At Baby Ventures™, we strongly believe in the importance of teaching children early on about our interconnectedness with all living things, and raising a new generation of ecoliterate, sustainably-minded kids. In order to do so, we must set the example in our own homes and be the change we want to see.
So how does Baby Ventures co-founder Lisa Hall incorporate sustainable living in her own daily life? Read about the changes Lisa has made – and what she pledges to do for the rest of 2020 – to increase her ecoliteracy!
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“I always considered myself to be a decent steward of the planet. While I certainly don’t live off the grid, I thought of myself as environmentally-minded and not a wasteful person. But over the past year, I’ve read and researched and a lot about the state of our planet and what actions individuals must take now (including research for…an upcoming Baby Ventures title!). I took a hard look at my own actions and realized they were no where good enough. So I’ve taken steps to do better, and plan to do more. Here are 10 things I have done to reduce my carbon footprint and what I pledge to do before the end of the year:
10 steps I took to reduce my carbon footprint:
- Started composting (I’ve been amazed how much less waste I now send to the landfill!).
- Said “no” to plastic bottles, bags and straws.
- Began bringing reusable bags when shopping (at all stores, not just the grocery store).
- Purchased fewer packaged items at the grocery store and opted for bulk more often.
- Switched to earth-friendly dog waste bags.
- Contacted companies who send junk mail to be taken off their list to reduce paper waste.
- Spent less time commuting and increased working from home (a small silver lining of Covid-19).
- Planted three trees in my yard.
- Continued to be mostly vegetarian (I don’t purchase or cook meat and only eat it on rare occasions).
- Became more conscious about using less water when washing dishes, washing hands, taking showers, etc.
5 things I pledge to do this year:
- Purchase a rain barrel to collect rainwater for use in my yard.
- Increase the amount of produce I purchase from local farmers markets.
- Contact my local waste management agency to make sure I am recycling correctly and nothing is being wasted.
- Use my voice – contact government officials to voice my support for environmentally-friendly legislation.
- Support a non-profit organization doing important environmental work.
Change begins with each of us, at home. And we must be the example today for what we want future generations to be tomorrow: stewards of our beautiful planet.”
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For discussion topic ideas and actionable items to take at home and in your neighborhood, download our Eco-Friendly Activities Guide & Checklist.
