10 things you can do Now to Save the World!
Buy local produce (food and other) and choose non-branded locally produced goods over brand names. It reduces pollution from transportation, stimulates the local economy, reduces the power of transnational corporations, and increases local economical diversity and employment.
Buy organic food products and reward farmers who make a commitment to growing healthy foods.
Reduce garbage from packaging by buying bulk and visiting farmers’ markets. Recycle as much as possible.
Avoid buying battery-run products. Ask yourself if the comforts they provide are really worth the pollution of our planet.
Refuse to buy products from retail chains that do not explicitly demand their suppliers deliver products produced without the use of child labor (visit
Make a plan to reduce your dependency on carbon fuels. Insulate your house, use energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, switch to sustainable energy sources, trade your car in for a hybrid car. Some of these options are still fairly pricey, but if you can afford it, do it. Your commitment, together with that of other more wealthy citizens, will help manufacturers reach economies of scale and reduce prices for all.
Set strict Socially Responsible Investment Criteria for all monies you invest. If possible invest locally or in a business you can actively participate in.
Educate your family, children and friends on what it takes to create a sustainable world and encourage them to take action. Let them know where they can find information.
Participate in e-mail campaigns and actions with organizations like Co-op America and Oxfam in order to put pressure on large corporations and governments relating to environmental and social concerns. Help finance these NGO’s with your contributions so that they can continue and expand their important work.
Find a small market niche to set up your own business and, ideally, provide local/regional services or products. This will again reduce the power of big corporations and make you more independent and free. As long as you do work for a big corporation, be vocal in your company, NEVER compromise your personal ethics, and try to be an inside change agent that helps the company move towards more socially and environmentally responsible behavior. Point out the injustice of externalities.