Can You Help the Environment During Quarantine?

In quarantine, there are a lot of things you're doing already that are helping the environment.

• You're not commuting or otherwise going out, except for necessities, so you're driving less.
• Work at home clothing, unless you're doing a lot of serious Zoom calls, doesn't require dry cleaning
• Cooking more of your meals instead of getting takeout means you're probably avoiding a lot of plastic

If you're working remotely while caring for kids and/or elderly parents, or if you've lost your job and you're worried about where your next meal or rent payment is coming from, if you're caring for a sick family member, or have lost someone close, or if you're otherwise overwhelmed already, just stop right here and pat yourself on the back, because your lifestyle changes have already reduced your carbon footprint.

But if you have the bandwidth and you're looking for ideas to celebrate Earth Day 50, or if you're looking for other ways to reduce your carbon footprint, here are some other ideas.

1. Join Community Supported Agriculture and get local produce
2. If farm stands in your area are still open, start shopping at them again as the weather warms
3. Pay attention to the amount of plastic going into your shopping cart. Reduce it if possible: skip the bottled water and other non-nutritional drinks, choose vegetables and fruits with minimal packaging, don't buy single-serving packs if larger ones will work
4. Reduce meat consumption, especially meats with the highest carbon footprint, like lamb and beef. Substitute poultry or (if you're so inclined) pork, and look for pasture-raised animals from a farm near you. Or, switch some of your meals to beans, chick peas, lentils, and/or tofu, and save money in the bargain.
5. Do enough meal planning so that if you've bought or cooked something, you actually eat it. Try not to contribute to the 40 percent of food produced in the United States that ends up in the landfill.
6. Buy less new clothing. Give up on fast fashion. Thrift shops are closed, but you can still buy used clothing on Ebay, ThredUp, and other online vendors. Try not to buy other stuff unless you're promising to give it a permanent place in your home.
7. Use less hot water (it takes energy to heat it and, in some places, to move it to your home): wash clothing in cold water, try to shave time off your shower, don't run water while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
8. Dress for the weather. Keep the house cooler in winter, warmer in summer, so you use less energy heating and cooling.
9. Plant a tree. If you live in a house with outdoor space, convert at least some of your lawn to shrubs and flowers that support local wildlife. Give up Roundup.
10. Write to or call your local lawmakers and push for complete streets (safe for pedestrians and cyclists), bills promoting native and wildlife-friendly plants in public places and new construction.
11. Talk to friends and family. People who study climate communication say one of the most important things you can do is talk to people about what you're doing, and why.
12. Vote for politicians who will support a carbon tax, public transportation, and renewable energy. If you can, make donations to their campaigns.