Past players of the Cool Choices game-based sustainability program continue to make sustainable choices in their everyday lives even after the program ends. We are always impressed to learn how participating in Cool Choices impacts individuals and their decisions to take further sustainable actions. This month we were inspired by Sarah’s story!
Sarah’s Sustainability Story
What green activities have you been up to since taking part in the Cool Choices program?
Since the game, I’ve continued commuting to work by bus every day, using compact fluorescent light bulbs (looking into LEDs), and using a reusable water bottle. It’s got BB-8 on it, and I’m thrilled — if you’re going to be using one every day why not make it fun? I’m also planning on starting an herb garden in my apartment, something I can use on a regular basis and something my cat will also enjoy (I’m hoping to find some peppermint plants at the farmer’s market).
What tips do you have for others trying to be sustainable?
My tip is to start small; don’t try to make a ton of changes at once or you’ll drive yourself crazy. Pick one thing, get adjusted to it, and then make another change.
Small Sustainable Actions to Start Your Sustainability Journey
We love Sarah’s advice on starting your sustainability journey with small actions—small sustainable actions add up! Here are five simple, everyday actions you can take to help reduce waste and save resources and money in your everyday life:
Avoid one-time use containers and utensils
Opting for a reusable water bottle and/or coffee mug can help reduce plastic waste. If you already use reusable drink containers, consider other disposable to-go items you often use. By investing in a spork for your purse, car, or office, you will eliminate the need to use plastic utensils. Or try bringing along to-go containers for leftovers from restaurants. Ask for drinks without plastics straws when you eat out. Try to notice what disposable items you use consistently and try to find a way to replace them with a reusable alternative or forgo using it in the first place.
Recycle and reuse
You’ve probably heard the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Opting for reusable items will help reduce waste, but sometimes one-use items can’t be avoided. That’s when recycling and reusing come into play. Plastic to-go cups and utensils can be washed and reused multiple times. After they wear out, recycle them. Some waste items can be upcycled. Not only will you get a new item—you’ll also have a fun project to try with friends or family and you can feel good about reducing landfill waste!
Power off electronics
You’ll save electricity (and money on your next energy bill) by turning off electronics when they’re not in use. Computers and game consoles are especially big energy users. A study from the Natural Resources Defense Council reports that in the U.S., game consoles will consume as much electricity each year as all the homes in Houston, costing consumers over $1 billion to operate annually. If everyone started turning off their electronics when they’re not in use, the savings would be huge!
Meatless Monday
Try out a new vegetarian meal! Growing fruits, vegetables and grains is less water-intensive than producing meat and other animal products. Going meatless once a week (or more!) can help save resources and is a fun way to try new foods. There are plenty of tasty vegetarian recipes online, but you can sign the Meatless Monday pledge and every week you’ll get a reminder email to eat vegetarian on Monday as well as a few new meatless recipes to try out.
Celebrate other people’s actions
Call people out when you see them taking positive sustainable actions. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. When you show people you appreciate the steps they’re taking to be more sustainable, it encourages them on their journeys—so celebrate those small victories!
As Sarah suggests, it’s a good idea to tackle one sustainable opportunity at a time. As that sustainable practice becomes habit you can look for another chance to reduce, reuse or recycle. Everyone has some room for improvement, which means there’s always more cool choices to make!
Sarah took part in the 2015 city wide Cool Choices game in Madison, WI. Is your company, organization, or community interesting in accelerating your sustainability efforts? Contact us to learn more, or register for an upcoming webinar!
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