Recently, I wrote a post for Trail Sisters about how we – as Trail Sisters and humans alike – can help reduce our environmental impact with a few tiny changes to our days. Things like: riding a bike or sharing a ride vs. driving, bringing your own coffee mug and more.

And then, this weekend as I was sidelined thanks to lower back pain (again, ugh!), I watched Before The Flood and it really drove home the impact global warming/climate change is having on the earth, society and our collective future. This documentary is 90 minutes long and is free through 11/7 (tonight!) on Hulu, YouTube, Facebook, OnDemand and several other places. I highly encourage you to watch it!

There are SO many easy and tiny changes we can make to our day that can make a difference. Things like:

• Eat less beef
• Recycle
• Compost leftovers
• Plant a garden to grow veggies
• Join a CSA (community supported agriculture)
• Use Tupperware/plastic containers vs. plastic baggies
• Use a Diva Cup vs. tampons
• Use a refillable water bottle
• Use a push mover vs. gas mower
• Reduce air travel
• Ride a bike
• Ride a bus
• Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
• Upgrade to energy efficient windows
• Choose energy efficient appliances
• Turn down/off the thermostat
• Unplug electronics when not in use
• Wash dishes by hand vs. dishwasher
• Reduce/eliminate paper towels
• Use an air dryer vs. paper towels in public restrooms
• Air dry laundry
• Take a shorter shower
• Choose shampoos/soaps/cleaners with environmentally friendly ingredients
• Shop local this holiday season
• Wrap gifts in recycled wrapping paper (or even a paper grocery bag)
• Support companies whose values and actions align with reducing environmental impact where possible
• Vote for candidates who believe climate change is real and will work with other world leaders to make big changes

I’ll admit that some of these ideas are easier for me to implement than others (I often choose paper towels over cloth towels when cleaning at home – old habits die hard) but being aware of my options and making a conscious effort to change my actions will hopefully inspire others to do the same.

In past generations, caring about our impact and the environment might have fallen more in the Counter Culture bucket but these days, it needs to be top of mind for ALL of us if we’re going to turn this climate change ship around and preserve this beautiful Earth we love and life for future generations.

I’d love to hear additional tactics you like to help reduce your environmental impact in the comments below!