Climate Change is not just the name of our most recent storytelling show. It’s also a big, scary thing happening to our planet that is already effecting all of us. One of the storytellers from our “Climate Change” show, Sarah Snyder, has a few tips for us below.
Five Things You Can Do to Save Your Own Skin
by Sarah Snyder
Climate change is real, and it’s happening even faster than scientists originally predicted. It seems our goose is well on its way to being cooked, but we can still slow — maybe not entirely reverse — the negative effects. Here is a short list of easy-peasy things you can do now to save your own skin and begin healing the planet:
1. Ride a bike or walk instead of driving, especially if the distance is less than a couple miles (you might even drop a few pounds!).
2. Eat less meat and more vegetables (you might even drop a few pounds!). The meat and dairy industries contribute as much as 50% of greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Wash clothes in cold water (it takes energy to heat). Also, forego the dryer if possible. Both of these planet-saving hacks have an added benefit: your clothes last longer so you won’t have to buy new ones so frequently.
4. Unplug electronics when not in use because, even in off mode, most devices still draw energy from the outlet. Too much hassle? Plug your TV and its accessories into a power strip, and turn off the power strip when you’re done watching. Same goes for your computer, monitor, and printer.
5. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature in winter (you have a sweater, right?) and a higher temperature in summer. Programmable thermostats are the bomb.
Bonus tip: reduce, reuse, and recycle — everything.
For more local information, visit the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.
Find out more about storyteller, and soon to be famous memoirist, Sarah Snyder on her blog!
