Recent studies have shown that American citizens are more invested in the health of the environment than ever before. According to a paper published in Science Advances, 77 percent of Americans believe in the threat of climate change and 68 percent feel that increased policy support is needed to address the issue. About three-quarters of Americans feel that the government is not doing enough to combat challenges presented by climate change. While institutional policy reform is undoubtedly a major aspect of the fight against climate change, Americans can take numerous steps to help support the health of their local environment.
Concerned citizens can start their environmental projects at home. The average American household produces 7.5 tons of carbon equivalents annually, according to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. Individuals can assess their personal emission rate by signing up for a home energy audit. The results of an audit can help guide a person’s next steps to reduce this figure, but common fixes involve installing solar panels, altering thermostat behavior, and purchasing energy-efficient lighting. American homeowners can further mitigate greenhouse gas emissions at home by installing tankless water heaters and washing clothes in cooler water. Switching from hot water to warm water for laundry can reduce a home’s yearly carbon emissions by 550 pounds.
Proper yard maintenance and lawn care can also improve a home’s sustainability and reduce a person or family’s carbon footprint. Planting native vegetation is a great way to offset carbon emissions and minimize the presence of harmful petrochemicals found in commercial fertilizers and herbicides. Homeowners can optimize a garden’s positive environmental impact by installing a smart sprinkler system. Smart sprinklers provide many benefits, such as sensing when it rains and adjusting the watering schedule accordingly.
When it comes to environmental initiatives in the surrounding community, individuals should consider starting with local parks. Parks are public green spaces that should function as constant reminders of how the environment benefits humans and local communities. Trees, vegetation, biodiversity, and water features are only a few examples of natural elements that reduce carbon emissions and improve mental and physical health. Individuals can coordinate community cleanup initiatives to rehabilitate and maintain local parks and other natural areas. Events held in public green spaces are perfect opportunities to educate community members on pressing environmental issues.
Similarly, individuals can lead cleanup initiatives in local woods and forests. Forests are important resources when it comes to fighting climate change, as trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One of the best ways to maintain the health of local forests is to keep marked hiking trails free of fallen trees and debris. Human activity that occurs off marked trails threatens local flora and fauna and degrades the overall health of the forest.
Cleaning up local rivers, lakes, and ponds can be more challenging, as the health of local water sources may be compromised by pollutants and runoff that citizens have no control over. Properly disposing of trash and hazardous materials, as opposed to throwing trash into public water sources, is an easy step to take. Individuals should refrain from using any harmful fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides that can infiltrate local water sources. Homeowners should also maintain the functionality of their septic system, which can break down and contaminate nearby sources of water.
