Can one person actually make a difference?

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the idea is not that one person does things
it has to be everybody
and we get other people to do things by example
The best we can do as individuals is be more responsible ,in our own neck of the woods
Organize well publicized clean up parties ,talk on the radio
Have citizen meetings
Get the schools involved to plant trees and listen to environmental awareness talks,

If you do any cleaning up leave signs behind saying who cleaned,why and ask people not to start dumping rubbish again ,leave a hole or bins ,in case people come with trash ,

POSITIVE ACTIONS)
Classify trash take out all the organic waste and make compost with it ,the worst you can do is throw it with the trash
70% of contamination is due to organic waste that is mixed in with the garbage .
And it is just as bad in the sewer where it helps to breed rats and in the landfill it poisons the ground

And it is the easiest to take care of
o first of all we have to classify trash at least keep the organic to one side ,like in a plastic bin with a lid
If you got a few meters of ground ,you only need 1 or 2 square meters in a shallow hole ,in the shade ,that you can wet now and again ,where you dump everything that is organic ,from toilet paper,bones vegetable cuttings ,eggshells,,,excrement ,and cover regularly with leaves to keep humid and to hide any smell
the worms will come and decompose the wastes turning it into beautiful black soil for the garden of flower pots .
If you are in a apartment ,if you have a balcony get a big plastic bin drill some holes in the side and lid ,
Add a few buckets of sand now and again to put over the trash ,you should really stir or move the stuff at times to aerate it and ensure that the decomposition is overall ,keep moist
This rubbish does not get big very fast and the thing works for a long time with out getting full
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these are Al gores sites
http://events.stepitup2007.org/............
http://www.stepitup2007.org/

http://events.stepitup2007.org/............

If you want to help the planet ,plant a tree every week ,if everyone on the planet did we we would be able to slowdown the destructive processes
Reduce carbon emissions,and they are already working on that by alternative forms of energy and regulations on carbon producing materials,aerosol cans,burning rubbish,industrial chimneys,power plants etc.
Water harvesting projects ,such as millions of small dams.to redirect over ground water flows from the rains into the ground to supply subterranean water supplies.
The protection of existing forests.
Stop building more highways,urban planning to include vegetation stop building cities encourage people to return to the land to conduct their business from there which now has become possible thanks to the internet.
Education to motivate people to auto sufficiency by building more home food gardens.
Education on environmental awareness
education on family planning to curb over´population
Agricultural education and improvements to follow the principals or sustainability and soil management.
More environmental or land ,design to prevent bush fires,such as--fire breaks
More dams.regulations and control for public behavior
Alternative efficient public transport to discourage the use of the internal combustion engine

101 Ways To Live More Ecologically,may be you find something that applies to you


1. Avoid disposable in favor of reusable
items.
2. Avoid drying rags in a clothes dryer.
3. Avoid power appliances when hand power works.
4. Avoid highly processed foods.
5. Avoid using styro foam—it can't be recycled.
6. Avoid watering driveways and sidewalks.
7. Be responsible and creative with leftover foods.
8. Buy in bulk goods to reduce wasted packaging.
9. Buy energy efficient electric appliances.
10. Buy foods without additives.
11. Buy foods without preservatives.
12. Buy food and goods from sources you trust
13. Buy large quantities to reduce shopping trips.
14. Buy living Christmas trees.
15. Buy locally grown food and produce.
16. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.
17. Compost your food scraps.
18. Discover and protect watersheds in your area,
19. Don't burn trash or other smoky materials.
20. Drain cooking grease onto paper bags, not paper towels.
21. Drive a fuel-efficient car.
22. Drive less: walk, bicycle, carpool and use public transportation.

23. Eat foods low on the food chain; avoid meat.
24. Eat more natural, nutritious foods.
25. Educate elected representatives on ecology.
26. Exercise regularly.
27. Explore and learn about your bioregion.
28. Grow your own food, even a small amount.
29. Hang dry some or all of your clothes.
30. Heat your home less and wear warmer clothes.
31. Heat your home more with renewable energies.
32. Hold a potluck dinner to discuss local ecology.
33. If you use a dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle.
34. Install a water-conserving device in your toilets.
35. Install a water-conserving shower head.
36. Insulate your home to maximum efficiency.
37. Invest for social responsibility as well as profit.
38. Invest in solar power, where practical.
39. Invest in well-made, long-lived clothing.
40. Keep hazardous chemicals in safe containers.
41. Keep appliance motors well adjusted for efficiency.
42. Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.
43. Oppose meddling in ecological balance.
44. Oppose private development of special areas.
45. Oppose roadside use of defoliants.
46. Organize or join a neighborhood toy exchange.

47. Pick up litter along streets and highways.
48. Plant native trees and shrubs around your home.
49. Plant trees throughout your community.
50. Plant your living Christmas tree.
51. Practice preventive health care.
52. Practice responsible family planning.
53. Prepare only as much food as will be eaten.
54. Protect your favorite distinctive natural areas.
55. Purchase goods in reusable/recyclable containers.
56. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove.
57. Put toxic substances out of reach of children.
58. Recycle aluminum.
59. Recycle glass.
60. Recycle newspaper.
61. Recycle old clothes.
62. Recycle plastic.
63. Recycle used motor oil.
64. Recycle your unneeded items.
65. Re-use paper bags.
66. Re-use plastic bags for storage and waste.
67. Save up for full loads in clothes washers.
68. Save up for full loads in dishwasher.
69. Shop by phone, then go pick up your purchases.
70. Speak out about your values in community groups.
71. Support efficient energy sources in your bioregion.
72. Support elected representatives on ecological issues.
73. Support energy conservation in your bio region.

74. Support global ecological improvement efforts.
75. Support local credit unions.
76. Support local merchants before large chains.
77. Support neighborhood food cooperatives.
78. Support proper waste water and sewage treatment.
79. Support the cultural diversity in your bioregion.
80. Support the plants and animals in your community.
81. Take shorter showers.
82. Teach your children ecological wisdom.
83. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.
84. Turn off the lights when not needed.
85. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
86. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
87. Use cloth diapers.
88. Use cloth table napkins.
89. Use less tapwater whenever possible.
90. Use non-toxic pest control.
91. Use only medications you trust/understand.
92. Use rags or towels instead of paper.
93. Use rechargeable batteries.
94. Use the second side of paper for scratch paper.
95. Use water from cooking vegetables to make soup.
96. Volunteer for work in a community garden.
97. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness.
98. Wash clothes in cold water.
99. Wash dishes in still, not running water.
100. Weather-seal your home.
101. Work to unlearn poor ecological habits...Show more

Yes, one person can make a difference.

By doing these things, you are putting less pollution in the air, saving energy and enhancing the world environment with your gardening. Maybe your neighbors aren't mimicking what you are, but lots of us out here are doing what we can. Collectively, if even 20% of the worlds population lives like this, we are 1/5 better!

If you want to do more, educate children about the environment. This will make the most lasting impact. Kids are enthralled by how plants grow, and if you show them how things work, teach them why to recycle, have them plant a garden and tend it, they will be more responsible in their life. We have 4 acres, and a good sized garden. Yesterday, I explained to a 1 1/2 and a 2 1/2 year old child how carrots and potatoes grew under the ground, and soaked up the nutrients from the dirt and the sun and they ate those veggies like I gave them cotton candy at the fair. When they get a little older, I will teach them how everything we put into the soil affects the quality and healthfulness of the food. Its the little things like this that collectively save the earth.

Keep up the good work. You are making a difference....Show more

I totally agree with you that most people just don't care. ("Most" being most of the world....not just in the United States. Here in the States we hear news all the time about "Going Green" and then the next news story is "Expect 30 minute traffic delays following the Mariner's game." The point is that while people worry about whether to replace their light bulbs with CFL's they will still buy into the lifestyle that creates Global Warming. The carbon footprint of attending 1 sporting event or of being stuck in traffic for 30 minutes is 10 times worse, at least, than I am ever going to save by replacing a light bulb.

Changing our lifestyle is never going to work if it is driven by the idea that we are "helping global warming" because, as you said, most people do not care. However, there are other reasons for you as an individual to make changes:

1) Down-size from an SUV or pickup to a mid size car and save hundreds of $$ a year on gas, maintenance, and insurance.
2) Buy less junk and save some money will keep you out of debt and allow you to work less and enjoy life more.
3) Move closer to where you work and save the stress of a long commute.
4) Grow a little garden and enjoy a few fresh veggies that you know are truely safe to eat.
5) Recycling and reusing stuff will also save some money.
6) 1000 other things that can personally help to make you happier and also lower your contribution to global warming.
Source(s):

In the last 5 years, I have gone from $100K per year to $35K per year by choice. I now have that little garden, no commute, and a much less stressful life. And, by the way I have also gone more green, but that is an added benefit on top of having a happier life....Show more

It's a very wide question. Every walk of life has this question.
It is the matter that decides the impact.
If it's a cooking, u can make difference in taste, health-improving, cost to u & ur family, say 2 or 3 or 5 persons.
Had it been a lecture on Maths, it affects a class of say 50.
If it is an editorial of a news paper, it affects all readers, say, 20000.
If it is a rumour, it affects, may be, millions!
But that really doesn't matter. If u think it's better, do it, it can make a DIFFERENCE!!...Show more

Yes, you can make a difference--and do so in ways that also benefit you, rather than making your life more difficult or hectic.

The key is to realize that you can save money by saving energy--and to use common sense. Here's some examples to show what I mean:

>Switch to compact flourescent bulbs. They've gotten cheaper--andyou buy lees, because they last longer. And you'll save around $100/year on electricity
>The motorcycle/scooter is a great idea. Also--when it comes time to trade in the old car--get a fuel eficient one (it doesn't HAVE to be a hybrid). A mid-priced car with good gas mileage will actually end up saving you money
>Use the same approach for appliances: as they wear out, buy eergy-efficient models. The only cost--if any-will be the difference in price between the efficient model and what you'd spend anyway--and the energy savings will more than pay for that over time.
>keep things like weatherstripping in good repair. That not only keeps energy use down, bu tyour home will be warmer/cooler in the bargain.

The sum of all these things--and you'll think of more as you go along--will save a lot more enrgy than trying to force yourself to run around turning out lights, etc. And the extra money is always nice--and gives you a concrete incentive, as well as the more abstract one--to conserve energy....Show more