If everyone on the internet joined forces to ensure a healthy planet for future generations it could solve the survival problem that no government dare tackle. All you need to do is to commit to a changing lifestyle over twelve months – a twelve-step programme to help save the planet. Read on…
January: Try to avoid buying anything made of, or packed in plastic
Plastics are based on fossil fuel for production and produce an almost permanent environmental pollutant that will take many years to start to rectify. There are biodegradable alternative materials produced from plants. Find out how 4Ocean are helping clear the ocean and coastlines from trash, most of it plastic.
February: Buy local produce wherever possible
This would both stimulate farmers to shift to plant food production for humans, reduce the vast energy consumption involved in shipping food to and from warehouses and from abroad. Check out the Food Revolution Network
March: Cut back on your consumption of ‘stuff’
We all are encouraged to consume or buy far more material things than we really need. We need to remind ourselves that every article represents a substantial use of the earth’s scarce resources. Read the Greenpeace article on EcoWatch about how mindless overconsumption is destroying our planet.
April: Help plant a hundred trees
If each one of us estimated 4 billion internet users worldwide would do this we could produce 400 billion trees, and these most efficient carbon dioxide consumers would remove around 8 billion tons of CO2 per year! That would help balance the residual fossil fuel use. Global production of CO2 from transport is about this quantity. Find out more about Groundwork’s mission.
May: Support your local community any way that helps the environment
There is a close connection between the health of the planet, the health of individuals and the health of a community. By building stronger communities we would find mutual support in building a sustainable future for our only planet, the earth. To find out more visit Groundwork.
June: Cut out all meat, fish and dairy foods from your diet
This alone would cut greenhouse gases by between 25 – 50%, stop the loss of the earth’s lungs (the rainforests), reduce the need for food production by 75%, with the right distribution system ensure adequate food for everyone, improve the health of everyone, reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, reduce the pollution of coastal waters from agricultural medicine run-off and animal waste, permit the regrowth of our fauna and flora, especially endangered species, and much more! Currently estimates suggest between 50 – 75% of all grain and pulses go to feed animals! Check out TheFoodConnection.
July: Conserve fresh water whenever possible, it’s a scarce resource!
Fresh water will be more valuable than oil in a few years time. Sources of fresh water are increasingly being depleted due to pollution or over exploitation. Producing animal and dairy foods is a major reason for this. Check out the Friends of the Earth report and video about why we need to save water.
August: Make your own health your responsibility
If you have already shifted your diet to a whole plant diet and are getting more exercise walking, you are well on the way to meeting this challenge. Find out more at TotalHealthMatters.
September: Reduce the use of your car by walking more/using public transport
This will go towards the August challenge; taking more responsibility for your health. Read the NHS article about ‘Walking for Health’.
October: Turn your home thermostat down a few degrees lower
Just a few degrees drop will save you over a hundred pounds a year and reduce the consumption of energy nationally. Read Lifehacker’s blog ‘Five Reasons to Lower Your Thermostat (besides saving money)’.
November: Try to reduce food waste to close on nil
Currently we waste over a third of our food. That would feed most of the undernourished or starving throughout the world. Read Olio’s ’10 Food Waste Facts’.
December: Switch your car to any that halves your fuel consumption
Today there is no technological reason why we cannot produce cars that will give over 100 miles per gallon; even this would make a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This needs to be the most important criteria for car purchase, not its sporty performance. Read Nik Andreev’s post about ‘The 5 most economical cars’.
Words: Michael Lingard BSc. DO. WPNCert. Orthopath, Buteyko Educator, Plantrician
The Plantrician Project – plantricianproject.org
