It's easy to blame the wealthy for the world's problems, but it's simplistic and wrong. For example, global warming happened because of our dependence on fossil fuel, and everyone that drives a car contributed to this problem. In fact, many rich people are attempting to find ways to solve this problem, Bill gates, for example. If you are concerned for the environment, stop blaming and start doing your share to fix it. If everyone took responsibility for their own actions we could substantially cut our green house gases.
A few things we as individuals can do:
The next time you purchase a car, get one with the best gas mileage possible. There are several cars that run alternative fuel or that get really great gas mileage. My husband drives a Jetta diesel that gets 47 mpg. He also takes mass transit to work. Just think how much gas would be saved if everyone did this.
Think about what you use and buy on a regular basis. For example, bottled water is very popular. People are more health conscious and are drinking less soda, and bottled water is cheap and convenient, but it's not such a great thing for the environment. Each bottle has to be manufactured which uses fuel, then it has to be transported using more fuel. In most cases it's simply tap water that has been filtered. I use a reusable bottle and fill it with my own great tasting tap water, I save money and the environment. That ten dollars a month that I save not buying tap water I put in a college savings account for my granddaughters.
Reduce, reuse, recycle. I have an antiques business, so I frequently shop at garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores. Thrifting isn't for everybody, but you can save a lot of money by buying used. I buy not only antiques, but supplies for my business, clothes for myself and things for the house. It always amazes me when people get rid of things that are still usable, many times never used or worn. . Clothes that were never worn, furniture that just needs a simple fix, or things they just bought without thinking. This is not only stupid from an environmental standpoint, but is a waste of money.
Of course every one should recycle, but you can help the environment even more by only buying what you need. And when you don't need something anymore, donate it or sell it on Craig's list.
Why by CDs and DVDs when it's so much cheaper and better for the environment to use streaming services, or purchase online. Why buy books when you can get them from the library or in digital format?
Research corporations to find those that are doing more for the environment and give them your business. Become knowledgeable about environmental issues and tell others. Write your current congressman and vote for those who are sensitive to environmental issues.
