:

1\. **Conducting a diagnosis**: Identifying the organization's carbon footprint, including all resources used from the beginning to the end of the process, including internal consumption, energy acquired or generated, and fuel used in the processes. Carrying out a complete inventory helps identify which phase presents the highest emissions.

2\. **Analysis and solution-finding**: Once an organization understands its carbon footprint, it can look for solutions and set goals. Options might include improving efficiency, changing business partners, or starting a renewable energy project. Goals need to be achievable so that organizations can improve their environmental performance over time. More ambitious goals might involve total decarbonization, where the organization will aim to achieve zero carbon emissions.

3\. **Implement solutions**: These could include changing the type of fuel used in a fleet or increasing energy production. The solution implemented should be the one that provides the best cost-benefit for the organization's overall objectives.

4\. **Monitoring and maintenance**: Since environmental objectives require years of implementation, it is crucial to maintain monitoring and maintenance to ensure that established expectations are met.

Decarbonization is crucial for combating climate change and offers businesses opportunities to innovate while meeting regulations and consumer demands. By aligning sustainability with profitability, companies can contribute to a healthier planet and ensure long-term success.


Decarbonization for the Corporate Sector

Imagine standing in the bathroom looking at a bottle of body wash or tube of [toothpaste](https://www.earthhero.org/act/499-use-tubed-toothpaste-alternatives). It’s easy to think of these objects as neutral, but they play a role in the well-being of our planet. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, has been on a mission since 1993 to help people make smarter, greener choices. EWG’s databases have become trusted tools for those seeking healthier options for themselves and the natural world.

**EWG Databases: Safety Ratings for Self-Care**

EWG has created several tools that empower people to make informed, sustainable decisions:

**One of the most popular is the [Skin Deep® Database](https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/)**. This resource gives an ingredient safety rating to personal care products such as soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and makeup. The beauty and personal care industry commonly uses petrochemicals—ingredients derived from oil and methane. Petrochemicals used in personal care products don’t vanish after use; they end up in our water, soil, and ecosystems.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are also found in many commodities including personal care items. These substances interfere with hormones and can lead to serious long-term health issues for humans and wildlife. When EDCs enter waterways, they disrupt aquatic habitats causing problems for fish and other animals, while potentially degrading human water supply. Goods that contain petrochemicals or EDCs pollute throughout their entire lifecycle. Swapping them for safer alternatives can make a big difference for public and planetary health.

**The [Dirty Dozen™ list](https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-dirty-dozen-guide-food-chemicals-top-12-avoid) showcases fruits and vegetables that tend to carry the highest levels of pesticide residues.** Choosing organic options for these items reduces exposure to harmful additives and supports more sustainable farming practices. In addition to avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, [regenerative farming](https://www.earthhero.org/act/56-buy-from-regenerative-farms) does not till the soil, which means they do not release stored carbon. Regenerative farming also means planting more diverse crops. This contributes to robust ecosystems that are better equipped to handle the challenges of climate change.

**If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in your tap water, the [EWG Tap Water Database](https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/) offers some eye-opening insights.** This tool uncovers potential tap water contaminants often linked to industrial and agricultural activities. With this knowledge people can protect themselves from harmful substances and advocate for stronger water system protections by [writing to representatives](https://www.earthhero.org/act/180-write-your-representatives/), [commenting on proposed regulations](https://www.earthhero.org/act/197-comment-on-government-regulation), and [voting for politicians](https://www.earthhero.org/act/287-research-and-vote-accordingly) that prioritize protecting water. Reducing runoff from substances like pesticides and fertilizers helps prevent harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water and contribute to greenhouse gasses.

**The [Healthy Cleaning Database](https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/) sheds light on the hidden dangers of conventional household cleaners.** Many contain oil-based agents that pollute the air inside homes and contribute to environmental contamination. When consumers choose safer, greener alternatives they push manufacturers toward using more sustainable ingredients, ultimately cutting down on fossil fuel reliance.

**The Ripple Effect of Choosing EWG-Certified Items**

By exploring EWG’s guides and databases, anyone can check the safety ratings of produce or products before bringing them home. When something raises concerns, a less toxic, greener alternative is often a click away. EWG also features a certification program known as **EWG VERIFIED™**, which identifies goods that are free from harmful chemicals and meet the highest standards for transparency. 

Packages displaying the mark of EWG verification use only the safest ingredients. Brands that take the time to obtain verification for their merchandise often rethink other areas of their production process, as well. Some are switching to [biodegradable](https://www.earthhero.org/act/315-use-biodegradable-toothbrush), compostable, or refillable containers, which help reduce plastic waste and lower carbon emissions. Others are creating products that are [reusable](https://www.earthhero.org/act/503-go-for-reusable-cotton-swabs). Soap and shampoo makers reduce waste by offering [bars](https://www.earthhero.org/act/482-use-bar-soapcomma-shampoocomma-and-more) instead of liquids. 

Unfortunately, some businesses manipulate marketing to [greenwash](https://www.earthhero.org/act/468-recognize-greenwashing) their products so consumers believe purchasing them aligns with safety and sustainability. Searching for a product in one of the EWG databases cuts through deception of this nature.

By [supporting](https://www.earthhero.org/act/212-review-eco-friendly-businesses) climate-forward brands, consumers collectively influence demand in the market. Imagine the collective impact if every household started choosing safer products that help the environment; those small actions add up over time to become large cultural movements.

**Tackling Climate Change at its Roots**

Chemical-heavy industries and agricultural practices harm humans and contribute to climate change by polluting the environment and releasing greenhouse gasses. Companies that embrace non-toxic, sustainably sourced ingredients, and low-impact manufacturing are making a difference. Supporting these businesses leads to fewer emissions and a cleaner environment for everyone.

Each individual choice, no matter how small, has the potential to inspire others. Especially when combined with pushing our politicians for stronger regulations and laws to limit pollution. Together, those choices drive change across entire industries. By tapping into EWG’s resources and making informed decisions, it’s possible to transform everyday routines into powerful tools for a safer, healthier world.


Greener Self-Care: Clean Up Your Routine with EWG

Energy transition is one of the most important issues surrounding the climate crisis. This process involves shifting energy sources from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal to renewable sources including solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass, aiming for a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix. A successful energy transition relies on the advent and adoption of various technologies and economic, social, and political considerations.

**Current and Future Technologies**

**Solar and wind power** have seen their deployment costs drop significantly, making them more accessible for widespread adoption. [Global Market Outlook For Solar Power 2024 – 2028](https://www.solarpowereurope.org/insights/outlooks/global-market-outlook-for-solar-power-2024-2028) reports global solar PV growth of 87% in 2023 compared to the previous year. 447 gigawatts (GW) of capacity were installed, bringing the total global capacity to 1.6 terawatts (TW). This substantial increase reflects the continued global growth in the adoption of solar technologies, mainly due to cost reductions and technological advances that are making solar energy an increasingly affordable and viable option. In addition, one of the fastest-growing sources of wind energy in the world is wind power, which uses the power of the wind to produce electricity. By 2023, global wind power capacity will reach 1,210 gigawatts. This shows that wind power is set to continue growing and that appropriate policies and investments are essential for a cleaner, more sustainable future. According with [2024 Global Wind Report](https://gwec.net/global-wind-report-2024/) from the Global Wind Energy Council, the rapid growth of the wind power sector is expected to continue, with a record 117 gigawatts of wind power installed in 2023. To meet the goals set at COP28, the industry expects to reach at least 320 gigawatts per year by 2030.

**Hydropower** generates electricity using flowing water and is one of the most sustainable sources of renewable energy. In the United States, it accounts for about 6-7% of the country’s total electricity generation, according to the [U.S. Energy Information Administration, EIA](https://www.eia.gov/renewable/). Recent reports from the EIA indicate that while hydropower is one of the largest sources of renewable energy in the United States, it represents a smaller share of total electricity generation. Compared to other energy sources such as natural gas and nuclear power, hydropower accounts for a larger share of total electricity generation.

**Biomass**, which is made up of organic materials such as wood and agricultural waste, is a renewable energy source that can be used sustainably without compromising natural resources. This type of technology is particularly promising in places where agricultural and forestry resources are abundant. However, if biomass is not using left-over waste from other processes, it is not as clean.

**Geothermal** energy produces electricity and heat from heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. Countries such as Iceland and New Zealand make extensive use of this technology, taking advantage of their abundant geothermal resources to efficiently and sustainably meet a large portion of their energy needs.

**Economic, Social and Political Considerations**

The global journey known as the energy transition involves not only replacing technologies, but also reviewing economic and social policies to encourage the adoption of clean energy. To promote sustainable development worldwide and tackle climate change, this joint effort is essential. To coordinate these efforts and ensure that all countries contribute to a common goal, international initiatives such as the Paris Agreement are essential.

The rapid development of energy storage technologies has the potential to completely transform the energy market. Advanced battery systems to store energy from intermittent sources such as solar and wind power improve the reliability and stability of power grids. To overcome the challenges of the transition and ensure a constant and affordable energy supply, this sector requires continuous innovation.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, is essential to limiting global warming, and is one of the main goals of the energy transition. The ultimate goal of international efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for global warming and climate change. The increasing adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind means that our dependence on fossil fuels will decrease. In addition, carbon capture and storage technologies are becoming increasingly important, enabling large companies and energy facilities to reduce their emissions. Targets set out in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement aim to keep global temperature rise below 2°C above pre-industrial levels through these strategies.     

The application of decarbonization techniques generates economic and environmental benefits. Companies that use clean technologies often benefit from tax incentives, government subsidies and a better corporate image, which can attract environmentally conscious investors and consumers. In addition, the opening of new clean energy markets is boosting the economy and increasing the country’s energy security.

Moving to a low-carbon economy is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a strategic opportunity to ensure long-term economic sustainability and financial resilience.

In addition, remember that information about climate change is crucial to understanding its impacts on the planet and making informed decisions that help mitigate its effects. [Earth Hero offers several suggestions on how to get involved](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy).


The Future of Energy: How the Energy Transition Can Redefine Global Sustainable Development

Technology evolves rapidly, and our efforts to make it sustainable often lag behind. While the carbon pollution footprints of industries like transportation and manufacturing are now widely acknowledged, the tech sector—especially software development—has flown under the radar as a significant contributor to global energy consumption and carbon emissions. Organizations such as [The Green Software Foundation](https://greensoftware.foundation/) and [The Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance](https://sdialliance.org/) believe it’s time to shine a light on this and embrace green coding practices. Developers can create software that’s kind to our planet by enacting energy-efficient coding strategies. When these practices are implemented at scale, their impact multiplies, significantly reducing the tech industry's environmental footprint.

**Understanding the Impact of Software on the Environment**

Tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon rely on enormous facilities, known as data centers, to manage the colossal amounts of data they handle. Data centers are rooms or sometimes entire buildings that house thousands of servers that operate around the clock. They are notorious for their hefty energy consumption due to all the electricity needed to power and cool these servers. According to the [International Energy Agency](https://www.iea.org/) (IEA), data centers account for about 1% of global electricity demand. As our reliance on digital services and AI grows, this number is only set to increase.

Although some [power](https://www.earthhero.org/act/744-check-your-power-usage-regularly) in these facilities goes to [temperature control](https://www.earthhero.org/act/69-turn-down-the-air-conditioning), security, and fire prevention, most of the energy is consumed by the software. If the software is inefficient, the computer's central processing unit (CPU) consumes more resources. This increased energy consumption also produces more heat, which means more power is needed for cooling. By writing efficient code, developers can reduce the energy required to run their applications, which lowers the overall carbon footprint of their software. Practicing good code hygiene also saves companies money. While some companies already have coding standards and policies in place, it’s worth analyzing where improvements can be made.

**Practical Steps for Coding**

**_1. Manage Resources Wisely_**
A person packing for a trip only takes what they need rather than hauling along everything they own. Similarly, in coding, optimal use of memory and processing power prevents waste. For example, "lazy loading" is a technique that loads only the data or components needed at the moment, rather than everything at once. This approach minimizes unnecessary processing and conserves energy.

**_2. Use Energy-Saving Languages_**
Coding languages can either be compiled or interpreted. When languages are interpreted the computer translates the code in real time. On the other hand, compiled languages like C, C++, and Rust are already converted into machine code that the computer understands directly, making them more energy efficient. If it's an option, choosing the right language for the task can have a large impact on power usage.

**_3. Leverage Local Processing_**
Imagine if turning the [lights](https://www.earthhero.org/act/83-turn-lights-off-when-not-in-use) on at home required sending a request to someone far away. It would be much faster and more straightforward to flip the light switch yourself. Similarly, performing computations on the user’s device instead of sending data to a remote server can be more energy-efficient. Processing locally reduces the energy used and keeps data closer to the user, enhancing privacy. This lets the user [prioritize what to store](https://www.earthhero.org/act/498-clean-up-your-digital-trash), rather than storing duplicates in the cloud. 

**_4. Profile and Monitor_**
Analyzing how code uses resources identifies areas for improvement and ensures that it runs effectively. Regular performance monitoring highlights instances when performance unexpectedly regresses (gets worse). When developers are alerted to potential problems early, they can respond to issues sooner, keeping software performing optimally.

**_5. Keep Up With Global Energy and [Climate Reports](https://www.earthhero.org/act/418-explore-global-climate-reports)_**
Regularly reviewing the latest global energy and climate reports allows developers and companies to adjust their practices so that they align with evolving standards and contribute more effectively to global environmental goals.

**The Broader Impact of Green Coding**

The benefits of green coding extend far beyond individual applications. On a larger scale, adopting energy-efficient coding practices can lead to significant reductions in data center energy consumption, which helps cut down on carbon pollution. As the demand for data processing continues to rise with the popularity of smart devices, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, green coding practices become even more impactful.

Coding sustainably also improves user experience. Energy-efficient applications often run faster and more smoothly. For mobile devices, optimized software can lead to longer [battery life](https://www.earthhero.org/act/77-use-rechargeable-batteries), a practical advantage that users will appreciate.

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital technology, the environmental impact of software cannot be ignored. Green coding presents an opportunity for developers to contribute to sustainability efforts. Implementing these practices saves on operational costs, making it a financially sound strategy to maintain high standards for efficient coding. By adopting these practices and optimizing their software, companies can help reduce the tech industry’s environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable digital future.

\*International Energy Agency. (n.d.). _Data centres and data transmission networks_. International Energy Agency. Retrieved July 21, 2024, from[ https://www.iea.org/energy-system/buildings/data-centres-and-data-transmission-networks](https://www.iea.org/energy-system/buildings/data-centres-and-data-transmission-networks)

\*\*Wikipedia contributors. (2024, July 15). _Data center_. In _Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia_. Retrieved July 21, 2024, from[ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data\_center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_center)


Green Coding: How Efficient Programming Reduces Global Electricity Demand

In an era of corporate greenwashing, how can you identify companies with real commitment to environmental sustainability and countering climate change?

The venerable news magazine _Time_ and global data specialist Statista believe they know how, and the result is a list of the [World’s 500 Most Sustainable Companies](https://time.com/collection/worlds-most-sustainable-companies-2024/) as of 2024.

The purpose of the project,[ according to _Time_](https://time.com/6990715/worlds-most-sustainable-companies-2024-methodology/), is to “recognize and reward” companies that have demonstrated their adherence to sustainability. The list can serve as an example for other businesses to emphasize environmental well-being in their operations, the magazine said. It also sends a message to consumers who want to support sustainable businesses, added Wenke Krützfeldt, team lead for market analysis at the Statista R division of its parent company.

“Statista strives to exclude companies that could be accused of greenwashing,” Krützfeldt told Earth Hero. “However, it is important to acknowledge that greenwashing can be complex and multifaceted, requiring continuous diligence to maintain the integrity of the assessments.”

**Picking the Winners**

Statista and _Time_ began their project in summer 2023 with a list of 5,225 companies around the world selected based on market capitalization, revenue, and public prominence, Krützfeldt said. They then used four broad metrics, encompassing over 20 data points, to winnow the list down to 500.

This year’s top-ranked business is French energy technology company Schneider Electric; the highest-ranked U.S. company, at No. 5, is genomics firm Illumina; the highest-ranked U.S. company that many consumers un the United States know, at No. 10, is healthcare provider Cigna.

The four steps in arriving at the winners were:

- Eliminating companies in fossil fuel, deforestation, or other clearly non-sustainable sectors, alongside those with troubling operations or histories; for example, a connection to an environmental disaster.

- Analyzing companies using a host of “external sustainability ratings and commitments from reputable organizations.” That encompassed the businesses’ [environmental disclosure scores](https://www.cdp.net/en/scores/cdp-scores-explained) from the nonprofit organization CDP; involvement in the [Race to Zero](https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/system/race-to-zero/) (emissions) campaign from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); and inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook.

- Assessing the value of the companies’ sustainability reporting, including: whether the businesses issued environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports in 2022; that the reports underwent external review; and that they met international reporting standards from organizations including the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.

- Analyzing important environmental and social metrics from the companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, such as emission intensity, emission reduction rates, energy intensity, gender diversity in board and leadership positions, and work safety.

For the companies that remained in consideration after the initial exclusion process, 40% weight for final scoring was given for both commitments and ratings and stewardship, with the remaining 20% for reporting and transparency, Krützfeldt said. The top possible score was 100; Schneider Electric came in well below that, at 88.86.

“We were not surprised that none of the companies scored 100 points,” she said. “The targets set by Statista are ambitious and even for the most dedicated companies there is still room for improvement.”


**Value in the Numbers**

There is real-world value in highlighting lists like this, Krützfeldt added: “For consumers and the public, the list of CSR ranking can help in making informed decisions/choices, allowing them to support companies that align with their values. It can also help investors to consider CSR performance to make more sustainable long-term investment decisions - (to) guide them towards companies that are socially responsible, and not only profitable.”

In September 2023, Statista surveyed 17,000 U.S. residents about their positions on a business’s CSR policy. Less than a quarter of customers (23,7%) said the issue is not important to them in any way. The remaining expressed some level of support for those policies: 14.1% identified them as “really important to me;” 29.2% said they strive to select socially responsible companies; and 32.9% said when given a choice they lean toward socially responsible companies.

In a corresponding poll of employees, Statista found that 27.1% said the company’s CSR policy was not important to them. An even 58% said it is important that a company operates in a socially responsible manner and 14.9% said they would only work for a company that adheres to CSR measures.

Statista hopes to prepare an annual list of the world’s most sustainable companies and believes a new list will be published in 2025, Krützfeldt said. _Time_ magazine, though, will make the final call, she noted.  A representative for _Time_ did not respond to a query.

Earth Hero also offers a [wide variety of actions](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/all-actions) that can help individuals become more sustainable consumers and influence shifting society to better ways of living, including [avoiding fast fashion](https://www.earthhero.org/act/561-avoid-buying-fast-fashion), [buying an electric vehicle](https://www.earthhero.org/act/235-replace-a-gas-car-with-an-electric), and [reducing use of bottled beverages](https://www.earthhero.org/act/262-avoid-bottled-beverages).


Assessing Corporate Sustainability

Do you ever wonder about the trees on your street or the birds you hear singing in their branches? Thanks to iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID, exploring the fascinating world of animals, insects, and plants has never been easier. 

These apps simplify the process of identifying wildlife and greenery. Even better, by using these apps to identify species you also play a part in biodiversity monitoring.

**iNaturalist: Become a Community Scientist**

[iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/) is a free app that identifies a wide range of living things, from plants and trees, to animals, insects, and [fungi](https://www.earthhero.org/act/757-learn-about-and-support-fungi). Whether it is a mysterious flower you noticed while [walking](https://www.earthhero.org/act/552-within-walking-distancequest-walk!) past a neighbor's [yard](https://www.earthhero.org/act/157-replace-your-grass-lawn) or an unknown bird you spotted in the park, iNaturalist can help. Snap a photo of the organism you want to identify and upload it along with where you found it. The app suggests up to ten possibilities for identification. 

Once you have picked the best match, it’s time to wait for other community members to confirm it. When two members agree on an identification, your observation becomes “research-grade” and gets added to a database used by scientists to track species. Even if your observation doesn't quite reach "research-grade," it can still be helpful for scientific research.

By taking pictures of plants and animals and noting where they were found, iNaturalist users become part of a vast group of community scientists. Apart from identifying species, the photos you upload can also show when flowers bloom, birds migrate, or animals breed. This information is important for understanding how climate change affects the environment, giving insights into shifts in the quality of habitats and other biodiversity trends. 

iNaturalist also provides a map feature that shows what species others identified in your area. This may be especially helpful for focusing on the abundance of nature rather than on [bad news](https://www.earthhero.org/act/861-take-a-break-from-bad-news). 

**Merlin Bird ID: Simplifying Bird Identification**

[Merlin](https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) is an app designed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to help beginners identify birds. It asks a series of questions—such as location, date, size, color, and behavior—that experts use to identify birds. Based on your answers Merlin offers recommendations from its extensive database about what bird you might have sighted.

Bird identification is sometimes complex, but Merlin provides quick access to information. If you hear a bird but can’t see it well, Merlin can help with that too. Simply turn on sound recording and if the app recognizes the bird's call, it identifies the bird. 

While Merlin is great for recognizing birds it sometimes needs users to double-check its findings, especially in noisy areas. For instance, if there's a lot of traffic near a park, it might cause Merlin to misidentify a bird. Confirming these recordings with a visual check helps make sure the information is accurate.

As users answer questions and record songs and calls, they learn about birds while acting for climate. Observing changes in bird populations and behaviors, using Merlin and similar bird ID apps, provides key information about how the environment is transforming due to climate change. Birds are very sensitive to shifts in their surroundings, making them great indicators of ecosystem health and climate change effects. 

Merlin also integrates seamlessly with [eBird](https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/), another Cornell Lab project, allowing users to upload their observations to a global database that aids in bird conservation and research. eBird collects millions of bird observations worldwide, providing comprehensive data that helps scientists track bird migration patterns, population changes, and ecological trends over time.

**Celebrating Urban Biodiversity**

iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID are powerful tools for appreciating and conserving urban biodiversity. By using apps such as these, people around the world can add meaningful encounters with nature to their daily routines. From finding insects in a [community garden](https://www.earthhero.org/act/474-start-or-join-a-community-garden) to recording bird sightings, every observation contributes to a better understanding of urban ecosystems and strengthens the ability to respond to climate change.


Embrace Nature: Apps for Connecting with the Great Outdoors

### Vegan Ink and Eco-Friendly Tattoo Care

Conscious, [sustainable choices](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/30-easy-ways-to-kickoff-a-sustainable-lifestyle) can extend into every aspect of overall consumption, including the art that some place on their skin. So if you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you can join the growing number of people who turn to vegan tattoo inks and eco-friendly aftercare methods. 

This introductory guide walks you through the world of vegan tattoo inks —explaining what they are, their benefits, and how to take care of your art in a way that's kind to our Earth. 

### Vegan Tattoos vs. Common Tattoos  
Vegan tattoo ink provides an alternative that's gaining popularity not only for its cruelty-free nature, but also for its lack of animal-derived ingredients. These inks are formulated with natural and plant-based components, offering a skin-friendly option that aligns with environmental values. Additionally, vegan inks are crafted to have vibrant, long-lasting colors, ensuring that your tattoo looks great without compromising your values.

Traditional tattoo inks have been used for many years and are known for their durability and the wide range of colors they offer. These inks often contain ingredients such as bone char, glycerin from animal fats, and gelatin from hooves. 

On the other hand, vegan tattoo inks use [plant-based glycerin](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetable-glycerin), vegetable carbon, and other natural materials, offering a cruelty-free option. Vegan inks are often crafted to be less irritating to the skin and are free from animal-derived ingredients. They are also formulated with fewer contaminants, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

When it comes to costs, vegan tattoo inks can be more expensive than traditional inks. This is due to the higher quality and ethical sourcing of ingredients used. However, many people find the additional cost worthwhile for the benefits of sustainability and cruelty-free practices.

### Benefits of Plant-Based Inks in Tattoos
Choosing plant-based inks for tattoos isn't only a great choice for those who follow a vegan lifestyle; it also offers environmental benefits. These inks reduce reliance on eco-friendly products, thus diminishing the demand that leads to animal farming practices, which are known for their significant environmental footprint. By opting for vegan tattoo inks, we're helping decrease the overall impact of our lifestyle on our planet.

Vegan inks, recognized for their purity and straightforward ingredient lists, tend to be gentler on the skin. For those of us with sensitive skin or allergies, this can make a big difference in our tattooing experience. These inks help us look after both our health and our planet’s well-being, wrapping care and consideration into every drop used on our skin. 

These ingredients, chosen based on their minimal impact on the Earth and health, also offer vibrant, lasting colors that do not compromise the artistic quality of our tattoos. This makes it possible to embrace environmental consciousness without sacrificing the beauty and expression that tattoos add to our lives.

### Eco-Friendly Tattoo Aftercare
After investing in a tattoo with vegan ink, it makes sense that we would want to continue our sustainability journey through the aftercare process. Thankfully, there are plenty of eco-friendly aftercare products that ensure our tattoos heal beautifully without harming our planet. 

There are a variety of organic and natural aftercare products like coconut oil, shea butter, and [jojoba oil](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197201/), which are gentle on the skin and free from synthetic additives. These natural moisturizers not only keep the tattooed area hydrated but also promote healing without the use of chemicals that can be harsh on our skin and the environment.

In addition to choosing sustainable products, you can adopt eco-friendly practices to care for your tattoo. For instance, using reusable cloths to gently pat the tattoo dry can minimize wasteful single-use resources. 

You can wash the tattoo with natural, unscented soap to avoid irritation and reduce the chemical load on local water systems. By integrating these simple yet effective practices, we ensure that our aftercare routine aligns with our eco-conscious values, supporting both your skin health and environmental sustainability.

### Where To Get A Vegan Tattoo
If you're ready to take the leap into the world of vegan tattoos, there are numerous reputable studios specializing in plant-based inks. In the United States, vegan tattoo services can be found in various states, especially in cities known for their progressive attitudes towards eco-friendly practices.

Here are 4 cities that are renowned for their commitment to sustainability:

- **Portland** is known for its eco-conscious culture, and its tattoo studios are no exception. Many Portland tattoo shops offer vegan inks and follow green practices, making it an ideal destination for those looking to get inked in an environmentally responsible manner.

- **Las Vegas**, with its vibrant tattoo culture, is home to numerous  [Las Vegas tattoo shops](https://skindesigntattoos.com/locations/las-vegas/) that are embracing sustainable practices. These shops offer a variety of vegan inks and eco-conscious aftercare products, making it easier for tattoo enthusiasts to make ethical choices without compromising on quality.

- **Los Angeles** is another hotspot for vegan tattoos, with its abundance of studios dedicated to cruelty-free and environmentally friendly tattooing. The city's artistic community has fully embraced the vegan movement, ensuring a wide selection of talented artists who prioritize sustainability.

- **Washington, D.C**., offers a growing number of tattoo studios that focus on vegan and eco-friendly options. The city's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its tattoo scene, where artists are increasingly using plant-based inks and sustainable practices to create beautiful, ethical tattoos.

Beyond the United States, vegan tattoo studios can be found in various other countries around the world: United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Canada. These countries are known for their commitment to sustainability and cruelty-free tattooing, making them ideal destinations for those seeking ethical and environmentally conscious tattoos.

Vegan tattoo inks and eco-friendly aftercare practices can be part of an overall dedication to living in harmony with the environment while expressing your identity. It’s one more step towards minimizing your ecological footprint and supporting animal welfare. 


Vegan Ink and Eco-Friendly Tattoo Care

If you are more concerned about the climate than profit, you won’t be surprised to learn that many banks finance fossil fuel projects. A tougher challenge is to find banks that are both saying and doing the right things on the climate crisis. The good news is they are out there.

The _[Banking on Climate Chaos](https://www.bankingonclimatechaos.org/)_ report offers a damning picture of the financial sector’s continued financing of fossil fuels: From 2016 to 2022, the seven years following approval of the international [Paris Agreement on climate change](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement), the global 60 largest banks provided $5.5 trillion for the fossil fuel industry.

That covers financing – which the report defines as loans and underwriting of debt and equity issuances – for fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, fracking companies, coal mining and coal power, oil and gas extraction in the Amazon, and other operations.

The top financier in those years was JPMorgan Chase, at $434.1 billion, according to the report prepared by the Sierra Club, Rainforest Action Network, and five other nongovernmental organizations and endorsed by hundreds of others. That was over $100 billion above No. 2 Citigroup, at $332.9 billion. Rounding out the top five were Wells Fargo ($316.7 billion), Bank of America ($279.7 billion), and the Royal Bank of Canada ($252.5 billion).

“Global banks often make public declarations that they are addressing climate change, but the scale of their continued financing of fossil fuels and industrial agriculture is simply staggering,” the _[Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/04/banks-pour-trillions-fossil-fuel-expansion-global-south-report-says)_[ newspaper](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/04/banks-pour-trillions-fossil-fuel-expansion-global-south-report-says) quoted Teresa Anderson, global lead on climate justice for ActionAid International, as saying after that organization published [its own report](https://actionaid.org/publications/2023/how-finance-flows-banks-fuelling-climate-crisis) finding that banks had provided $3.2 billion for fossil fuel activities in the Global South from 2016 to 2022.

Banks like JPMorgan Chase counter that they are mindful of both the climate crisis and their roles in powering the global economy. 

“At JPMorgan Chase, we work to power economies around the world and champion opportunity in good and difficult times,” JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said in the introduction to the bank’s [Climate Report](https://www.jpmorganchase.com/content/dam/jpmc/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/documents/Climate-Report-2023.pdf). “A key challenge is meeting governments and companies’ net-zero emissions goals by 2050 while also meeting the global need for secure, reliable and affordable energy. As I have said before, these objectives are not mutually exclusive. We can — and must — do both.”

The report highlights JPMorgan climate actions dating to 2004, including the 2017 declaration of the intention to “facilitate” $200 billion in clean energy financing over eight years. The Rainforest Action Network quickly responded by accusing the bank of “[greenwashing](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/greenwashing#:~:text=By%20misleading%20the%20public%20to,some%20more%20obvious%20than%20others.)”: an increasingly used pejorative for companies that publicly overstate or mislead regarding actual steps taken to address their contributions to climate change.

The transparency organization [Mighty Deposits](https://mightydeposits.com/) generally defines eco-friendly banks as “those that acknowledge that their lending and investment choices have an impact on the health of the planet, and take action to decrease funding projects that harm the environment.”

It provides lists of both [sustainable banks](https://mightydeposits.com/find-banks#/find?cause=sustainability&page=1) and [banks that are not financing fossil fuels](https://mightydeposits.com/find-banks#/find?cause=all&page=1&feature=dep_dont_fund_ff). Many are local or regional banks rather than the massive institutions cited in _the Banking on Climate Crisis_ report. For example: topping the list of banks that do not finance fossil fuels on the Mighty Deposits website is Ponce Bank, which lists just 14 locations in and around New York City.

The number of banks with this distinction is limited yet growing. As of March 2024, Mighty Deposits lists 13 banks across the United States that are not financing fossil fuels. However, [more than 300 credit unions](https://mightydeposits.com/find-credit-unions#/find?cause=all&page=1&feature=dep_dont_fund_ff&showmap=true) are also fossil fuel-free.

Mighty Deposits cites pro-environment banking options beyond those on the sustainability and no-fossil-fuel-investments lists. These encompass B-Corp Banks, which “meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose”; members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values; and Aspiration, ATMOS, Ando, and other “environmentally focused neobanks.”

Other organizations, such as [Bank.Green](https://bank.green/) allows you to check if your bank is "funding climate chaos" and find alternatives in 50+ countries. [Bank for Good](https://bankforgood.org/), also offers guidance on finding environmentally focused-institutions in the United States.

Meanwhile, shareholders, regulators, and others worldwide continue fighting to push larger banks away from financing fossil fuels. In January 2024, the New York City Comptroller’s Office announced that the city had joined with three major city pension funds to file shareholder proposals demanding that JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and other financial institutions completely report their financing of fossil fuels versus clean energy. Within a matter of months, JPMorgan and Citigroup had agreed to the demand, [Energy Monitor reported](https://www.energymonitor.ai/news/citigroup-follows-in-footsteps-of-jpmorgan-chase-by-agreeing-to-disclose-green-financing-ratio/).

[The financing ratio must reach 4:1 clean energy vs. fossil fuels by 2030](https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bank-of-America-Shareholder-Proposal-Clean-Energy-Supply-Finance-Ratio.pdf), and improve from there, to keep the world on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050 and to prevent the Earth from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, according to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance analysis cited in a Comptroller press release. The 2022 ratio for North American banks was 0.6:1.

“Despite all their talk, the big banks have made little progress in the energy finance transition over the past couple of years,” Comptroller Brad Lander said in a [press release](https://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/nyc-comptroller-lander-nyc-pension-funds-launch-shareholder-drive-to-hold-banks-accountable-for-transition-away-from-financing-of-fossil-fuels/#:~:text=Analysis%20by%20Bloomberg%20New%20Energy,average%20ratio%20of%200.6%3A1.). “As long-term investors exposed to climate risk, we can’t just take their word for it.”

It’s not just a battle for powerful organizations – individuals can [recognize greenwashing](https://www.earthhero.org/act/468-recognize-greenwashing), [invest in clean energy](https://www.earthhero.org/act/198-invest-in-clean-energy), and[ talk about the relationship between their banks and fossil fuels](https://www.earthhero.org/act/495-talk-about-banks-and-fossil-fuels), among many other actions. [Earth Hero ](https://www.earthhero.org/act)will continue to add actions that can help you do your part to be part of the solution.


How to Bank Without Fossil Fuels

[Earth Hour](https://www.earthhour.org/) is an annual reminder about the responsibility we all share towards the environment. It’s a day - celebrated on March 23 this year - that advocates the benefits of conserving energy (all year - not just for one day). It promotes and encourages us as individuals, or as part of a community, to switch off non-essential lights for one hour as a symbolic gesture of support for conservation. It is not only about turning off lights; it is a good opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about eco-friendly living.

Of course, holding an important cause close to your heart and making it count in your day-to-day life is easier said than done. While it’s possible to enjoy the activities and sports you love, and to commit to tackling climate change, routinely doing so can take some real effort. It might take a dedicated event or a collective campaign to motivate any of us to [start leading a more sustainable lifestyle](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/30-easy-ways-to-kickoff-a-sustainable-lifestyle).

But simple tweaks to your activities or hobbies can make a big difference, and there are many ways to make conserving energy and adopting eco-friendly habits part of your everyday life.

## Reflect on Energy Consumption

Collective actions can have profound implications for the health of the planet, so it's important to integrate sustainability into your daily routine. Reports suggest that more people than ever want to live more sustainably, recognizing that change begins with them, and that their [small, everyday habits can address](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/are-americans-actually-supporting-sustainability) climate concerns. You can also be sustainable with new hobbies you take up, doing housework or when exercising. Your everyday choices can have a significant impact on safeguarding the environment. 

## Play Sustainable Sports

Engaging in sports and physical activities can benefit your health and be an excellent opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices into your weekly workout. If you love exercising, you can learn how to build sustainability by playing sports, practicing, or traveling to watch games. As well as benefiting your own health and well-being, you’re securing an important role in the fight against climate change. 

Sports and physical activities present an excellent opportunity to conserve energy, whether golfing, cycling, or swimming. For instance, opting to [practice golf with indoor equipment](https://www.golfswingsystems.co.uk/shop/golf-practice-aids/) rather than traveling to a golf range or club, reduces a golfer's carbon footprint. Similarly, choosing to walk when on the golf course, rather than using a golf cart, allows players to appreciate the natural surroundings and helps minimize carbon emissions.

Opting for outdoor activities in daylight hours allows the opportunity to exercise under your own steam. Make the simple choice to run outside rather than on a high-tech treadmill, or explore low-impact exercises that require minimal energy consumption, such as yoga or bodyweight workouts. If you prefer to swim, there are still relevant opportunities to conserve energy and promote sustainability. Swim in outdoor pools or natural bodies of water, use solar-powered mats to heat outdoor pools, or swim in colder water, avoiding the need to heat a pool all year. You can also invest in sustainable swimwear, sports gear, and accessories such as refillable bottles.

## Promote an Eco-Friendly and Active Lifestyle

You can also embrace eco-friendly activities that align with your interests. If you love cooking, baking, and entertaining friends by sharing your latest culinary delights, try hosting a candlelit dinner with local ingredients. You might invite friends over for a traditional board game to get everyone off their screens. 

Saving [energy](https://www.energysage.com/energy-efficiency/ways-to-save-energy/) at home is not a sacrifice and can leave you with more cash. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), making simple energy-efficiency upgrades in your home, such as replacing light bulbs, can make a difference. Making such an energy-saving switch is a valuable habit to adopt. Installing smart thermostats, buying efficient appliances, and replacing your HVAC systems, can [save up to 30% on your energy bills](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-energy-audits). 

## Be Mindful at Home, Work and on Your Travels

Participating in Earth Hour from the comfort of home offers an opportunity to reflect on our energy consumption habits and implement sustainable practices in our day-to-day lives. You can start with a mini energy audit to determine how you use energy in your house. 

If you [work from home](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/going-green-with-your-paperwork--tips-for-the-remote-office), try to be paperless and avoid printing pointlessly. You can identify areas across your home, indoors and outside, where you and your family’s electricity usage can be minimized. Simple measures, such as switching to energy-efficient appliances, using natural light whenever possible, and unplugging electronic devices when not in use, can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

If you travel or commute to work every day, try to do so in a way that saves energy. You can [choose to walk or cycle](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/use-your-feet-and-bicycles-to-help-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions) rather than drive yourself to work or the shops. Likewise, If you aren’t in a rush and can afford to do so, use public transportation, or organize a car share. Cycling is a great sustainable alternative and can be a healthy commute method. When you travel long distances, be mindful of your transport choices. Why not explore new countries on a [cycling tour](https://www.guidester.com/europe-bike-tour/) to reduce your carbon pollution?
## 
## Respect Sustainability

Understanding the significance of conserving electricity and embracing sustainability in our daily routines is paramount in addressing environmental challenges. Excessive energy consumption contributes to carbon emissions, depletes finite natural resources, and exacerbates climate change. By adopting eco-friendly habits, individuals can mitigate their environmental impact and contribute to building a more sustainable future for generations.

This year’s Earth Hour is a timely reminder of the need to prioritize environmental conservation and embrace sustainable living practices. By incorporating eco-friendly initiatives across our daily activities and routines, there are countless opportunities to celebrate Earth Hour while championing the environment.


Celebrating Earth Hour: Making the Cause Count in Your Day-To-Day Life

_This is the last of a series of articles providing guidance on how taxpayers in the United States can receive federal tax credits under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that are intended to promote clean energy. The previous articles in the series are [What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Tax Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicle-tax-credits), [What You Need to Know About Residential Energy Tax Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-residential-energy-tax-credits), and [What You Need to Know About Low-Income Communities Bonus Credits](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-low-income-communities-bonus-credits)_.

Each of the 26 clean energy tax provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) has the potential to help push the United States toward a future that is less reliant on the fossil fuels that are the central drivers of climate change. But if there are quiet game-changers at the national level in the law, they are perhaps the clean electricity production tax credit and clean electricity investment tax credit, according to one leading climate group.

“[T]he credits that have the greatest impact to drive forward the clean energy transition will operate largely out of sight from consumers,” Seattle-based Evergreen Action said in a [May 2023 post](https://www.evergreenaction.com/blog/what-are-clean-energy-tax-credits). “The clean electricity production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC) fit that profile: lesser-known, but among the IRA’s highest-impact investments to spur a fair and equitable clean energy economy.”

**PROMOTING CLEAN ENERGY**
The program’s intent is laid out in their names – to provide tax credits for investment in facilities that generate zero-emission electricity or for the production of similarly clean energy. Like other tax credit programs in the IRA, these initiatives are updated versions of existing programs, going into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Only one of the credits can be used for a project, so no double-dipping. There is no technology specification in the updated credits; by comparison, the previous production tax credit applied specifically to renewable energy facilities, [according to the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center](https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/734).

Eligible technologies for either program encompass various wind and solar systems, municipal solid waste, geothermal, and tidal. The ITC-only list adds energy storage, microgrid controllers, fuel cells, microturbines, and expenses related to interconnection. If applying solely for a PTC, the relevant technologies are biomass, landfill gas, hydroelectric, marine, and hydrokinetic.

Both start with modest credit offerings that can be boosted significantly based on wages offered to workers, the amount of domestic material used in the project, and whether they are located in an “energy community.” Anticipated levels of uptake of those credits to support clean energy projects could have substantial effects on emissions, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its [2023 Annual Energy Outlook](https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/IIF_IRA/). In the “Reference” case that represents the agency’s most likely scenario, there is uptake of the base credits and certain bonus credits that propel a 33% reduction in national carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 2005 levels by 2030.

“The emissions decline comes because carbon-free resources provide more electricity by 2050 than coal and natural gas. IRA provisions in the Reference case push wind and solar to 56% of electricity generation by 2050,” the EIA said.

**BASE CREDIT WITH ABILITY TO BOOST**
The Investment Tax Credit offers a ground-floor credit for 6% of the qualified investment in a facility that produces clean electricity, as well as certain energy storage technologies. The Production Tax Credit offers 0.3 cents per kilowatt for generation of electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.

From there, each program can raise credits by five times if the project meets “prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements” – for the initial decade of a Production Tax Credit project and for the initial five years of an Investment Tax Credit job, according to Evergreen Action. Here, a prevailing wage is defined as the average wage that workers are paid in a specific job and area.

Credit boosts are also available for projects in both programs that are built with sufficient amounts of domestically produced steel, iron, and manufactured products – 10% for the PTC and up to 10 percentage points for the ITC. Additional credits in those same levels are on the table for a project in an [energy community](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/45) – which, among other sites, encompasses a location that meets the federal definition for a [brownfield site](https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfield-overview-and-definition_.html); a metropolitan or other area for which since Dec. 31, 2009, has counted at least 0.17% of employment or a quarter of local tax revenue connected to “extraction, processing, transport of coal, oil, or natural gas”; or a census tract in which a coal mine closed after Dec. 31, 1999, or a coal-fired electrical generating unit shut down after Dec. 31, 2009.

“[Initial projections](https://evergreenaction.com/blog/evergreen-explains-the-climate-impact-of-the-inflation-reduction-act) indicated that the two credits alone will comprise more than $125 billion of investments. Multiple recent reports blow that figure out of the water. According to [Goldman Sachs modeling](https://www.wsj.com/articles/inflation-reduction-act-subsidies-cost-goldman-sachs-report-5623cd29), the IRA could drive three times the climate investments initially projected, with an additional $82 billion in clean energy credits,” Evergreen Action said. “The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation, which issued the authoritative initial IRA cost estimates, produced even higher revised credit projections—their [April 2023 figures](https://www.jct.gov/publications/2023/jcx-7-23/) indicate the IRA’s clean energy tax credits will drive nearly $570 billion of new federal investments. According to the _Wall Street Journal’s_ coverage, “companies are rushing to cash in on tax credits that aren’t capped.”

These articles have presented just a slice of the tax benefits available for pursuing clean energy projects and technologies. You can find a full list from the White House [here](https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/clean-energy-tax-provisions/), with information also available from participating federal agencies.

Earth Hero also has [a number of actions](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy) to help you reduce your climate pollution footprint and help push our society toward better ways of living. Take action today!


What You Need to Know About Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Alongside climate change, we are witnessing what Elizabeth Kolbert refers to as [the sixth mass extinction event](https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-sixth-extinction-an-unnatural-history-elizabeth-kolbert/8424309?ean=9781250062185) on Earth: insects across the planet are dying off, with one in three species listed as endangered as of 2019, and a recent report found a majority of bird species in the United States are declining in population too. Much like the climate crisis, the causes of this biodiversity crisis generally stem from human behavior. Through our actions, we all have the power to create real, lasting impact in our communities and our environments. Especially when we join together and move towards better ways of living.

One such action is growing native plants in and around your home or “rewilding” your garden, while advocating for native flora throughout your community. In this way, you can make the area around you a refuge to the birds, insects, fungi, and more in desperate need of native green spaces, while also making a more climate-resilient community for you and your neighbors. For example, you can add native wildflowers to [attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators](https://www.earthhero.org/act/405-plant-a-pollinator-friendly-garden). Native flora is also a great way to [support soil biodiversity](https://www.earthhero.org/act/548-support-soil-biodiversity). By [relinquishing some gray infrastructure back to green](https://www.earthhero.org/act/711-re-green-your-area), we can increase the space native species have access to. Planting native flora provides native fauna a distinct advantage against their own invasive rivals, as they have evolved alongside these plants and some have developed symbiotic diets and behaviors. Plus they make for more beautiful surroundings for you to enjoy!

**BECOME A REWILDING GUARDIAN**
Rewilding does not mean planting and forgetting. Humans have been managers and protectors of native habitats across the globe for generations, and we have an important role to play as we attempt to return to a more harmonious relationship with the world around us. While native plants will usually require less maintenance than an invasive species because of their natural acclimation to your area's climate, monitoring any space you’ve cultivated will be important to ensure weeds and other pests don’t encroach on the refuge you are creating. And while you are performing this maintenance, you can [switch to electric gardening tools](https://www.earthhero.org/act/395-use-electric-power-tools) to reduce your climate pollution! By acting as a manager and a guardian of a native garden, you will grow closer to your own habitat, and you will have the opportunity to witness native plants and any animal visitors they attract as the seasons and weather change.

An added benefit to a native green space is that the plants are accustomed to your area’s natural climate. This means areas prone to heavy rainfall will have natives that thrive on mass amounts of water and can act as stormwater retention solutions and help to mitigate flooding, while areas prone to drought will have native species that need little water to grow.

**FINDING AND PURCHASING NATIVE FLORA**
Despite their many benefits, native flora can be hard to find at big box retailers. It’s best to look for a local plant nursery, many of whom specialize in native plants and would be able to assist in planning any projects to ensure the right plants are put in the right places. Pop up sales in the spring and fall of local plants are common in some areas and can be found online or by asking around. Local landscapers can also be a great resource in planning gardens and acquiring native plants.

It’s possible, with the right know-how and care, to gather seeds and clippings from native plants near you to propagate your project. If you are going to do so, you must be mindful of foraging and clipping with respectful for the ecosystem you are harvesting from. Robin Wall Kimmerer offers great advice in this regard. A few of her suggestions for an honorable harvest are to (1) ask permission of the ones whose lives you seek and abide by the answer, (2) take only what you need and leave some for others, (3) use everything you take, and (4) share as the Earth has shared with you. For her full guide toward harvesting from the Earth, you can read her book, _[Braiding Sweetgrass](https://bookshop.org/p/books/braiding-sweetgrass-robin-wall-kimmerer/16712606?ean=9781571313560)_.

However big or small your space may be, native plants are an incredible way to exponentially increase their benefits to you, your community, and your ecosystem. Happy growing!


Make Your Yard a Refuge

_This is part of a series of articles providing guidance on how taxpayers in the United States can receive federal income tax credits under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 intended to promote clean energy. Our first article, on electric vehicle credits, can be found[ here](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicle-tax-credits)._

If you are a homeowner who wants to add clean energy generation to your home, or to make your house more energy efficient, the U.S. government wants to help. In fact, under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, it wants to help more than ever.

The law increased the tax credits available for installing a broad range of clean electricity products and energy-efficient home refurbishments, through at least the 2032 tax year. Depending on the amount of work done on a house, thousands of dollars worth of credits could be available. Homeowners can claim credits to offset select costs, as can renters in some cases. As with the electric vehicle program, the credits are nonrefundable, meaning you cannot receive more than the income tax owed for the year and credits cannot be passed on to future tax filings.

The mechanism to claim credits is Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Form 5695](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf) for Residential Energy Credits, which would be filed with your Form 1040 income tax return. Under the IRA, the residential energy efficient property credit has been redesignated as the residential clean energy credit, while the nonbusiness energy property credit has been renamed the energy efficient home improvement credit. Standing houses and houses being built are covered under the first program, while the second program covers only existing structures, [according to IRS](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5695#d0e49) instructions for Form 5695.

**Residential Clean Energy Credit**

This program provides tax credits equal to 30 percent of the cost for eligible preparation, assembly, or installation of the following home clean energy projects: solar panels, solar water heaters, fuel cells, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, and battery storage technology. That includes labor costs and expenses for pipes or wires to link one of those systems to a house.
There is generally no dollar maximum for the credits, except $500 per half-kilowatt of capacity from a fuel cell property, which the IRS cites as “an integrated system comprised of a fuel cell stack assembly and associated balance of plant components that converts a fuel into electricity using electrochemical means.”

The credit match would drop to 26 percent in 2033 and 22 percent in 2034,[ the IRS said](https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/home-energy-tax-credits). It would end after that unless new laws are enacted, according to[ financial software firm Intuit](https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/going-green/what-is-the-irs-form-5695/L9D6ARQ0p).

The 30 percent credit level is equal to the tax credit that was available for the 2022 tax year for most clean energy installations, but the previous program did not cover battery storage at all, according to the Department of Energy. To be eligible for fuel-cell credits, a house is required to be in the United States and to be the taxpayer’s principal residence. The requirements for the other technologies are less strict – a home in the United States that serves simply as _a_ residence for the taxpayer.

**Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit**

The potential tax benefits have increased even more significantly under this program for a host of upgrades to your home, encompassing the purchase and installation of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, biomass stoves, and other heating, cooling, and water heating technology; as well as expenses for energy-efficiency upgrades to doors, windows, and insulation. (The Department of Energy provides a full list[ here](https://www.energy.gov/policy/articles/making-our-homes-more-efficient-clean-energy-tax-credits-consumers).)

On January 1, 2023, the program expanded from a $500 lifetime credit to providing tax credits for up to 30 percent of a project cost in three areas: installation of energy-efficiency improvements, residential energy expenditures, and home energy audits. There is a $1,200 annual credit limit for much of this work, as well as limits for specific projects. For example: installing energy-efficient heating or water heating equipment is each limited to $600 in credits per year, which would be half of the total cap (though still significantly better than the previous credit cap of $300 for heating equipment and $150 for water heating equipment).

There is a separate $2,000 credit maximum for the installation of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and biomass stoves (stoves that use wood pellets, plants, or other biomass fuel to generate heat). So, in any given year, a homeowner could receive as much as $3,200 in tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.

There are additional qualifications for homeowners to receive credits under the program, including meeting efficiency requirements under the federal[ Energy Star](https://www.energystar.gov/) program for exterior doors, windows, and skylights. This [IRS fact sheet](https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2022-40.pdf) details those and other requirements.

The Internal Revenue Service also provides line-by-line instructions for filling out Form 5695 on [this Web page](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5695). Your tax advisor or tax prep software will naturally be able to help with all of this as well.

In the next article, we’ll examine the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit. In the meantime, Earth Hero has many [energy-focused recommendations](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/energy) for reducing your climate pollution and saving money, including [using LED lightbulbs](https://www.earthhero.org/act/80-change-light-bulbs-to-leds), adding [rooftop solar](https://www.earthhero.org/act/79-get-rooftop-solar) to your home, and [installing a smart thermostat](https://www.earthhero.org/act/264-install-a-smart-thermostat).


What You Need to Know About Residential Energy Tax Credits

The holiday season offers a valuable opportunity for companies who support sustainability to reward employees in the greenest way possible. Now’s the time to show how much your business values sustainable living by gifting employees with eco-friendly seasonal treats, green parties and unique gift experiences.

From sustainable perks to corporate donations to worthy causes, there are plenty of incredible and inspiring gift ideas to choose from, such as sharing branded gifts wrapped with a heart-warming eco-friendly message or ordering homemade goodies for your global team. Below are some great ways to reward employees (and others) with meaningful presents that align with your corporate values. 

## Rethink Traditional Gift-Giving
Seasonal vacations are a great time to treat employees while being mindful of creating waste. According to research, for example, the level of unwanted goods increases by [25%](https://brightly.eco/blog/holiday-waste-generation-and-prevention) during the festive period. While it is all too easy to give employees the usual boxes of chocolates or unnecessary branded items, although they are gratefully accepted, they might end up as unwanted and consigned to the trash can.

Therefore, rather than defaulting to this norm, consider picking out [sustainable gifts](https://snacknation.com/blog/eco-friendly-gifts/) for your employees that can tick off being:

- Low-impact
- Sustainably-sourced and produced
- Reusable
- Biodegradable
- High quality 

## Choose Presents That Promote Climate Activism
If you want to reward your employees with a sustainable gift, take some time to consider unique presents and gift experiences that support sustainability initiatives, promote change, and pledge an alliance with climate activism. This can be anything from[ launching an electric car scheme](https://www.hamlyns.com/blog/business-electric-vehicle-ev-schemes/) for your team to giving employees a global membership to a [worldwide charity](https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-for-climate-change/#:~:text=The%20best%20charities%20for%20climate%20change%20in%20terms%20of%20overall,farmers%20in%20sustainable%20agriculture%20methods.) that supports conservation and biodiversity. You might also consider gifts like canvas totes with inspiring calls to action on climate change, or branded clothes with eco-friendly messages manufactured out of recycled materials. 

Businesses can invite their employees to make donations to nonprofit organizations in an employer’s name or sign up to an annual membership for a group that aligns with sustainability values, for an even more thoughtful present. With a little creativity, you can find gift options that are eco-friendly, unique to your employees, and meaningful.

## Host Eco-Friendly Corporate Parties
Try throwing highly-anticipated parties to celebrate holidays throughout the year! These are great opportunities to incorporate sustainability into your corporate celebrations. It is no surprise that arranging and [hosting corporate events has a huge impact ](https://www.theeventplannerexpo.com/sustainability-in-corporate-events-strategies-for-hosting-eco-friendly-gatherings/)on our global footprint. So, if you are going to plan parties at any time of year, try to do so with sustainability at the core of your event planning.

From sending out invites (using e-vites to reduce paper waste) to [sustainable party decorations](https://www.greenvelope.com/blog/eco-friendly-party-decorations), there are numerous ways to ensure your celebrations are eco-friendly. Host your [party at a sustainable venue](https://www.venuescanner.com/blog/a-guide-to-sustainable-holiday-celebrations-for-venue-owners) and promote it to creatively showcase your green initiatives and credentials. Wherever you are in the world, look for venues that integrate energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and composting of organic waste. Similarly, opt for spaces with energy-efficient furnishings and fittings as much as you can.

You might also want to make sure your [caterers use sustainable practices](https://hirespace.com/blog/top-sustainable-caterers-for-greener-events). Research whether they have respectable policies when it comes to minimizing food waste, reusing plastics, and recycling glass bottles or containers. Some catering firms will let you know if they offer plant-based and seasonal organic appetizers, meals, and desserts. You should, where possible, pledge support for caterers who source ethically-sourced ingredients to reduce transport emissions. Likewise, look for global initiatives that collect leftovers or [high-profile brands raising awareness ](https://www.prweek.com/article/1848178/brands-tackle-food-insecurity-cozy-getaways-thanksgiving-campaigns)about people who lack access to food or are left out of traditional festivities.

## Reward Employees With Eco-Friendly Gifts
The gift choices companies make for employees carry meaning and demonstrate values. Rather than giving generic gifts that are destined for the trash, select presents that reflect sustainability and social responsibility. A sustainable gift that is valuable to an employee might be [pledging regular donations to meaningful causes](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/donate) or to charities supporting climate activism. 

Alternatively, purchase gifts that are homemade, such as baked goods, knitted items and personally-crafted pieces. Fair trade and organic consumables like coffee, tea, chocolate and skincare can make thoughtful gifts while also supporting ethical sourcing and agriculture. In addition, there are many sustainable corporate gift experiences, such as spa days or outdoor group pursuits like beach cleaning and volunteer days that make fantastic alternatives. Gift cards and vouchers to buy items from green businesses, eco-fashion brands and sustainable tech stores will also appeal to your eco-friendly employees. 

Meanwhile, you can reward staff by block-booking tickets to environmentally-conscious classes, or sign employees up for green adventures during the year, such as foraging workshops, hiking excursions or farm-to-table cooking classes. Employees increasingly care about environmental and social issues, so gifts that embody sustainability send a powerful message.

## Promote Your Company’s Sustainability Values
The festive season is the perfect opportunity to give employees presents to thank them while simultaneously highlighting your organization's sustainability values, both internally and externally. Give employees presents that are packaged and [gift-wrapped sustainably](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/act/637-use-recyclablecomma-reusable-gift-wrap) in addition to carrying meaningful messages and sustainable living tips. Meanwhile, your company can order reusable water bottles with facts about plastic waste or tote bags printed with reminders to reduce and reuse. Organize a vacation fundraising initiative for an eco-focused charity or nonprofit and rally employees around the cause of giving back. 

Any gifts or seasonal events can be arranged to encourage your staff into living and working more sustainably, as well as highlighting your current and ongoing business commitment to sustainability. In turn, use any seasonal vacations as an opportunity to show appreciation to your employees in ways that align with your company’s actions on climate change. 

By rethinking traditional gift-giving and planning seasonal events that minimize waste, businesses can celebrate important dates in the calendar while reducing their environmental impact. Sustainable gifting and greener parties enable companies to mark special occasions and inspire eco-conscious practices with employees who share a commitment to living more sustainably. With some thoughtful planning, businesses can celebrate vacations while highlighting their sustainability values and rewarding dedicated employees.


How to Reward Employees with Sustainable Gifts

With environmental concerns mounting year-on-year, people are looking for ways to adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles both at home and at work. For business owners and remote workers, there are many simple steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact. 

While you might already have a [green job](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/what-are-green-jobs-and-why-are-they-importantquest), making small sustainable changes to how you work from home can make a big difference. Here are some tips to make your remote office greener:

## Adopt Green Habits In Your Home Office
Working remotely has many benefits, including flexibility and a better work-life balance. 
Recent reports state that [remote working is better for the environment](https://hbr.org/2022/03/is-remote-work-actually-better-for-the-environment). However, it can lead to habits that aren't environmentally friendly, such as giving little thought to the amount of paper you use and waste. Without a manager to check your recycling levels or pressure from [official business waste-monitoring audits](https://www.dumpsters.com/blog/how-to-conduct-a-waste-audit), it's easy to overprint documents and waste paper. 

## Recycle and Reduce Paper to Avoid Waste
If you work from home, there are multiple good recycling habits you can adopt to reuse your paper products more efficiently. First of all, check if your neighborhood or building has recycling pickups or drop-offs available. Recycle all eligible paper products including newspapers, magazines, cardboard and office paper.

Consider introducing the following healthy habits into your work-from-home routine:

- Use scrap paper for taking notes or as scratch paper.
- Designate a bin on your desk for clean one-sided paper.
- Repurpose old business card holders, folders, binders, and file boxes instead of buying new ones.
- Stock up on recycled notebooks, sticky notes, and notepads instead of regular paper products.
- Reuse envelopes and folders for internal mail rather than throwing them away after one use. Set up clearly labeled recycling bins in the office or home workspace for paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum. Ensure these are emptied regularly.
- Use recycled paper products and look for office supplies made from sustainable materials.
- Reuse paper printed on one side for drafts or internal memos.
- Purchase recycled printer ink cartridges and recycle old ones responsibly.

## Print and Shred Documents More Sustainably
You can also strive to print responsibly by shredding and recycling any of your sensitive documents. When it comes to printing, larger businesses are encouraging customers and remote workers to use [conscientious printers](https://www.treetopdesignandprint.com/services/environmental/). This means reviewing your printing processes to use recycled and sustainable materials whenever possible, and constantly evaluating practices to minimize waste and energy usage. 

Before printing anything, therefore, ask yourself if you really need a physical copy. You can save documents digitally and reference them on your computer as well as set your printer settings to default to double-sided printing. 

The following tips are useful:

- Limit printing long documents. Print only the pages you need or print on both sides. Consider using digital highlighters and notes rather than writing on printouts.
- Don't print single use documents you'll quickly throw away, like boarding passes and event tickets. Use digital versions on your phone instead.
- Change document settings to smaller fonts and margins to fit more text on each page.
- Unsubscribe from junk mail lists and catalogs to reduce the amount of paper sent to your home.
- Think before you print. Only print what you really need and set printers to default to double-sided printing.
- Go paperless with billing, invoicing, payments and filing where possible. Store documents digitally on computers and in the cloud.
- Request "no paper" invoices and statements and opt for digital versions instead.
- Cancel unwanted subscriptions and junk mail to reduce paper overflow.

## Rethink Your Post and Packaging
If you are packing items when working remotely or posting a lot from home, there are good habits to take up to ensure you’re being more eco-friendly. Going green with your paperwork can save money and benefit the environment. 

These key points on sustainable packaging can help to minimize paper waste and unnecessary printing as you work remotely.:

- Request no unnecessary packaging from suppliers and vendors.
- Opt for minimal or recyclable packaging.
- Switch to reusable alternatives like canvas bags and glass food storage.
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste from individual items.
- Send documents and parcels digitally instead of printed copies requiring envelopes.

When it comes to posting items, today’s global mail providers, such as UPS and FedEx Office, offer paper shredding and electronic recycling services. Some [have introduced sustainability programs](https://about.usps.com/what/corporate-social-responsibility/sustainability/committed/) that do a lot for the environment and help you to securely dispose of sensitive work documents from your remote office. You might also want to learn [how to recycle any old ink cartridges](https://www.inkcartridges.com/blog/howto/4-simple-ways-to-recycle-your-old-printer-cartridges/). Many firms who sell printer ink and toner cartridges will help you to recycle them via their manufacturing initiatives like HP's Planet Partners.

## Set a Positive Path Towards Change
Many global businesses are setting positive precedents to their remote employees by sharing advice on actioning sustainability solutions. When a [business communicates recycling tips well](https://methodrecycling.com/gb/journal/how-to-engage-employees-with-recycling-at-work), it can encourage you to work out an effective eco-friendly system for your home office. 

Businesses can go a step further by actively supporting you as a remote worker to adopt healthy recycling habits and home habits, and other sustainable practices. In turn, businesses and remote workers can greatly reduce their environmental footprint by recycling and reusing office items. Non-recyclable materials that you use in your home office can often be [repurposed, recovered, or disposed of](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-off-load-old-office-equipment/) in an eco-friendly manner. 

Today’s organizations are even implementing programs to [monitor the environmental status of remote teams](https://www.salesforce.com/blog/remote-work-impact-corporate-sustainability/) to measure the impact they have on the green results of the business as a whole.

## Conserve Energy In Your Home Office
In addition to recycling, you can go that extra step by making a conscious effort to conserve energy in your home office. You can switch off any electrical devices like printers, laptops, and lights when not in use, and unplug chargers and equipment when idle.

To further reduce consumption, try to use energy-efficient LED bulbs in your home office to lower your energy usage. Working remotely does allow greater control over your recycling and energy habits. With small, sustainable practices like turning off unused electronics, adjusting power settings, and upgrading lighting in personal workspaces, you are making small but effective solutions to [combat the negative impact of climate change](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/articles/climate-change-and-solutions).

Going green not only benefits the planet but can reduce costs by cutting waste and energy consumption. With some thoughtful changes, it's easy for your remote role or home-office setup to become part of building a greener future. Alongside all your recycling efforts, or steps to print, package and post items in a more eco-conscious way, simple steps can go a long way.


Going Green With Your Paperwork: Tips for the Remote Office

With more of us adopting ways to live more sustainably, solar energy has been growing in popularity amongst homeowners. Panel technology has become more efficient and cost-effective. Installing solar panels provides renewable, [clean power](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/act/78-switch-electricity-to-clean-energy) while reducing your climate pollution and electricity bills. Today, their most common placement is on rooftops, solar technology can be integrated into properties in creative ways beyond just roof panels.

Advancements in solar panel design now allow homeowners to follow a greener lifestyle by installing systems on garages, patios, pergolas and even windows. For those with limited roof space, ground-mounted arrays optimised through strategic placement are an option. Community solar programmes also enable homeowners to buy into shared neighbourhood solar installations.

Thoughtful solar design allows homeowners to maximise their use of this clean energy source while adding aesthetic appeal to their properties. Plus a solar system helps increase resale values. When paired with other renewable sources like geothermal heating and cooling, solar contributes to fully sustainable and environmentally-friendly homes. Here, we explore the creative possibilities of solar systems as we move toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

## Creative Ways to Use Solar Panels

Well regarded as a sustainable living idea, when it comes to using [solar panels](https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-101/), roof installation tends to be the standard approach. However, there are many creative ways to integrate solar technology into your home and property beyond just placing panels on the roof.

**Panels on roof**

Even though [roof-mounted panels](https://www.deegesolar.co.uk/solar_panel_mounting/) are standard, you can get creative with the layout, such as installing vertical panels, arranging them in patterns or maximising space with custom panel sizes. Explore different roof areas like garages and extensions and use technologies like microinverters for flexible panel placement. 

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 10,000 to 20,000+ plus for home installation (depending on size or property).

**Panels on garages, sheds, etc.**
Supplementary buildings like garages and garden sheds are ideal extra spaces for solar panels, allowing you to generate extra power from multiple structures. Tracker mounts can follow the sun's path for optimal angling. Make sure to check structural soundness before installation.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 3,000 to 10,000+** **depending on the size of the property.

**Ground-mounted solar arrays**

For properties with limited rooftop space, ground-mounted solar arrays can be installed in yards and strategically placed and landscaped for aesthetic appeal. Arrays can be mounted on poles, framed with fencing, or built into hillsides. Consider spacing needs for cleaning and maintenance access.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 10,000 to 35,000+** **for a home system depending on the size of the property. 

**Solar carports**

Constructing [solar panel carports](https://carports-canopies.com/solar-carport/) over driveways or parking spaces provides cover in addition to [generating renewable power](https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/choosing-clean-energy/) and helping homeowners to live more sustainably. Use garage or carport structures to mount standard or flexible panels. Ensure height clearance and account for future vehicle sizes.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 15,000 to 30,000+** **for a two-car garage size.

**Solar pergolas**

Install solar panels on pergolas to provide shade over garden areas and patios which produces extra electricity. Use pergola beams, louvres, and covering to hold panels while providing adjustable shade. Consider drainage system needs.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 20,000 to 50,000+** **depending on the size of the property.

**Solar awnings or canopies**

Solar awnings and canopies can be constructed over porches, windows, and other exterior areas to simultaneously create shade and harvest energy. Opt for retractable styles to control sun exposure. Check wind load capacity for your area.

**General upfront investment:** From $/£/€ 3,000 to 12,000+** **depending on the size of the property. 

**Solar patio umbrellas**

Patio umbrellas with integrated solar panels can transform outdoor relaxation areas into small power stations. Look for lightweight, waterproof umbrella designs with flexible solar fabric. Ensure pole base is stable for winds.

**General upfront investment:** Approximately $/£/€ 500 to 1,200 per umbrella. 

**Building-integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panels**

Integrate [solar technology directly into buildings](https://bipvco.com/) with products like solar shingles or windows to produce electricity which, in turn, serves structural and aesthetic purposes too. Solar roofing tiles can replace standard shingles. Energy-generating window coatings are also available.

**General upfront investment:** Approximately $/£/€ 25 to 40 per sq ft. 

**Community solar options**

Community solar programmes allow homeowners to invest in shared solar installations when their own property lacks sufficient space. Purchase a portion of a community project to earn credits on your utility bill.

**General upfront investment:** Varies, often little to no upfront expense. 

## Benefits of Creative Solar Applications

Taking a creative approach to solar panel installation enables you to maximise [clean energy](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/act/379-switch-electricity-to-clean-energy) production from all available exterior space, rather than just relying on the roof. Structures like garages, gazebos and pergolas become opportunities to harvest more solar energy when panels are mounted strategically.

This creative integration of solar also allows for innovations in aesthetics and design. Rather than looking out of place, solar shingles, windows, canopies and pergolas can enhance the architecture and landscape of your home when thoughtfully incorporated.

Beyond just improving the aesthetics, these types of creative solar applications reduce your dependence on carbon-intensive utility grid electricity by expanding your home's clean energy generating capacity. So your property becomes more sustainable and fully powered by the sun's limitless rays through [effective positioning of solar panels](https://www.geogreenpower.com/solar-panels/ultimate-guide-to-installing-solar-panels-for-your-property/), professional installation and innovative solar application.

## Considerations for Creative Solar Projects

For green living property owners, creative solar projects allow for increased energy production and aesthetic appeal, yet there are a few key considerations to research before installation. Important factors to evaluate include costs and ROI, structural engineering needs, regulations and zoning laws and optimising sun exposure through placement.

**Costs and Return on Investment –** While solar is a long-term money saver, creative solar projects can have higher upfront installation costs versus basic rooftop panels. Research your options thoroughly and calculate payback period and ROI. [Government incentives](https://www.fmb.org.uk/homepicks/solar-panels/solar-panel-grants/) like feed-in tariffs can offset costs.

**Structural Engineering Needs –** Any solar project impacting your home's structures requires an engineer's approval, like carports, pergolas and solar roofs. Ensure the building can handle the additional weight load before undergoing installations.

**Homeowners Association Regulations –** If you belong to a homeowner's association, ensure any creative solar plans meet their community rules and aesthetic standards before installing. Permitted solar projects may require approval paperwork.

**Zoning Laws and Building Codes –** Understand both local and national regulations that apply to solar structures in residential areas. Projects like solar carports and ground mounts may have zoning or land use restrictions to consider depending on location.

**Sun Exposure Optimisation –** Creative solar projects require careful placement planning to maximise sun exposure throughout the year. Consult solar mapping tools to identify optimal solar access areas on your property before installing panels.

Researching these factors will help ensure your creative solar project is feasible, maximally efficient and regulatory compliant. Regulations vary widely across localities so do your homework before installation. Reaching out to professionals that help you with installation is a great way to learn how to navigate any issues like this. They have a lot of experience and will gladly work with you to figure out the best approach.

## Take Control of Your Home’s Energy Solutions

Creative [solar panel installation](https://www.earthhero.org/en_GB/act/79-get-rooftop-solar) allows homeowners to live more sustainably and maximise clean energy production and green living insulation solutions from all available exterior spaces in conservatories and not just rooftops. Thoughtful integration of solar technology can enhance aesthetics while reducing fossil fuel dependence. With proper planning and consideration of regulations, creative solar projects enable beautiful, sustainable, sun-powered homes.


Let it Shine: Creative Ways to Use Solar Energy for Your Property

When you launch the [free Earth Hero app](https://www.earthhero.org/app/) (and we certainly hope that you do this regularly, or will very soon), you’ll be greeted by a rotating selection of salient and thought-provoking quotes from some of the world’s great thinkers. One of these quotes is from global climate leader Greta Thunberg, who said, “You're never too small to make a difference”.

Indeed, small is a very big deal. 

That concept is one of Earth Hero’s [guiding principles](https://www.earthhero.org/principles), namely that, “We support quick, simple, ‘easy’ personal actions, as they may help shift the culture within a household or change a local community, but they also count in motivating people towards further action.”

It’s also a main reason why many people choose to use the Earth Hero app. Alex Young of Nashville, USA, said he regularly launches the app to identify and implement “quick fixes" that help him decrease his carbon footprint. “I can, on a daily basis, while sitting on that couch over there, reduce the number of emails that I'm going to get, or reduce the number of promotional product mailers I get, or just understand what is my time-to-value with each of these things, which has been very good,” he told Earth Hero team member Sabrina Morellato during a recent app-user interview. 

And success in implementing smaller solutions can lead to gratifying, ongoing success, he noted. “Actions become easier as you do them several times. Like talking about climate. Hard at first, but it becomes easier as I learn how to implement and maintain an action.”

Mohamed Assem, of Canada, added that the app’s large selection of small, achievable actions allows users to participate in the effort to combat climate change, without feeling overwhelmed.  “The point of being an environmentalist is not to put too much pressure, but to use it in a positive way, not guilting myself,” he said.

And as a recent reviewer said on the Apple App Store: “[The Earth Hero app] teaches you that one person really can make a massive difference and not even with too much effort!”

When Mohammed and Alex and others all accomplish “quick fixes”, without feeling overwhelmed, it certainly adds up, and helps move the needle. As Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

To help you get started with thinking small, we have compiled the following selection of “quick, simple, ‘easy’ personal actions.” You can use these to begin your journey, or to enhance the efforts that you are already making to decrease your carbon pollution. All of these actions, and more, are available on the Earth Hero app, where you can see how each small action you take contributes to the greater objective of addressing the climate emergency.

## **ADVOCACY & CHOICE**

**_1. Research Investing Jargon_**
Prioritize understanding investment jargon, whether you're an experienced investor or new to the field. Gain financial wisdom to support suitable companies and enhance your investments. Mastery of sustainable investment language empowers better financial decisions, aligning your investments with environmental values.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/280-research-investing-jargon>

**_2. Drawdown Climate Solutions 101_**
Dive into a free, enlightening video course on tackling the climate crisis! Hear from global leaders and expand your toolkit for positive change. Whether you're new or seasoned, explore solutions (and check out the trailer) at the [Drawdown Climate Solutions 101 site](https://drawdown.org/climate-solutions-101). 

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/453-drawdown-climate-solutions-101>

**_3. Write YOUR Representatives_**
Our actions matter, but the battle for our future needs everyone! If leaders stay stuck in pollution, we're stuck too. Let's rally! Elected folks shape the rules. Join Earth Heroes, join forces, and ping your reps about our needs.

Learn more here: https://www.earthhero.org/act/180-write-your-representatives

**_4. Watch Top Climate Documentaries_**
Boost decision smarts with fun science docs! Get clued in on climate, talk the talk, and be a change champ. Dive into cool films for a hotter planet.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/308-watch-top-climate-documentaries>

**_5. Research and Vote Accordingly_**
Familiarize yourself with representatives from local to national levels. Look beyond media portrayals, researching their environmental stance, affiliations, and solutions support. This brief effort enlightens you, aids informed voting, and facilitates discussions with peers. Identifying shared interests forges collaborative change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/287-research-and-vote-accordingly>

**_6. Change Search Engine to Ecosia_**
Ecosia's not your typical search engine. They plant trees with every click! Hundreds of million so far, mainly in climate-vulnerable areas. Plus, they rock solar power for eco-friendly browsing. Small step, big win. Join the millions already using it and search with purpose.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/238-change-search-engine-to-ecosia>

**_7. Follow Sustainable Influencers_**
Explore sustainable influencers if you're into social media and visual learning. Sharing their content sparks conversations and introduces sustainability to others. Even subscribing boosts their reach, reaching new audiences unfamiliar with the concept.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/510-follow-sustainable-influencers>

## **FAMILY & COMMUNITY**

**_8. Talk About Climate_**
Speak up! Combat the climate crisis by discussing it openly. Sharing personal emissions and actions highlights the issue's personal relevance, inspiring action. Everyday conversations reach a wider audience, making a bigger impact than formal talks.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/168-talk-about-climate>

**_9. Join a Climate Action Group_**
Join a climate action group to amplify your voice collectively. Together, you'll learn, gain resources, allies, and confidence in your climate activism journey. Forge friendships with fellow passionate climate activists along the way.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/233-join-a-climate-action-group>

**_10. Thank Climate Change Trailblazers_**
Shift social norms by vocally supporting positive actions. Expressing gratitude not only fosters well-being but also impacts givers, receivers, and observers. Thank early green adopters in your community for driving positive change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/260-thank-climate-change-trailblazers>

**_11. Review Eco-Friendly Businesses_**
Online reviews shape decisions for products, restaurants, and experiences. Review eco-friendly places to aid discovery and promote sustainable businesses. Hold non-sustainable ones accountable. Your voice drives positive change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/212-review-eco-friendly-businesses>

**_12. Like, Comment, Share_**
Liking, commenting, or sharing a post sends a powerful signal and triggers positive effects. Social media algorithms favor interactive posts, amplifying positive environmental messages. Each interaction promotes a culture of progress in society.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/214-likecomma-commentcomma-share>

**_13. Be a Better Gift Giver + Receiver_**
Balancing climate actions with loved ones' preferences is complex. Harness gifting as a chance to influence positively. Choose eco-friendly gifts that enhance their lives and consider handling unwanted gifts gracefully. Your choices inspire a broader ripple effect, impacting beyond your circle.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/265-be-a-better-gift-giver-plus-receiver>

**_14. Borrow Library Books_**
By borrowing instead of buying books, each copy is read by multiple people - reducing the number of copies that need to be produced. This saves trees, and reduces the associated transportation fuel usage. 

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/684-borrow-library-books>

**_15. Watch Top Climate Documentaries_**
Boost decision-making with knowledge. Enjoy science documentaries to grasp the climate crisis, enhancing your advocacy for impactful solutions and a brighter future.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/308-watch-top-climate-documentaries>

## **FOOD**

**_16. Eat More Nuts!_**
Nuts are a top choice in terms of nutrition and environmental impact. Efficient production, low carbon emissions, and carbon storage in nut trees make them planet-friendly. Their natural state provides sustained energy and potential health benefits, promoting weight loss and well-being.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/283-eat-more-nuts>!

**_17. Drink Plant Milk_**
Plant-based milk options, like oat, almond, and coconut milk, gain popularity for various reasons: environmental concern, cow treatment, and taste preference. With over a third of some populations already consuming non-dairy milk weekly, the trend is growing. Cow milk's vast production, methane emissions, and land use contribute to climate issues and deforestation. Explore plant-based alternatives for a more sustainable and possibly tastier choice.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/284-drink-plant-milk>

**_18. Reduce Food Waste_**
Cut food waste to save resources and money. Discarded food wastes water, land, and energy from production and transportation. Global per-person food waste is substantial, equating to significant financial loss. Reducing waste could have a massive positive impact on both the environment and economy. Join the movement!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/46-reduce-food-waste>

**_19. Save Singles at the Supermarket_**
Opt for single bananas and loose produce to save money, cut food waste, and reduce plastic use. The myth of faster banana ripening in bunches means you can choose exact amounts. Combat household food waste, which drains money and resources, while supporting eco-friendly shopping practices.
Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/430-save-singles-at-the-supermarket>

## **HOME & OFFICE**

**_20. Change Light Bulbs to LEDs_**
Boost energy efficiency by switching to LEDs as bulbs burn out. This collective effort slashes energy use and pollution. Longer-lasting LEDs save time, money, and energy costs compared to incandescents, lasting 25,000+ hours versus 1,000.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/80-change-light-bulbs-to-leds>

**_21. Wash Clothes on Cold Cycle_**
Modern detergents with enzymes are more effective in cold water, being gentler on clothes, preventing fading and shrinking. Cold water washing saves money too, as 90% of energy used in laundry is from water heating, while just 10% powers the washer motor.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/92-wash-clothes-on-cold-cycle>

**_22. Turn Down Your Water Heater_**
Lowering your water heater's temperature not only saves money but also prevents scalding accidents. Many heaters are set hotter than needed; adjust the temperature to conserve energy and experience the benefits.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/108-turn-down-your-water-heater>

**_23. Unsubscribe from Email Lists_**
Unwanted spam emails harm the environment by consuming energy, often from non-clean sources. Unsubscribing curbs energy waste from both sender and receiver, saving time and resisting unnecessary purchases. Unsubscribe for a minor personal benefit and a positive environmental impact.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/227-unsubscribe-from-email-lists>

**_24. Use Cloth Napkins and Towels_**
Join the trend: swap paper for cloth napkins and towels, conserving trees and funds. Elevate your home, cut waste, and ditch disposable products for a more convenient, eco-friendly choice.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/135-use-cloth-napkins-and-towels>

**_25. Use Bar Soap, Shampoo, and More_**
Traditional liquid personal care products like hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner come with hidden environmental costs due to plastic packaging and shipping water. Bar options, with lower carbon footprints, offer a greener alternative. Compact, waste-reducing, and efficient, they help cut down on plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/482-use-bar-soapcomma-shampoocomma-and-more>

**_26. Gift Plants and Cuttings to Others_**
Share plants and cuttings as gifts for a generous act with added benefits. Plants enhance aesthetics, air quality, and mental well-being, fostering care for nature. Gifted plants promote mindfulness and positive mental health, while also potentially aiding biodiversity and community connections.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/341-gift-plants-and-cuttings-to-others>

**_27. Manage Your Fridge and Freezer_**
Refrigerators and freezers are major energy consumers at home, especially if aged. Enhance efficiency by setting optimal temperatures, sealing doors, cleaning coils, and maintaining airflow. Properly filling them to about three-quarters capacity boosts cooling and reduces energy usage.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/215-manage-your-fridge-and-freezer>

## **TRAVEL & TRANSPORT**

**_28. Drive More Efficiently_**
Cars, motorcycles, buses, and taxis contribute significantly to global emissions. Regardless of your vehicle's efficiency, driving smarter saves money and cuts pollution. If you are still driving a vehicle that uses gas/petrol/diesal, each drop of saved fuel lessens climate impact, and improved driving habits could enhance fuel efficiency by nearly 40%.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/20-drive-more-efficiently>

**_29. Stop Vehicle Idling_**
Switch off your gas vehicle when idle, even at lights or stops if you are still driving a vehicle that uses gas/petrol/diesal. Improve local air quality, protect health, and combat pollution. Engine idling links to asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer due to emissions. Implementing this easy habit makes a difference.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/28-stop-vehicle-idling>

**_30. Avoid Hotel Toiletries_**
Carry your own toiletries for convenience and reduced plastic consumption. Admire but avoid single-use mini products. Opt for bar soaps and mention bulk dispensers to hotel staff. This small change lessens plastic demand and contributes to fighting climate change.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/515-avoid-hotel-toiletries>

**BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!** Didn’t find an action that fits your lifestyle? There are plenty more ideas for easy yet impactful actions on the[ Earth Hero website](https://www.earthhero.org/act), and in our[ amazing free app](https://www.earthhero.org/app). Please visit, download, and start doing anything you can to help save the planet.


30 Easy Ways to Kickoff a Sustainable Lifestyle

## Green Jobs: The Sustainable Career Path of the Future

As the effects of climate change continue to be felt, going green has evolved from being optional to an absolute necessity. The costs to our well-being are adding up quickly and working to get climate change under control is the smart thing to do.

Governments, organisations and institutions worldwide are taking steps to lessen the environmental damage that we are causing our only planet. The UN’s [net zero commitments](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zero-coalition) have been agreed by over 70 countries, in which carbon emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030, and reach net zero by 2050, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement. 

However, we are not on track to meet these climate pollution reduction targets. Businesses, of which [100 are responsible for 71% of greenhouse gas emissions](https://www.activesustainability.com/climate-change/100-companies-responsible-71-ghg-emissions/), need to listen and respond accordingly and transition to more sustainable practices. While most businesses account for far fewer emissions than the top 100 emitters, that does not absolve them of the responsibility to act and take meaningful action. 

One of the most impactful facets of this continuous shift involves the introduction and expansion of ‘green jobs’ that contribute to preserving or restoring our environment. In this short article, we will define some examples of green jobs and their importance, and how you might join up to help build a better future.

## What Are Green Jobs?
Green jobs span a wide range of industries and sectors. They encompass those roles that are actively focused on creating a positive impact on the current or future environment. While there is no official definition of the word ‘green job’, the ethos behind the idea should be self-explanatory enough.

Below are some of the major categories of green jobs:

**• Renewable energy**: Some of the fastest-growing jobs are related to solar, geothermal or wind energy and other sources of clean energy production and maintenance. Examples include solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians, engineers, and renewable energy technicians.

**• Green construction**: These jobs focus on increasing the energy efficiency and sustainability of domestic and commercial buildings. Such roles can include smart home installers, green building designers, or any form of work that involves the use of renewable, energy-efficient materials.

**• Conservation**: This field of work involves the preservation and protection of the environment, plants, wildlife and natural resources. These can include wildlife or marine biology, environmental science, ecology, or marine conservation, among many others.

**• Biodiversity**: Biodiversity overlaps with conservation work in many ways, but also exists as a broad umbrella term. Biodiversity is all about preserving vital ecosystem functions like erosion control, tree pollination, soil fertilisation, ecology, and[ top-level careers that focus on sustainable development](https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/careers/information-and-resources/employment-sectors/sustainability). 

**• Green transport**: These roles are all about finding innovative new fuels, technologies and services that reduce the impact of our travels. These include the fast-growing electric vehicle sector (encompassing roles from engineers to manufacturing), as well as electric haulage and public transport operations.

**• Agriculture and forestry**: Organic farming, crop rotation and agriculture technicians all fit under this umbrella term alongside [green careers](https://www.careeronestop.org/GreenCareers/ExploreGreenCareers/explore-green-careers.aspx) related to using natural pesticides, efficient land management or aquaculture, where strides are being made in sustainable-farming practices, landscaping and forestry. Fossil fuels are a massive input to agriculture both for fuel and fertiliser. Anything that helps spread better, cost-effective practices without them is a big step forward.

**• Waste reduction and recycling**: Manufacturers are working hard to create eco-friendly packaging and materials, and these jobs go hand-in-hand. Roles in this space would range from waste management and recycling coordination to composting and refuse collection, among many others. This field is set on minimising the environmental damage caused by our waste.

**• Administration**: Creative and strategic thinkers are needed for roles that focus on helping companies meet sustainability initiatives and environmental compliance standards. Alternatively, it’s not uncommon to find roles for environmental health specialists, green data analysts, or environmental health and safety specialists listed for in-house vacancies.

**• Technology and IT**: The tech job market is growing and is constantly seeking technically-minded experts to help companies leverage technology to meet their sustainability targets. Individuals can work in fields like web development or cloud infrastructure within a company that’s forthcoming about their environmental goals, or even as data centre operators or [penetration testing](https://www.redscan.com/services/penetration-testing/) providers. 

## Why Are Green Jobs Important?
While it’s clear that we still have a long way to go to reverse the detrimental environmental damage we’ve done, as well as tackle the looming climate crisis. However, the boom in the green jobs market has shown that the potential is there, and how pivotal they are at preserving our planet’s resources and long-term future.

Here are just some of the reasons why green jobs are crucial:

**•** They address urgent environmental issues by tackling climate change and helping companies overcome their sustainability challenges. 

**•** They help companies - and by extension, their economies - create increased demand for eco-friendly and self-sufficient systems.

**•** If a net zero pathway is followed, it will create millions of new jobs. 

**•** Green jobs typically provide long-term job security, given that many employers are, understandably, resistant to offshoring.

**•** Investing in green and sustainable jobs means that companies will use less energy, emit fewer emissions, and create lower amounts of waste, so there is a cost incentive here.

**•** [Surveys](https://recyclinglives.com/news/report-reveals-81-people-prefer-buy-sustainable-sellers/) show that consumers tend to prefer socially responsible products, services and brands. Therefore, establishing sustainable practices will help companies meet this demand and retain a competitive edge.

**•** Transitioning to green jobs ultimately reduces pollution and ecological damage, which has a positive knock-on effect on public health.

**•** Green jobs tend to be very accessible and inclusive to under-represented groups. In turn, demand for green jobs provides opportunities for people regardless of ethnicity, gender, or background.

## Getting Involved in the Green Economy
Arguably the most difficult part is finding a green job, given that the term is quite open to interpretation at this stage. Some companies may choose to advertise vacancies on targeted job boards that attract eco-conscious candidates, while others may choose to advertise internally. 

However, if you want advice on how you can get involved in the green jobs market, consider the following steps:

**• Gain training or certification**. If you can undertake environmental awareness training, internships or apprenticeships in agriculture, green building, renewable energy or waste management companies, your real-world experience will prove invaluable.

**• Modify your current job if you can**. If moving into a brand new green job isn’t feasible at this moment, look for ways to make your existing job more sustainable. Whether it’s digitising your paperwork, switching to eco-friendly materials, or establishing new environmental policies, this work will translate well to a prospective new employer, if you ultimately pursue that route.

**• Advocate and spread awareness**. If you aren’t currently in the green sector, you can get involved in [local community sustainability projects](https://www.earthhero.org/activism-groups), or undertake volunteer work in the industry that you’re most passionate about. You can advocate for the environment by taking grassroots action, provided that you are ethical and mindful of others in doing so.

**• Make your business more eco-friendly**. If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, there are plenty of ways you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. Invest in renewable energy sources to heat your premises, cut down on waste, transition your supply chain to create eco-friendly products, partner with like-minded suppliers, and develop sustainability policies. 

**• Accelerate climate solutions in your workplace.** As the backbone of any business and organisation, employees can be the most powerful climate advocates. With a passion to make change happen, they can appraise their roles and work with business leaders to identify and [spearhead effective climate solutions in their workplaces](https://www.drawdown.org/publications/climate-solutions-at-work).

### Climatebase: A Green Job Board to Bookmark
If you are looking for a job board where you can see the types of green vacancies available worldwide, look no further than [Climatebase](https://climatebase.org/). This is a great place to start learning about the types of careers you can pursue that address climate change and preserve our planet’s resources. If you want an introduction to this job board, we’d recommend reading this [short guide](https://www.earthhero.org/act/36-make-climate-your-career).

It’s clear to see that green jobs are at the epicentre of our economy’s future. If businesses resist change for the betterment of our environment, they will miss out on potential job applicants and future earnings. Therefore, it’s in their best interest to start now, driving positive change through daily decisions. Join that trend and help build a better future!


What Are Green Jobs and Why Are They Important?

When it comes to home-based solutions for helping the planet, you might feel like homeowners have all the top options: rooftop solar, solar water heaters, heat pumps. But renters can also join in the fun! If you rent your apartment, house, or other form of shelter, there is a long list of easy, meaningful, and immediate actions you can take - without worrying about scuffing the walls, scratching the floors, or otherwise jeopardizing your security deposit.

The following is a categorized rundown of no-cost or low-cost steps that renters can take to help stem the climate emergency. Each contains a link to learn more on the Earth Hero website. There are actions you can take from the mailbox to the kitchen to the tub. So let’s jump in!

## **MAIL ACTIONS**
**_Stop Receiving Junk Mail_**
Billions of flyers and junk mail are sent each year to convince you to buy things you don't need. This means millions of trees are cut down, fossil fuels are burned all along the way, and the junk mail ends up in landfills. Help break the cycle and simplify your life by saying no to junk mail! 

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/255-stop-receiving-junk-mail>

**_Switch To E-Billing_**
Can you believe it? Every year, hundreds of billions of bills and updates are sent worldwide, using up loads of trees and energy. But take heart: e-billing is on the rise! Embrace the convenience, save time, and help the environment by reducing paper waste and pollution. Jump on the trend and simplify your life!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/254-switch-to-e-billing>

 
## **WATER MANAGEMENT**
**_Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent_**
Let's tackle the global plastic pollution issue together! One way is by ditching traditional liquid laundry detergent in plastic containers. Try eco-strips, pods, or powders instead. Eco-strips are water-saving and lightweight, reducing shipping emissions. Eco-pods are also concentrated and use compostable packaging. Choose a plastic-free option and lighten your load.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/452-use-eco-friendly-laundry-detergent>

**_Wash Clothes On Cold Cycle_**
Forget what you've heard about hot water washing, because times have changed. Modern detergents with powerful enzymes work wonders in cold water. It's gentle on clothes, preventing fading, shrinking, and color bleeding. And the bonus? You save money by skipping the water heating costs, as it accounts for 90% of your washing machine's energy usage. Only 10% goes to the washer motor!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/92-wash-clothes-on-cold-cycle>

**_Shower Instead Of Bathe_**
A five-minute shower uses only a third of the water compared to a bath. And when we use hot water, we're not just using water, but also energy for heating. By reducing hot water usage, you're tackling multiple resources at once—saving energy, cutting emissions, and conserving precious water resources. It's a small step that makes a big difference, especially in areas with limited water supplies. Plus, you'll save some money along the way!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/249-shower-instead-of-bathe>

**_Use a Shower Timer_**
By cutting a couple of minutes off your shower, you can conserve 40 liters or 10 gallons of water. Multiply that over a year and it's a significant impact! A timer helps you keep track and enjoy the benefits of shorter showers—less water usage, lower bills, and energy savings. It's an easy way to make a positive difference, especially if you're not yet using clean, renewable energy.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/316-use-a-shower-timer>

**_Turn Off Shower While Washing_**
Save water and energy by turning off the shower when you're not using it. Reducing hot water usage cuts carbon emissions and preserves precious water resources. Try turning off the shower while you shampoo and wash—it may be a challenge at first, but you might realize you don't need it running as much as you thought. Don't worry if it doesn't work for you, though. The most important thing is to enjoy your shower…

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/378-turn-off-shower-while-washing>

**_Brush Teeth with the Water Off_**
Toothpaste, water, toothpaste, water... or just toothpaste? Bottom line: there's really no need to keep the water running while you brush. If you brush twice a day for 2 minutes, you can save up to a whole bucket of water in a single day. That adds up over a lifetime! It's a simple switch that conserves precious resources and keeps some extra cash in your pocket.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/11-brush-teeth-with-the-water-off>

**_Boil Only the Water You Need_**
When making hot beverages like coffee or tea, boil only the water you need. It saves time, energy, and water, not to mention money! Boiling excess water unnecessarily drives up energy bills for households. So, let's be smart and efficient with our hot drinks. Bottoms up!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/93-boil-only-the-water-you-need>


## **KITCHEN & FOOD MANAGEMENT**
**_Reduce Food Waste_**
Each year, we waste an incredible amount of food (about 59kg per year per capita in the U.S., according to a 2019 study published on ourworldindata.org). This results in wasted water, land, and energy. By cutting down food waste, we can make a huge impact equivalent to removing half a billion cars from the road.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/46-reduce-food-waste>

**_Save By Not Pre-Heating the Oven_**
Preheating your oven is a waste when the oven is already generating heat. Instead, put your food in right away and turn on the heat. You'll save at least 10% of the cooking time, if not more. Give it a try and cook smarter!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/750-save-by-not-pre-heating-the-oven>

**_Report Methane (Natural Gas) Smells_**
Smell methane? Call your local gas utility to report it and prevent explosions while saving the planet. Leaks from industries contribute to global warming. Notify authorities about any leaks, no matter how small, to safeguard our environment. Remember, the odor is an additive for leak detection.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/158-report-methane-(natural-gas)-smells>

**_Use Cloth Napkins and Towels_**
Join the cloth revolution. Swap out paper napkins and towels for reusable ones. It's eco-friendly, saves trees, and adds a touch of class to your home. Say goodbye to flimsy disposables and hello to money saved and no more lugging around throwaway options from the store.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/135-use-cloth-napkins-and-towels>

**_Recycle Everything You Can_**
Let's aim for a world without garbage or landfills. Embrace a circular approach—reuse, compost, and recycle. Start small by researching recycling options, taking notes, and getting organized. Deliver your recyclables to the center. With practice, it becomes easier. Don't wait for perfection; start small so we can make a positive change together.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/122-recycle-everything-you-can>


## **ELECTRICAL MANAGEMENT**
**_Change Light Bulbs To LEDs_**
Brighten up your energy efficiency by switching to long-lasting LEDs. We collectively save energy and reduce pollution. LEDs shine for over 25,000 hours, saving you time and money with lower energy costs. Illuminate your world with LED brilliance and make a sustainable choice!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/80-change-light-bulbs-to-leds>

**_Use A Natural Light Workspace_**
Position your workspace in a naturally lit area to harness the benefits humans have enjoyed under the sun for ages. Sunlight boosts vitamin D production, enhancing bone health and mood, and regulating sleep cycles. Additionally, switching off electric lights reduces energy consumption and saves on bills. Let natural light brighten your world!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/312-use-a-natural-light-workspace>

**_Turn Lights Off When Not In Use_**
Don't forget to flick the switch! Turn off lights when you leave a room or when you don't need them. It saves electricity, cuts pollution and lowers expenses. Bonus perks: Bulbs last longer, reducing replacements. Plus, it helps keep your home cooler on hot days. 

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/83-turn-lights-off-when-not-in-use>

**_Use Led Lights for the Holidays_**
LED lights are perfect for getting into the festive spirit! They not only save you money and energy, but they also last longer. Compared to incandescent and CFLs, LEDs contribute less to global warming, ecosystem damage, ecotoxicity, and landfill waste. From manufacturing to disposal, they're the best cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Plus, there's a wide range of options to choose from. 

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/643-use-led-lights-for-the-holidays>

**_Unplug Vampire Electronics_**
Don't let vampire electronics drain your wallet! Up to 20% of your electricity expenses go to these sneaky devices that consume power even when turned off. Computers, TVs, modems, routers, and more are the culprits. Unplug or use power strips to save energy and money!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/94-unplug-vampire-electronics>

**_Use Rechargeable Batteries_**
Switching to rechargeable batteries is an easy way to make a positive impact. Most small devices, which account for the majority of alkaline battery sales, can use rechargeable batteries. Rechargeables can be charged up to 500 times and are environmentally friendly, avoiding the release of toxic metals into the air and water. While they may cost more initially, they save money in the long run and reduce waste.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/77-use-rechargeable-batteries>

## **INSPIRE YOUR LANDLORD**
As a valued tenant and concerned global citizen, you may be able to inspire your landlord to take actions related to the entire building or home. Some are low-cost or no-cost, and some will require a bit of time and investment. But all will save money in the long term, while also helping to save the Earth:

**_Water Your Lawn Less_**
This summer's unprecedented heat is literally bringing the climate emergency home to homeowners around the world. Local water companies have been urging people to use less water, but certainly not everyone is getting the message. Send your landlord to the link below to discover actions they can take to do their part, and save some money.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/114-water-your-lawn-less>

**_Switch Electricity to Clean Energy_**
Pick a 100% clean supplier; they're budget-friendly and ditch fossil fuels. Your local utility may not want you to know this, but you can make a greener choice. Check if clean energy options are available in your area.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/379-switch-electricity-to-clean-energy>

**_Install Low-Flush Toilets_**
Be water-wise! Average flushing adds up to over 20,000 liters yearly per person. Opt for efficient toilets using 5 liters with no performance impact. Save a precious resource, help the environment, and prepare for future challenges.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/111-install-low-flush-toilets>

**_Turn Down Your Water Heater_**
Save money and avoid scalding! Lower your water heater's temperature – factory defaults are often hotter than needed. An easy adjustment to save energy and worry. Try it out and enjoy the benefits.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/108-turn-down-your-water-heater>

**_Get Rooftop Solar_**
Go solar for a cleaner, money-saving future! Buying panels pays for itself in under 10 years, with free energy afterward. Renting your rooftop to solar companies gives you free electricity, and they can sell the excess power. It's a win-win!

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/79-get-rooftop-solar>

## **THINK OUTSIDE THE HOME**
Now that you're on a roll inside your abode, you can also extend your actions to the world beyond. Here are a few more ideas for low-cost and no-cost actions you implement almost anywhere:

**_Join a Climate Action Group_**
Be a climate hero everywhere! Join a group and amplify your voice together. You'll learn, get resources, and make friends who share your passion for saving the planet. Let's make a difference, one step at a time.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/233-join-a-climate-action-group>

**_Avoid Buying Fast Fashion_**
Fast fashion is all about cheap, trendy clothes, but it's not so great for the planet or the people making them. The fashion industry emits a lot of greenhouse gases due to energy and water use. Plus, fast fashion means low-quality clothes that end up in the trash quickly. Invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that last longer. Also, opt for quality, secondhand, and take good care of what you have.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/561-avoid-buying-fast-fashion>

**_Electric Bike Instead of Drive_**
Discover the joy of electric bikes! They make commuting a breeze, especially uphill or with heavy loads. You don't need to be a fitness buff to ride them, and they're loads of fun! Charge them like your phone, and they can even replace cars for local trips. With their efficiency, e-bikes are eco-friendly and can save you money in the long run.

Learn more here: <https://www.earthhero.org/act/9-electric-bike-instead-of-drive>

## **BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!**
Didn’t find an action that fits your lifestyle? There are plenty more ideas for meaningful and impactful actions on the [Earth Hero website](https://www.earthhero.org/act), and in our [amazing free app](https://www.earthhero.org/app). Please visit, download, and start doing anything you can to help save the planet.


Green Living Ideas: Renter Edition

**[Climate change and global warming](https://www.wwf.org.uk/climate-change-and-global-warming) are not topics to consider casually or procrastinate about addressing at some later date. They are our biggest worldwide priorities. Or at least they should be, and the more that time drags on, the more pressing the issues become.**

Each decision we make as people, on a planet with finite resources and rising global temperatures, impacts the atmosphere and environment in some way or another. From the energy that we use to power our mobile phones and vehicles to the food we eat, from the ways we heat and cool our homes to the ways we wash our clothes, eco-friendliness and sustainability remain hot topics of conversation (no pun intended). 

Being eco-friendly is increasingly important to minimise the damage we inflict on the environment. As more people continue to strive to reduce carbon emissions, even more are trying to find other, sustainable ways they can live and work on a planet on the brink of reaching an [‘irreversible’ climate breakdown](https://climate.nasa.gov/faq/16/is-it-too-late-to-prevent-climate-change/). Despite this bleak outlook, every action, however little, can decrease the extent of damage done.

## Being Sustainable Should Not Be Seen as Temporary

Currently, global carbon emissions must fall by about half by 2030 if all nations are to meet the [internationally agreed target of a 1.5°C rise in temperatures](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement) above pre-industrial levels (also known as the Paris Climate Agreement). Most countries are then aiming to achieve net zero carbon status by 2050.

However, many people are still unclear on how they can be helping as individuals, or even whether there is any merit to them making large-scale changes of their own, especially considering influential and powerful oil corporations continue to [make record profits](https://www.energymonitor.ai/finance/big-oil-profits-soared-to-nearly-200bn-in-2022/) while pushing pollution costs onto the rest of us. 

Around [40% of carbon emissions](https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/5CB-Infographic-FINAL-.pdf) come from households, with the average home producing 8.2 tonnes of CO₂ per year. While this sounds daunting, this is an improvement from [the 1990 averages](https://heatable.co.uk/boiler-advice/average-carbon-footprint#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20the%20report%20makes,current%20average%20of%208.1%20tonnes.), decreasing by about 4.7 tonnes. Fundamentally, much of these emissions come from how we heat and power our homes, as well as our transportation choices and food choices. It’s widely believed that we have to [reduce our emissions by 57% by 2030](https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2019/02/households-fight-greenhouse-gas-emissions) if we are to reach the next milestone of becoming carbon-neutral.

Making sustainable swaps in energy, transport and diet can make a huge difference. Fundamentally, however, it doesn’t have to be seen as an ‘all or nothing’ change, nor should you view this as a way to live sustainably for a short period, until, say, the milestone is reached, and then revert to older, unsustainable habits. 

Making smaller, incremental changes to your lifestyle can combine to make a positive long-term difference. If everybody made such changes, the collective benefits would be even greater. The good news is that many meaningful changes, including those highlighted below are easier to achieve and commit to than you might think. Plus a lot of these will help improve your life and save you money!

## 1. Go Vegetarian or Vegan or Eat Less Meat

Animal agriculture is responsible for producing more greenhouse gases than the entire world’s collective transportation systems together. It takes approximately [1,850 gallons of water](https://www.watercalculator.org/news/articles/beef-king-big-water-footprints/) to produce one pound of beef, inflicting significant demand on water supplies. This isn’t even accounting for the [ethical considerations](https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/what-factory-farming-why-it-problem) associated with intensive factory farming, or the wide amount of health benefits anyone can experience by adopting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

The reality is that eating a mostly or entirely plant-based diet is easier than ever in many areas. Supermarkets and restaurants are bringing more inclusive and tasty vegetarian and vegan options to their shelves and menus, respectively. By reducing your meat intake - even in small amounts to begin with - you will be reducing pressure on land used to grow animal feed. This reduces threats to biodiversity and the earth’s ecosystems, which in turn helps to minimise the effects of climate change. 

## 2. Recycle, Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Getting rid of any unused or unwanted items can give them a new purpose. You may know friends or family that would benefit from reusing electronics, ornaments, artwork, furniture or numerous other household essentials. Alternatively, used or unwanted items can often be donated to charities that will put them to good use. 

If not, they may be recyclable, so it’s worth checking with your local waste management department to [ensure your items can be recycled](https://www.earthhero.org/act/122-recycle-everything-you-can) instead of added to the landfill pile. By recycling, items get broken down into materials which can be used in new products, which can lessen the impact of raw material production. 

## 3. Buy Less and Shop Sustainably

The best thing you can buy for the environment and your bank account is nothing. It takes a lot of energy and resources to create new stuff. Sure, we need some new things to lead a good life, but is all really necessary and bringing you happiness?

Beyond that, whopping as sustainably as possible can reduce the impact of widespread industrial waste pollution. Food shopping is a necessity, yet presents a variety of challenges such as  single-use plastic in packaging (which isn’t recyclable), the carbon emissions caused by imports throughout the numerous product supply chains, and the amount of food waste. As a consumer, you can do your part by bringing your own containers for food or shopping in sustainable stores that import local, fair trade or organic produce. 

Sustainable shopping doesn’t just extend to food, but clothing and electronics as well. The clothing industry is responsible for [10% of global greenhouse gas emissions](https://earth.org/fast-fashion-pollution-and-climate-change/) (1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ released per year), so buying second-hand clothes from outlets or charity shops is a good way to counteract this. You can repurpose old items and reduce the impact of new production lines, not to mention saving in costs too. As far as electronics go, e-waste continues to be a growing problem, but there are options for reusing old equipment such as laptops, TVs, and even [digital cameras](https://www.mpb.com/en-uk), if you are a tech aficionado. If reusing is not feasible, check with your local waste management agency for details on how to properly dispose of electronics and other household hazardous waste.

## 4. Green Travel Choices

Choosing to walk, cycle or take public transport are [greener alternatives to driving](https://www.earthhero.org/act/8-bike-instead-of-drive). Switching to these alternative methods of transport can decrease the amount of carbon created by vehicles. While public transport vehicles like buses or trains still create emissions, the fact that multiple people can use the same vehicle instead of driving individual cars means that public transportation is much greener. 

Walking and cycling also have plenty of health benefits, and more companies are taking advantage of schemes like [the Cycle to Work scheme](https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/cycle-to-work-scheme-everything-you-need-to-know/), which can be incentivised. However, depending on where you live, sometimes this may not be feasible. In this case, switching to electric cars is a much more eco-friendly way to reduce emissions, and these cars look set to become more available and affordable in the coming years.

## 5. Be Smarter With Energy

Becoming more environmentally friendly often begins by looking at your energy usage and conserving as much energy as possible. By draught-proofing your home, and adding double or triple glazing and insulation, you’ll naturally make the home warmer, while not relying so much on central heating. Choose LED light bulbs and high-energy efficiency appliances to keep your electricity consumption to a minimum. 

If it’s feasible for you to do so, you may want to consider switching to low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps, which are significantly more energy-saving than standalone gas boilers. There are often government schemes to help with the upfront costs associated with installing heat pumps in your home. 

Induction hobs are far more energy-efficient, cooking at faster speeds than gas stoves, which can save more electricity over time as well as avoid causing fumes in the home. Therefore, it’s worth upgrading this appliance if you can. 

Furthermore, you may also wish to approach alternative energy suppliers, particularly those that use clean energy. This can also end up saving you money, which is handy in turbulent, financially-testing times when energy prices are soaring.

For an easy and engaging way to track your progress and impact, along with more inspirational ideas on how to improve your life in a sustainable and eco-friendly way, why not [download the Earth Hero app](https://www.earthhero.org/app)? Through action comes hope!


5 Easy Tips to Start Working and Living More Sustainably

**People light up the night almost without thinking, as we have for millennia. At the minimal level, we do this instinctively for our survival and protection. But the practice has grown to destructive extremes in modern societies. With a lack of understanding and appreciation for the night sky, most have failed to consider the costs and consequences of turning darkness into light. Instead, particularly in urban areas, we have come to expect and admire bright lights at night.**

What goes unseen is the extent that nighttime lighting wastes vast amounts of money and energy (typically in the form of electricity generated from burning fossil fuels), damages ecosystems, and detrimentally affects our own health. There are estimates that lighting accounts for 15 percent of global electricity consumption and 5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. It is a huge waste that comes with significant pollution and economic costs.

The good news is that awareness about light pollution is growing, along with effective solutions and success stories. Even better, because our connections to the night sky are deep and diverse, so too are the areas of opportunity, covering a wide range of topics at multiple levels to accommodate almost any interest and level of effort or ability. From simply sharing useful information on social media or changing a lightbulb, to participating in a photography contest, astronomy club, or similar community events, citizen science data collection, educational activities for any age group, or advocacy for long-term improvements to lighting infrastructure, chances are that you can readily make a valuable contribution. 

You can join an existing effort in your area, dive deep to launch a new endeavor, or anything in between! Audubon’s Lights Out program, which focuses on protecting migratory birds as they travel between summer and winter habitats, can elevate interest and serve as a jump start to broader efforts. Contributors to [The World At Night](https://twanight.org/) advance an international effort to present stunning nightscape images that bridge art, science, and culture. Events such as IDA Tokyo’s recent [Light Pollution Symposium 2022](https://idatokyo-org.translate.goog/1783/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US) are held regularly around the globe. Canada’s first Urban Night Sky Place, [parc du Mont-Bellevue](https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/unsp/parc-du-mont-bellevue-quebec), was recently certified, culminating several years of effort by multiple partners to combat light pollution. In addition to recognizing dark sky places, the [International Dark Sky Association](https://www.darksky.org/) engages and recognizes individual advocates and offers a plethora of free material to get you started. There are many resources available to inspire and enable, regardless of your interest and abilities or where you live. 

Consider the following ways to do your part.

**Save energy and money**:

• Turn off lights when not in use or use automatic sensors.

• Use efficient LED bulbs and lighting fixtures with shields that only brighten areas where needed.

**Contribute your time to building awareness and community support**:

• A great place to get started is to join up with [Globe at Night](https://www.globeatnight.org/). You can help measure night-sky brightness and contribute your data to build knowledge and inform action.

• Contribute to an existing event or coordinate a new stargazing, lights-out, or similar activity to inform and engage.

• If you are an educator, incorporate light pollution into your programming or curriculum(s).

**Advocate for broader change in your community and beyond**:

• Research and then urge your community to adopt or improve a lighting ordinance, especially for street lighting.

• Reach out to local elected official(s) or building manager(s) to build awareness and stimulate change. [Audubon's Lights Out program](https://www.audubon.org/lights-out-program) provides sample letters and other resources.

• Urge your employer or school to take a [Lights Out Pledge](https://sustainability.wustl.edu/lights-out-pledge-protects-migrating-birds/) or otherwise commit to evaluating and improving outdoor lighting. 

Above all, if you don’t already, learn to enjoy the darkness of night and make a habit of it. While humans cannot see well in the dark, many creatures depend on it.  If you can escape to a quiet natural area after dark, consider yourself lucky and take advantage of it!  Soak in the sounds and sky and observe the nightlife.

For tips, references, and additional resources on how to be involved, see Earth Hero’s [Protect the Night Action](https://www.earthhero.org/act/705-protect-the-night).


Home and Work

Make your home and workplace more sustainable through energy use, habits, and design choices.