My 5: Jordan Jones, AmeriCorps

BPGL: What are the five most important things we can do to save the planet?

Jordan Jones, Contributing Writer

JORDAN JONES:

• Get educated. — There’s no better way to win a debate than preparation. If we want to get involved in the environmental debate and change minds, we need to know our stuff. Popular movements are as much about ideas as they are about action and the green movement is no different. Plus, the more you know, the more you can pass on to others.

• Get involved. — Donate money, write letters to the editor, talk to your neighbors, contact your legislator, join a club. Do something! We must create the world we want, because no one will do it for us.

• Cultivate empathy. — Think about how your actions impact others. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.  Be the kind of person you would like to meet. We’re all connected, so we might as well try to get along.

• Reduce, reuse, recycle! — This is actually three things, I admit.  Imagine what kind of presence you would like to have in this consumer society of ours and act accordingly. Avoid waste and unnecessary consumption.  Those things don’t help the planet or your wallet.

• Don’t lose hope! — Change happens slowly, so have patience. Don’t question those “small” eco gestures, like changing your light bulbs to CFL’s, or taking the bus. They help. And besides, it’s the right thing to do. At the end of the day, the only person you really have control over is yourself, so focus on your own life.  Who knows, you may prove to be an inspiration to those around you.

Jordan Jones

Contributing Writer

Blue Planet Green Living (Home Page)

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