How I did it:

• Signed over 100 petitions on alternative energy sources/preventing further polluting/dealing with polluting industries.
  
• Went to the local stores to convince them to use energy-efficient light bulbs.Posted Posters around town for the same.
  
• Joined Greenpeace.Participated in it's 7 step program to stop climate change.
  
• Replaced old bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs
  
• Fixed leaking faucets
  
• Using public transport whenever possible
  
• Planning to buy my first car as a solar powered/electric car.
  
• Switch off the main computer motherboard when not required.
  
• Not using a screensaver,instead automatically putting the computer in to standby mode.
  
• Stopped using plastic bags.Recycling the ones I already have and using reusable jute bags.
  
• Clicked Care2.com >click to donate>help fight global warming to offset daily computer use.
  
• Have a bath with a bucket instead of a shower 6 days a week.
  
• Do not use air-conditioner/thermal insulator
  
• Washing clothes in cold water
  
• Clicked to generate free solar energy
• Went vegetarian 4 days a week,minimum
  
• Started saving to buy a solar cooker
  
• Stopped using hairdryer and reduced use of electric appliances by 50%

Lessons & tips: Join a website like

1. www.care2.com
2. www.greenpeace.com
3. www.wecansolveit.com
4. www.Gaia.com
   

You will find similar people doing the same thing. It will give you tips and you will meet like minded.

Make a To-do list on a post-it and stick it somewhere you will see it every morning. So you remember to do it daily or as often as possible within your current lifestyle/schedule.

Stick to whatever you decide. Doing it over a period of time will turn it into a habit and this will by itself reduce your ecological footprint.

Start small. Don't take up too many things that you can't handle with your other commitments. If you think you can handle some more changes, add a new one every week/month/10 days. Pick a couple of new habits at a time. Otherwise you won't be able to cultivate and follow through.

Even if you start small, make it a priority. When you make your daily schedule, include the time you will spend on this. Make it official. Not just a passing fad.

Resources: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/getinvolved
http://www.wecansolveit.org/content/pages/20/
http://stopglobalwarming.care2.com/
http://cannecy.free.fr/solar/index.php

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Sep 23, 2008, 07:59AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer