Helpful Resources to Move You Along the Path Toward Sustainable Living
Click the section on the table of contents that interests you, or scroll through from top to bottom.
PERSONAL
Take your own bags to the grocery store
- #beatplasticpollution
- https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/birth-ban-history-plastic-shopping-bag
Keep reusable containers in your car to take into restaurants for leftovers
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cooking-tools/food-storage-container-reviews/g2215/food-storage-containers/
- https://tinyurl.com/sns7upf9
- https://tinyurl.com/3u4hchsy
Eliminate paper napkins by switching to cloth
- At home, cloth napkins are king: https://tinyurl.com/yey9xenp
Complete a home garbage audit to assess reduction opportunities
- https://earth911.com/home-garden/conducting-home-waste-audit-part-1/
- https://earth911.com/home-garden/home-waste-audit-changes-part-2/
Recycle all paper, glass, aluminum and plastics 1&2
- https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables
- https://www.americancommunities.org/how-recycling-varies-by-where-you-live/
Measure your carbon footprint; set reduction targets
- Global Footprint Network https://www.footprintnetwork.org/
- Conservation International https://www.conservation.org/carbon-footprint-calculator#/
- EPA https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/
- Terrapass https://www.terrapass.com/carbon-footprint-calculator
Complete an audit to assess your consumption
- Keep a journal of everything you purchase for a month. Identify needs versus wants.
- https://youtu.be/oGab38pKscw
- Scroll to “What You Buy” section of article: https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- https://partner.sciencenorway.no/climate-forskningno-norway/this-is-how-your-personal-consumption-affects-the-climate/1430016
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/buddhist-economics/201803/why-over-consumption-is-making-us-unhappy
FOOD
Convert to a mainly or full plant diet
- https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/how-eating-more-plants-can-save-lives-and-planet
- https://www.thejuicetruck.ca/blogs/news/10-reasons-to-go-plant-based
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-diet-benefits
Reduce meat intake by specific number of days or meals
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-a-plant-based-diet-and-why-should-you-try-it-2018092614760
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/meatless-meals/art-20048193
Reduce processed food
- https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/lifelines/may-2019/the-many-health-risks-of-processed-foods/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318630
Purchase locally grown and/or organic food
- http://web.colby.edu/st297-global18/2018/11/29/the-benefits-of-buying-locally-sourced-produce/
- https://kaynutrition.com/the-benefits-of-eating-local-food/
Compost your food scraps or use a compost pickup service
HOME
Turn your home into a healthy home.
- The air inside our homes is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. View this complete guide to a healthy home: https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/
Convert to green cleaning supplies
- Why You Should Always Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Product: https://moldmedicsglobal.com/blogs/news/heres-why-you-should-always-use-non-toxic-cleaning-product
- https://thehealthyconsultant.com/the-best-non-toxic-cleaning-products/
- https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/cleaners-and-air-fresheners/
Reduce your water usage
Switch to LED and other energy efficient lighting
- Indoor lighting options: https://ecohappyhome.com/energy-efficient-light-bulbs//
- Outdoor Solar light bulbs: https://www.thespruce.com/best-outdoor-solar-lights-4588815
Use rechargeable batteries.
- https://pennyelectric.com/blog/pros-cons-rechargeable-batteries/
- https://darksucks.com/blogs/news/5-reasons-why-rechargeable-batteries-are-worth-it
- Or recycle batteries if you do not use rechargeable ones. https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-dispose-of-batteries/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90124a115f1
Reduce vampire/phantom energy by turning off unused appliances and charging plugs.
- Does phantom energy exist? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2CUkoL0mfk
- Phantom Energy: Facts, Examples, And Real Solutions! https://homeefficiencyguide.com/phantom-energy-guide/
- Use an appliance load tester. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-AmWatt-Appliance-Load-Tester-THP103/202213704 or https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Corporation-THP103-Appliance-Wattmeter/dp/B000G7TKCG
Insulate your windows, doors, outlets and lighting fixtures
- https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize
- If you use a fireplace, close the flue after all cinders are out.
Add more insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace
- Insulation saves homeowners money and improves comfort.
- Moisture Control – Controlling moisture can make your home more energy-efficient, less costly to heat and cool, and more comfortable.
- Ventilation – Controlled ventilation keeps energy-efficient homes healthy and comfortable.
Add solar water heater, tankless or other energy efficient option for hot water
- https://zeroenergyproject.org/build/twelve-steps-affordable-zero-energy-home-construction-design/heat-water-wisely-designing-building-sustainable-homes/
- https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/solar-water-heaters
- https://www.thespruce.com/best-tankless-water-heaters-4153402
Add solar panels to heat/condition your home
Downsize your living space
- https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/moving/how-to-downsize-your-home/
- https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-is-a-tiny-house/; https://www.tinyhouse.com/
- Consider moving to an Eco-village or co housing community – https://www.ic.org/directory/listings/?&country=United%20States&state=North%20Carolina
TRANSPORTATION
Drive less- combine errands and trips
- https://bemorewithless.com/i-want-to-drive-less/
- https://www.walkscore.com/cities-and-neighborhoods/
Use public transportation for local and long distance trips
- https://www.partnc.org/
- https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
- Ask your auto insurer for a low mileage discount
Rent a pickup truck from the home goods store instead of owning one
Research and test drive electric vehicles next time you vehicle shop
- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/electric/understanding-sustainability-electric-cars/
- https://www.edmunds.com/electric-car/articles/best-electric-cars/
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/hybrid-cars
- https://www.sierraclub.org/transportation/electric-vehicles
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/hybrids-evs/ratings
- https://www.chargepoint.com
- https://www.carcovers.com/carresources/the-importance-of-eco-friendly-cars/
Research and test drive hybrid vehicles next time you vehicle shop
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/hybrid-cars
- https://www.edmunds.com/hybrid/
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/hybrids-evs.htm?EXTKEY=SG72C00&ds_rl=1247060&ds_rl=1247111&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScPbBVYcj9F5mKRDB35MZRvNIM95SklF-oKD6j6knswQBzhKp28w4gEaAhghEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Carpool, rideshare or bike to work (once you return to work) or use public transportation
- https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a22132137/best-electric-bikes/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g34656745/our-favorite-e-bikes/
- https://bikeleague.org/content/what-know-about-e-bikes
- https://www.partnc.org/206/Rideshare
Commit to offset your air or vehicle travel carbon output
- https://www.terrapass.com/
- https://www.goldstandard.org/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/24/climate/nyt-climate-newsletter-carbon-offsets.html
Take and support the no idle pledge
- https://www.epa.gov/schools/idle-free-schools-toolkit-healthy-school-environment
- https://iturnitoff.com/#/the-issue
YARD
Avoid pesticides/herbicides in your lawn/garden
- https://www.healthyyards.org/homeowners/avoid-pesticides/
- https://www.cleanwateraction.org/2016/03/16/lawn-pesticides-are-not-safe-or-necessary
- http://www.propollinators.org/safe-pesticide-alternatives.html
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/safer-alternatives-to-roundup.htm
Plant native flowers, bushes, and/or trees in your yard (or pots on porch)
- https://www.ncarboretum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Top-25-Plants-and-Suppliers-2.pdf
- http://ncpollinatoralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/NC-Pollinator-Toolkit-April-2019.pdf
- https://conservingcarolina.org/our-impact/education/10-great-plants-pollinator-gardens/
- https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/landscaping-for-wildlife-with-native-plants
- https://www.audubon.org/PLANTSFORBIRDS
- Book: Native Plants of the Southeast by Larry Mellichamp
- Book: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy
Convert part of your lawn or garden space to a natives pollinator garden
- https://content.yardmap.org/learn/removing-lawn-to-make-way-for-more-habitat/
- https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/plant-a-pollinator-paradise/
- https://homegrown.extension.ncsu.edu/2019/08/growing-a-pollinator-garden/
- https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-garden-videos/
Capture storm water in rain gardens, rain barrels and/or vegetated areas
COMMUNITY
Contact an elected official at least once a month re: the climate crisis
- Senator Richard Burr https://www.burr.senate.gov/contact
- Senator Tom Tillis https://www.tillis.senate.gov/email-me
- Congressional Rep: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
- State Representatives: https://www.ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators
- Winston-Salem City Council: https://www.cityofws.org/570/Wards-Council-Members
- Forsyth County: https://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/Commissioners/
Join & support at least two local environmental organizations
- Piedmont Environmental Alliance https://www.peanc.org/
- Sierra Club Foothills Chapter http://www.ncsierraclubfoothills.org/
- Audubon Society Forsyth Chapter http://forsythaudubon.org/
- Yadkin Riverkeeper https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/
- NC Climate Solutions Coalition https://ncclimatesolutions.org/
- Path to Positive: https://pathtopositive.org/
Vote for elected official dedicated to addressing the climate crisis
Join EcoSolutions, our very own UU eco group
- Email eco@uufws.org to add your name on our email list to receive notices about outings and events
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIVING SUSTAINABLY
Consider buying clothes that are not from the “fast fashion industry” or clothes that are mostly from synthetic materials made from petroleum products.
- Defined: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/what-is-fast-fashion
- Environmental Impact – https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-fashion-environmental-impact-pollution-emissions-waste-water-2019-10; https://phys.org/news/2019-01-fast-fashion-environment-workers-society.html
- Brands to avoid – https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/fast-fashion-brands/
Get a home energy audit
- https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-audits/professional-home-energy-audits
- To find a licensed energy auditor go to https://www.hersindex.com/find-a-hers-rater/ or http://www.bpihomeowner.org/
Use web browsers, mobile phone companies, etc. that give back
- www.ecosia.org plants trees for every web search you make. Your searches plant trees in some of the harshest places on Earth. In Burkina Faso, they make the desert fertile again.
- https://www.credomobile.com/ – since 1985, CREDO Donations top $91 million, funded solely through the revenue from CREDO products like CREDO Long Distance, Working Assets Credit Card, CREDO Mobile and CREDO Energy.
Make sustainable furniture choices
- Mattresses – Considering how many hours we are in our beds (8 +/- hours/day), it is important to pick a nontoxic and comfortable mattress. https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/natural-and-eco-friendly-mattresses or https://theorganicsleepshop.com/ is in Charlotte.
- Furniture – The furniture market is no different from the mattress market. https://earth911.com/home-garden/sit-sustainably-the-best-shops-for-eco-friendly-furniture/;
- Lists of companies – https://woollygreen.com/sustainable-furniture/; https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/eco-friendly-furniture-brands-for-a-stylish-and-conscious-home; Lee is a local NC company and was on the list of top sustainable furniture companies. https://www.greenlodgingnews.com/sustainable-furnishings-council-honors-lee-industries/
Complete a garbage/waste audit
- To reduce waste, you have to know what you are consuming and disposing. https://www.thezerowastecollective.com/how-to-conduct-a-trash-audit
Download an app that has suggestions on reducing your carbon footprint.
- For example: Earth Hero
Consider a “green burial”
View, download or print the Climate Crisis Commitment Agreement and make your choices.
View, download or print a handy guide for UU peer support. Let your UU friends assist you! (Members only.)
