Making the world a better place doesn’t require being an adult. We don’t need a lot of resources; what we need is the willingness to do simple tasks in our daily lives.

This article is prepared by PursuitPrimal (11 years old, middle schooler) and rsPajamas (8 years old, elementary schooler). They believe these small and simple actions can have a great impact when practiced consistently. Additionally, they provided some reference materials they studied as part of their summer reading program. Let’s dive into what they think are the seven easy yet effective ways you can make a difference and make the world a better place:

1.   Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: The three Rs are foundational to sustainable living.

• Reduce: Minimize waste by buying only what you need and requesting products with minimal packaging. Our dad always says, “Think about what you want and what you actually need before buying it.”

• Reuse: Find new uses for items rather than throwing them away. For example, use jars for storage or repurpose old clothes into cleaning rags. We do that a lot in our house, but we have nice rugs for guests. We also use large shopping plastic bags from Ross or JCPenney as trash bags.

• Recycle: Properly sort and recycle materials like paper, plastic, glass, and cans/metal to keep them out of landfills and reduce resource consumption. We have separate bins in our kitchen, and our city, Phoenix, helps residents with this effort. Studies show recycling alone can save significant energy and resources. Scientists estimate that recycling one ton of paper can save 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. See references below for more information.

 2.   Conserve Water: Water is life. It is a precious resource for Earth and was one of the fundamental elements that helped start life. Conserving water helps both the environment and your water bills.

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Our dad even uses a mug of water while shaving.

• Fix leaks promptly to prevent water wastage. Our parents check the irrigation lines in our garden for leaks and fix them. They say it’s not about the water bill, but about leaving water for future generations.

• Install water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and bathtubs. Small steps like these can collectively make a big difference. Scientists estimate that a dripping faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. See references below for more information.

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3.   Use Energy Wisely: Energy conservation reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves money.

• Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use. Our mom says, “Think twice before you turn on a light during the day.”

• Use energy-efficient appliances. Choose products with Energy Star ratings. We always read the energy information on fact sheets when buying new appliances.

• Use renewable energy if possible. Switch to green energy providers or install solar panels. We are lucky to be in Phoenix, with about 300 days of sunshine a year. We have solar systems for house lighting, backyard lighting, and even pool water heating in winter. Small changes, like using energy-efficient light bulbs, can have a significant impact on reducing carbon footprints. See references below for more information.

 4.   Plant Trees or Start a Garden: Green spaces benefit the environment and improve mental health.

• Plant trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and offer habitat for wildlife. Our parents planted three big trees in our backyard before we were born, and they are mature now. Several types of birds visit us because of the trees, including love birds, doves, gray hawks, chipping sparrows, phainopepla, and even owls.

• Start a garden: Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs reduces your carbon footprint and provides fresh, healthy food. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and attracts fun birds like hummingbirds and verdin, and butterflies. Community gardens also foster local engagement and beautify neighborhoods. See references below for more information.

 5.   Use Bus, Lightrail, Train, Walk, or Bike: Driving less lowers air pollution and traffic congestion.

• Use public transportation: Buses, light rails, and trains emit fewer greenhouse gases per passenger compared to cars. If you really need to use a car for work or other time-sensitive jobs, try carpooling. Both our parents carpool with friends from work, saving fuel and making long-term friends.

• Walk or bike: These options are very environmentally friendly and also improve physical and mental health. We bike and hike as a family. Our neighborhood grocery store is only a quarter mile away, so we walk to get groceries twice a week.

6.   Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power, and sharing it can lead to collective action.

• Stay informed: Read about environmental issues, global warming, new technologies, social justice, and other global concerns. We both have a 30-minute learning time besides our homework every day.

• Share what you learn: Discuss important topics with friends and family or share educational content on social media. Our parents use Facebook and LinkedIn to share similar content. They also discuss ideas and thoughts with us during our 30-minute family time before bedtime every night. Education can inspire others to take action and promote a more informed and engaged family and society.

 7.   Practice Kindness: Small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity.

• Compliment someone: Brighten a person's day with genuine praise. Our dad always says mom is the nicest person he’s ever met. When I visited my mom’s office, her colleague told me she makes the office lively.

• Offer help: Assist a neighbor with carrying groceries, hold the door open, or give up your seat on public transport. Help classmates with homework or assist teachers in cleaning up after events.

• Smile more: A simple smile can make people feel happier and more connected. Our dad always says, “A smiley face can open a thousand doors.” Kindness benefits others and improves your own well-being, reducing stress and bringing real happiness to your heart.

References are available below for further reading and information.

Sources

1. Earth911. "Recycling Facts."

2. EPA. "Fix a Leak Week."

3. Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. "Kindness Health Facts."

4. UNESCO. "Education for Sustainable Development."

5. Energy.gov. "Energy Saver Guide."

6. Arbor Day Foundation. "The Importance of Trees."

7. Environmental Protection Agency. "Transportation and Climate."

8. Green America. "Guide to Sustainable Shopping."

9. National Geographic. "The Trouble with Plastics."

 Disclaimer:

The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and represents the opinions and experiences of the authors, PursuitPrimal and rsPajamas. While we strive for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the information provided. Any actions you take based on the information in this blog are strictly at your own risk. We are not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this blog. Always consult with a professional or conduct your own research before making any decisions based on the content provided.