Mach' was! Take action! Haga algo!

WHY THIS?
A bit more aware and informed of the complexity of our modern world´s issues and challenges through various online courses, I have found a lot of interesting material, which normally explodes the capacity of someone to read who works or studies full time. There are a lot of great investigations and reports on what challenges are and how we might be able to tackle some of them, out there, many not easily put into everyday-lifestyles. This “lazy person´s guide to save the world” in my opinion seems a bit too simplistic in its presentation as well as a bit unjust by judging all its readers as “lazy”, nevertheless it seems to be a good start or check-list for anyone who would like to contribute.

Read here, what the guide says one can actually improve in everyday life and question yourself critically what you already do or what you might be willing to improve because in the end it is not that hard.

WHAT DO I DO?
Or do I simply like to tell people about what would be good to do? For me, there were not too many “new ideas” or suggestions to be found in this manual, as many of them seem to be part of general understanding of how the world works. And I think, that for most of you, there will not be too many news either… but maybe there is something, and something is better than nothing!

My own reflection on this was quite positive as I seem to already be following the “basic rules”, nevertheless, there are some points in which I have to improve (especially here in Costa Rica).
My goals for now, partly inspired by this list:
- insist more on not needing the plastic bags while buying even if that might cause longer waiting times for the ones following my shopping! Something, which already bugs me since my arrival here.
- look for more sustainable companies for buying (truly necessary!) things.
- share more of what I think might be important for others to know.

Unfortunately, this manual only exists in English and Spanish. But I think most of the recommendations are more or less easy to understand. If there is someone out there, needing some help with translation, do not hesitate to ask me!

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Leider gibt es das Manual nur auf Englisch und Spanisch, für die meisten dürfte es allerdings mehr oder weniger verständlich sein. Wenn irgendetwas unklar ist oder die ein oder andere (oder auch alles!) Übersetzung nötig ist, zögert nicht, mich zu fragen!

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Version español:
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/takeaction/

Take action!
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/takeaction/

End extreme poverty. Fight inequality and injustice. Fix climate change. Whoa. The Global Goals are important, world-changing objectives that will require cooperation among governments, international organizations and world leaders. It seems impossible that the average person can make an impact. Should you just give up?

No! Change starts with you. Seriously. Every human on earth—even the most indifferent, laziest person among us—is part of the solution. Fortunately, there are some super easy things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big difference.

Have a look at just a few of the many things you can do to make an impact!

Things you can do from your couch

• Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer.
• Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile. No paper, no need for forest destruction.
• Share, don’t just like. If you see an interesting social media post about women’s rights or climate change, share it so folks in your network see it too.
• Speak up! Ask your local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that don’t harm people or the planet. You can also voice your support for the Paris Agreement and ask your country to ratify it or sign it if it hasn’t yet.
• Don’t print. See something online you need to remember? Jot it down in a notebook or better yet a digital post-it note and spare the paper.
• Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cosy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them.
• Do a bit of online research and buy only from companies that you know have sustainable practices and don’t harm the environment.
• Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on a message board or in a chat room, flag that person.
• Stay informed. Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @GlobalGoalsUN.
• Tell us about your actions to achieve the global goals by using the hashtag #globalgoals on social networks.
• In addition to the above, offset your remaining carbon emissions! You can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase climate credits from Climate Neutral Now. In this way, you help reduce global emissions faster!”

Things you can do at home

• Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full.
• Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
• Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants
• Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food, if you know you will not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
• Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
• Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminium keeps landfills from growing.
• Buy minimally packaged goods.
• Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food right when you turn on the oven.
• Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency
• Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer
• Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs
• If you have the option, install solar panels in your house. This will also reduce your electricity bill!
• Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
• Don’t rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine.
• Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally responsible disposable brand.
• Shovel snow manually. Avoid the noisy, exhaust-churning snow blower and get some exercise.
• Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.

Things you can do outside your house

• Shop local. Supporting neighbourhood businesses keeps people employed and helps prevent trucks from driving far distances.
• Shop Smart—plan meals, use shopping lists and avoid impulse buys. Don’t succumb to marketing tricks that lead you to buy more food than you need, particularly for perishable items. Though these may be less expensive per ounce, they can be more expensive overall if much of that food is discarded.
• Buy Funny Fruit—many fruits and vegetables are thrown out because their size, shape, or color are not “right”. Buying these perfectly good funny fruit, at the farmer’s market or elsewhere, utilizes food that might otherwise go to waste.
• When you go to a restaurant and are ordering seafood always ask: “Do you serve sustainable seafood?” Let your favorite businesses know that ocean-friendly seafood’s on your shopping list.
• Shop only for sustainable seafood. There are now many apps like this one that will tell you what is safe to consume.
• Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.
• Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup. Cut down on waste and maybe even save money at the coffee shop.
• Bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your own reusable totes.
• Take fewer napkins. You don’t need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout. Take just what you need.
• Shop vintage. Brand-new isn’t necessarily best. See what you can repurpose from second-hand shops.
• Maintain your car. A well-tuned car will emit fewer toxic fumes.
• Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and furniture a new life.
• Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Protecting your family from disease also aids public health.
• Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your country and local community.