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What You Can Do
The magnitude of environmental problems might leave you feeling powerless, but that is not the case. Individual actions are a a big part of saving the earth, and you can make a difference in Lincoln, Nebraska, or wherever you live. Here are some hints based on a list of suggestions from the Northwest Earth Institute.
I want to do something. (First Steps)
1. Use a washable coffee mug at work and keep one in the car
2. Use a cloth bag on all shopping trips
3. Write and print drafts on used paper
4. Replace one incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent
5. Ride the bus, carpool, or bike to work at least one day a week
6. Shop at a used clothing store
7. Turn the thermostat on your water heater down to 120°
8. Buy recycled toilet paper
9. Replace paper napkins with cloth napkins
10. Call and cancel any unwanted mail-order catalogues from being sent to your home
I want to do more. (Requires Effort)
1. Buy food that is locally grown and/or organic
2. Decrease your time in the shower by 25%
3. Air dry laundry at least one third of the year
4. buy grains, pastas, spices, oils, and shampoo in bulk
5. purchase recycled writing/printing paper
6. Turn your thermostat to 68° or below when in the house and 55° or below when away from the house or asleep
7. Join the Lincoln Electric System Renewable Energy Program (it costs $4.30 per month.) Call 475-4211 for details
8. Eat at least two meatless dinners each week
9. Start a compost pile for your yard debris and food scraps
10. Use environmentally friendly laundry detergent and cleansers (available at Open Harvest Cooperative)
11. Use only cold water to wash your clothes whenever possible
I want to do even more. (Great Job!)
1. Bike, carpool, or ride the bus to work
2. Sell a car
3. Declare your yard a chemical-free zone
4. Shift to a vegetarian diet
5. Eliminate disposable products from your kitchen
6. Hand wash clothing (except suits) rather than dry clean
7. Replace part of your lawn with a garden or native plants
8. Move to a smaller home or rent out extra living space
9. Regularly volunteer time/resources to protect the earth
10. Support the Grassland Foundation with a tax-deductible contribution. We need your help!