If people don't experience the joy that comes when they connect with nature, they won't much care or notice when it is being lost to pollution or overdevelopment. It's hard to imagine that something as simple as spending more time in nature would help to protect it, but according to Mr. DeLuca, the importance of this should not be underestimated. This connection to nature, he says, creates the kind of passion that gets translated into green living and planet-saving action.
Cultivate the Desire to Live Green
DeLuca suggests that people who want to live green ask themselves what they are drawn to in nature. Is it watching birds or hearing their early morning songs? Hiking in the woods and drinking in the peace and quiet of nature? Star gazing and imagining the vastness of the universe? Swimming in lakes and oceans, or cooling off in ice cold mountain streams?
Whatever it is, people who want to live green should do what they love in nature more than they are already doing, says DeLuca. That is the first step. Then, read the planet-saving suggestions below and adopt one or two of them. Choose the ones that evoke the strongest feelings.
Stargazers can Help Prevent Light Pollution
Too much artificial light not only wastes electricity, it also obscures the view of stars at night. There is much that can be done about light pollution, but don't wait for government to take action. Research the issue of light pollution and dark skies. Install Parshield visors on all outside lights. Do not purchase outdoor solar lighting that cannot be turned off at night. Turn off outside lights until they are needed. Ask the local town board to adopt legislation requiring dark-sky-friendly lighting on large scale developments.
People who Love the Water Can Live Green by Stopping Chemical Addiction
Those who wish to live green can help protect waters from pollution by refusing to support the chemical fertilizer and pesticide industry. Plant only native plants (ask at the local nursery) which do not require much watering and fertilizer, and that are adapted to the area and grow easily. Stop using pesticides on lawns. Use only organic, slow release fertilizer and use it in limited amounts. This is especially important for those who live near water bodies or who have an underground drinking water supply.
Speak up in the Community
One thing that affects the environment and people's quality of everyday life the most is what happens to the land around them. What happens on the land affects traffic levels, the character of the community, noise levels, water quality, light pollution, population density, wildlife habitat, scenic views and more.
What happens to the land in the U.S. (unless it is federally held land) gets decided on the local level by town boards and planning and zoning boards. These elected and appointed groups of small business people and other local individuals may or may not have any experience protecting the environment whatsoever. Further, they may not be the least inclined to do so. They, generally, are no more qualified than the average community member to decide what is best for the community and the planet.
Those who want to live green can find out what is going on at the local planning board by attending a meeting or a public hearing regarding land development and speak up for the things they believe in. (And yes, enjoying the view a piece of undeveloped property provides, or concern for the animals in that habitat, or a desire for no more traffic are all totally legitimate reasons for towns to consider when deciding what to do with land.) Living green means studying the candidates and voting in all local elections...possibly even running for office.
Divest and Invest to Save the Planet
Living green requires some action around energy conservation. Consider replacing all appliances with energy star ones, and replace incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescent ones. Consider installing solar panels and a high efficiency oil burner, like the System 2000. In many locales there are government rebates available to reduce the cost of installation. The federal government is offering generous rebates now through 2016.
Drop any financial investments that support polluters. Look for green socially and environmentally responsible funds, and clean, renewable energy funds - but be careful. Nuclear energy is not clean energy, contrary to how many funds classify it. It produces dangerous, radioactive waste which is impossible to get rid of.
The Path to Green Living
These are your stars, your waters your wildlife, your woods. These things in the environment can't speak up for themselves. Who will speak up to protect them if you won't?
Bob DeLuca is President of Group for the East End, a not-for-profit environmental advocacy and education organization located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York.
Lisa C. DeLuca - Lisa C. DeLuca is a psychotherapist/social worker who works with families and teens. She also treats panic and anxiety disorders.
Join the Conversation