For the individual, one of the most important questions about sustainability
is, What can I do?
An answer that seems readily at hand is recycling. Recycling programs have been
underway in most Oregon towns and cities since the early 1990s.
Sure, recycling is an activity we can all do in our homes and in the workplace
to conserve resources, but is recycling enough? Not by a long shot, according
to Paul Burnet, assistant to the director for sustainability, Oregon Department
of Administrative Services.
"Recycling a little bit more really isn’t going to be enough to make
a significant difference towards achieving sustainability," said Burnet.
"We’re talking about making some pretty significant changes. Recycling
is good, but by itself, it is not nearly enough," he added.
Bill Boggess, Oregon State University agricultural economist, takes that line
of thinking a step further.
"There are a fair number of economic studies that say some of the material
we recycle comes at a net cost to society," said Boggess. "By that
I mean it takes more energy and money to recycle some materials than we save
by doing it because we’ve got the cost of the whole process of collecting,
resorting and reprocessing it.
"The approach I take is reduce, reuse, recycle," he continued. "Reducing
use is much preferred to reusing, which is much preferred to recycling from
an economic and energy use standpoint. So if you think about what an individual
can do, recycling is helpful but it probably is the least effective practice."
There is another approach to the question of what individuals can do to be more
sustainable. Some believe that it isn’t necessary to do anything. This
outlook takes the position that people ought to be free to do what they want
as long as they don’t harm others, and that as far as sustainability is
concerned, it’s impossible to know how actions we take today will affect
future generations.
If, however, you don’t share that view here are some other sustainable
practices that can make a difference, offered by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
You can find their web site at www.ucsusa.org.
Consider your transportation choices. Experts say 40 percent of the fuel we
use annually is in the form of fossil fuels for transportation. According to
the Union of Concerned Scientists web page, driving adds more to air pollution
and global warming than anything else individuals do. You’ve got to get
to work, but there might be a better alternative than commuting in your car
every day.
For example, perhaps you can take public transportation, carpool with others
at your place of work, ride a bicycle, or move closer to work. Buy a hybrid,
or more efficient conventional car than your current model, or, if possible,
telecommute.
Many of the things we do in the yards around our homes contribute to water and
air pollution. Pesticides and fertilizers filter into groundwater or are carried
into streams and rivers by rainwater runoff. Lawn-mowers spew exhaust fumes
that contribute to the air pollution caused by cars and trucks. Consider these
home landscaping and gardening alternatives.
Landscape to minimize mowing, watering and fertilizing needs by planting grass/flower
mixtures that grow slowly. Grow less grass and more shrubs and trees. Cultivate
plants native to your area. Practice companion planting for flowers and vegetables.
Enrich your soil by adding compost (self-made or purchased). For extra nutrients,
use organic fertilizers, such as bonemeal and fish emulsion.
Control weeds, and improve soil even more, with organic mulches.
To reduce pests, cultivate plants that attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.
Keep your lawnmower in good repair by changing the oil regularly and cleaning
or replacing air filters regularly. Get periodic tune-ups and keep the mower
blades sharp.
Get rid of your gasoline-powered yard tools altogether. Either replace them
with electric ones or—even better—go manual.
During the warm months of the year many of us keep cool by turning on the air
conditioner. You can keep energy use and your home’s temperature down by
keeping heat from building up in your home. Here’s how to do it.
Block outside heat from entering the home by closing curtains or blinds. Shade
your house’s exterior with shrubs and deciduous trees. Shade your house’s
interior with awnings, louvers or shutters. Insulate your attic.
Reflect heat away from the home by applying a reflective coating to your roof.
Install a radiant barrier under your roof. Paint your exterior walls a light
color.
Generate less heat in the home by taking advantage of daylight to illuminate
your home. Switch from incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent bulbs. Use
a microwave instead of a conventional oven. Use appliances in the morning or
late evening. Seal off your laundry and water heater rooms.
Use air conditioners only when necessary. Turn them off when no one will be
home. Consider a programmable thermostat. Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners
on milder days.
Set thermostats as high as you comfortably can. Don’t put anything that
generates heat (lamps, TVs, etc.) near thermostats.
Of course, it’s important to note that in addition to being sustainable,
all of the above actions will help you save money.
You can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming
in many ways. For example, buy appliances that bear the Energy Star label, which
guarantees that they’re energy-efficient. While these products might cost
a bit more to purchase (or not), they’ll save you money later through lower
electric bills.
There are also several things you can do to support the sustainability of the
economy and your community. For example, invest in the environment by buying
things that help the environment like recycled products such as recycled paper.
Buy goods and services locally. Get involved in local decision-making by working
with community groups. Support organizations and leaders that support the environment.
Volunteer at local schools, hospitals and nursing homes, or try coaching youth
sports.
On a final note, Burnet urges individuals to "demonstrate to your neighbors
that you are willing to do things to be more sustainable. Take the bus, install
solar panels on your home or drive a hybrid car," he said. "Be a leader,
be involved."