There is a lot of information about what to do about reducing our effect on the planet. Sometimes it feels overwelming, or that if we don't do everything then its not worth doing anything. This is not the case. Yes we need to make significant improvements in what we do, but taking the first step is important. Starting to make changes to reduce our impact may not change the world, but is the first step on the way.
I work with people to understand what they can do to reduce their impacts, starting simply, and moving on from there. It maybe how to reduce their impact by 10% and maintain it. Or perhaps how to reduce their impacts by 10% year on year. Or possibly to work their impacts, look at how much they could reduce them by and a plan to get there. It is about understanding what their impacts are and how they are living their lives. It is also about how the person (or family) may change what they are doing, and create a better life for themselves.
For instance, for me one of the important things is how I can build in exercise into my everyday life. This means that I will walk places or cycle when I can, rather than use the car. This has a number of impacts including, reducing my carbon emissions from driving (especially as cars are less efficient as they warm up, so short journeys are not good!), less congestion and sitting in traffic for me, exercise, being outside (feeling the elements, feeling part of the world rather than separate) and time to myself to switch off.
Small things can make a difference in a number of ways, and how they do depend on who is making those changes. Something that works well for me may not for you. Thats ok, as there will be things that do work well for you. This is what I will do - seek out what works for you that you will maintain, and as you start and continue to look at what else you might do, and make steady improvement.
"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room..."
Anita Roddick
