Tiny actions, big differences

I just watched a time lapse video of satellite images over south eastern Australia showing the advancement of the Australian bushfires that have caused so much devastation since October 2019.  The colossal magnitude of destruction to the natural and built environments is beyond words.  Scientists have been telling us for eons that events like this will become the new normal – a result of a warmer, drier climate. 

Rather than wring our hands in despair (though hand wringing can be comforting for some) consider directing that energy of worry to thoughts of action.  In terms of greenhouse gas emissions what can we do at an individual level to make an impact?  By far, the easiest (and usually the cheapest) approach is to employ mitigation strategies – use less and make better use of what we consume. 

So, when it comes to energy use here are some things to consider:

• Turn off stuff that’s not being used. (office lights being left on is a glaring example).

• Change the thermostat settings on cooling & heating systems – we don’t need to create Antarctic conditions in summer and saunas in winter.

• When buying equipment make energy efficiency a key purchase-decision metric

• Plan trips – schedule multiple meetings within one journey.

• Zoom, Skye, Facetime, GoToMeeting, etc. – use them before jumping on the train or into the car.
  

I know, I know, the list is simple and most of us do these anyway.  But here’s the thing, look around and you’ll notice that many of us are not doing these simple things.  So, let’s check that we actually are doing these simple things (rather than thinking we do them).  Each person taking action, small or large, does make a difference, but the impact is magnified when more of us do it, and perhaps a future time lapse video will bring tears of joy.