What is the
Environment
Excuse?
Maybe you are looking for ways to help the environment. Or, maybe you just need an excuse to finally move in together. Either way, we’ve got you covered. Just take a look around – you’ll find plenty of reasons to take action.
(If you didn’t watch the video, here are the spoilers: 25% of all the carbon pollution on the planet is from the United States, and we have one of the highest per capita carbon footprints in the world. In fact, each one of us emits an average of 32,000 pounds of carbon per year!)
We need to reduce our emissions.
Okay, so where do I start?
A great goal would be to reduce your individual emissions by 25% over the next year. It’s totally doable!
Step 1
Take A Quick Carbon Measurement
Twelve simple questions can paint a pretty accurate picture of your carbon impact, believe it or not. Take the two-minute survey on our WildAid Carbon Calculator tool, and get a quick estimate of your annual carbon emissions, then opt-in to get a six-month check-up reminder.
WildAid CARBON CALCULATOR
Step 2
Commit to a Climate Action
We’ve grouped them by lifestyle categories, as seen below. Just remember, some actions have a bigger impact than others so you may have to play around to get to 25%. And don’t worry if it takes some time. Start with one action, then add another. Before you know it, you’ll reduce your emissions significantly.
See Climate Actions Below
Food
Home
Shopping
Transportation
Advocacy
Food
How do I eat more climate friendly? Do I have to go full veg?
Don’t worry no one’s taking away your burgers. But animal products are super carbon intensive so you could try to eat a little less of them. Cut a pound of chicken or red meat (the biggest culprit). Less dairy makes a huge impact too. So does how you get your food: look for local, less processing, and less packaging. And always try to waste less. Eat what’s in the fridge. Scraps can become stock. Squeeze out every last drop of ketchup. Invest in a composting barrel. (Ok maybe we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves.)
4.3 lbs.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF MEAT AN AVERAGE AMERICAN
EATS PER WEEK
1 lb.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF RED MEAT AN AVERAGE AMERICAN
EATS PER WEEK
219 lbs.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF FOOD AN AVERAGE AMERICAN
WASTES PER YEAR
Sources
Now let’s commit!
Over the next year, I will …
What’s this about? I don’t like spam!
Home
How do I make my home more energy efficient?
There are lots of options here. Yes, there’s the big stuff like installing solar panels, or energy efficient windows, or electrifying everything you can. But those clearly take time and yes, money. So why don’t you start with some everyday actions in your home. Like washing your clothes in cold water (it makes them last longer too). Turning down the thermostat (use it as an excuse to snuggle up). Or taking shorter showers.
2,210 lbs.
CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED PER YEAR
BY WASHING LAUNDRY IN COLD WATER
700 lbs.
CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED PER YEAR
BY TURNING DOWN THE THERMOSTAT BY 1-2 DEGREES
14,000 lbs.
CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED PER YEAR
BY INSTALLING SOLAR PANELS
Sources
Now let’s commit!
Over the next 12 months, I will …
What’s this about? I don’t like spam!
Shopping
How do I shop more sustainably?
This one is pretty simple. It starts with buying less stuff. Especially low quality stuff (we’re looking at you fast fashion). So embrace vintage like the cool kids. And when you do buy new, whether it’s clothes or furniture or electronics or whatever—make sure it’s well-made, something that lasts.
66
NEW ITEMS OF CLOTHING
AN AVERAGE AMERICAN BUYS PER YEAR
9.98 lbs.
CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
FROM EACH VINTAGE ITEM OF CLOTHING
36
million
PACKAGES DELIVERED PER DAY
IN THE UNITED STATES
Sources
Now let’s commit!
Over the next year, I will …
What’s this about? I don’t like spam!
Transportation
How do I make a dent in my carbon footprint through travel? Here’s the thing, transport is the cause of almost one quarter of all energy related emissions across the globe! So if you want the biggest bang for your carbon reduction buck definitely start here. But don’t stress, again we’re talking tweaks. Take one less flight a year. Try biking or walking to work one or two days a week. (Hello step count!) Or try the bus or subway. Done consistently, you’ll do more than make a dent.
1,445 lbs.
CARBON EMISSIONS FROM
ONE LONG HAUL (7+ HOURS)
ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT
522 lbs.
CARBON EMISSIONS FROM
ONE SHORT HAUL (UNDER 3 HOURS)
ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT
9,673 lbs.
CARBON EMISSIONS FOR
THE AVERAGE YEARLY CAR COMMUTE
Sources
Now let’s commit!
Over the next year, I will …
What’s this about? I don’t like spam!
Advocacy
What else can I do to fight climate change? Should I make some noise?
Across the country, cities and states are leading on climate action with everything from incentives (like rebates) to renewable energy infrastructure (yay wind farms)! Aside from using these incentives yourself (another reason to get those solar panels) the best thing you can do is to support these policies with your vote and your voice. So research environmental issues in your state. (And make sure your state and federal representatives know how you feel about them.) Vote for candidates who support climate action at the national, state and local level.
