WriterByNature.com

It’s hard to believe that last New Year’s Eve I was sleeping in a quinzee. There was snow last year at this time.

Despite the temptation to fret about climate change, as I reflect on the past year, I am pleased at the steps I have taken to live an even more ecologically sustainable life. I’m really delighted that I’m not the only individual making small but powerful lifestyle changes. Yes, one person can make a difference. Yes we can live more eco-friendly lives.

Even if gasoline prices plummet to the 29-cents of my college days, I know I’ll drive fewer miles than I did even a year ago. Many of us have modified our driving habits. Individually and collectively we are helping preserve the planet – and sending a message.

Here are a few more lifestyle tips that don’t require major inconvenience for the payoff of a lighter carbon footprint.

1. Use cast iron cookware instead of  non-stick cookware. The traces of iron you may consume from the cast-iron cookware is the same iron that’s in vitamin supplements. It’s not that hard to clean cast iron and you’ll avoid ingesting the chemicals coating the non-stick pans.

2. Recycle aluminum foil. Let’s face it, this stuff is useful. But it can and should be put into recycling, not the garbage that ends up in the landfill.

3. Minimize food waste. Buy less and compost the non-edible parts, like peels and seeds. If you don’t have a garden, make friends with a gardener.

4.Use low-suds cleaners. The chemical sodium lauryl sulfate puts the sudsy lather in personal care and household cleaning items. This chemical doesn’t get things cleaner, it’s an abrasive. I balked at paying $12 for a 12-ounce bottle of low suds shampoo – but I use less and still have more than half the bottle three years later.

5. Buy recycled paper. Everything we use in paper form from toilet paper to  business paper stock is available in recycled form. Not only do recycled paper products biodegrade more quickly, you don’t have to keep cutting down the trees that we need to keep the air clean, maintain biodiversity and prevent erosion.

6. Keep old-fashioned consumer goods out of the land fill. The clothing, shoes, electronic gadgets, household tools and other items collecting in your closet or attic  can all be used by other people. When you participate in a local freegan network, the person comes to you to collect the items you no longer want or need. When you bring worn out or damaged items to a recycling center, you are also helping the planet. Old books are being recycled into insulation. Old athletic shoes are being recycled into artificial turf. The possibilities are endless.

7. Carry purchases home in cloth bags. You can spring for the good quality ones, but even the freebie bags I got during store promotions are still carrying my store-bought goods home.

8. Support sustainable farmers. You may not have the budget to buy organically grown eggs or shade grown coffee all the time, but making a commitment to buy organic one in ten times is better than never buying organic. Often, the more expensive organic purchase turns out to be a better value than the conventional choice.

9. Use resources mindfully. There’s no reason to keep a vehicle running while you’re sitting and waiting for someone or running a quick errand. There’s no reason to keep lights or appliances on when you’re not using them. There’s no reason to run air conditioning or heat excessively.

10. Invest instead of spending. Buying from local businesses may seem to cost more, but if that keeps your property taxes lower, it costs less in the long run. When buying gifts for older children or adults, consider donating charities and organizations that support your values, rather than gift cards.

If every individual adopted even one of these behaviors, the impact on the health of the planet would be huge. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. One step is manageable and the idea that it has worldwide benefits is a real motivator.

Happy New Year.