We’re not asking you to add another item to the To Do List or even to change the world. We’re just asking you to rethink the things you already do. So take one step, or take all ten. Just know your actions are part of a global movement. You matter.
The EcoMom™ Challenge
10 first steps for a sustainable future
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1. Change a light. We have plenty of environmental issues to address. Let’s start with energy efficiency. If every household in America changed out just five incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient CFLs or LEDs, it would be equivalent to taking approximately eight million cars off the road. Opt for the GE® EnergySmart™ CFL 8-pack – it will last more than five years, saving you money and saving our planet’s natural resources.
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2. Drive more efficiently. Going green can start in your vehicle. Carpool whenever possible, don’t idle during drop-off and pick-up, drive a hybrid if you can and drive less. If we each drove just 10 miles fewer per week, it would save 20 billion pounds of CO2 – plus, the time, gas and money saved opens opportunities for more enjoyable pursuits.
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3. Shop Fair Trade™ and organic. By choosing to buy from local, Fair Trade-certified and organic food suppliers, you vote for a sustainable future and help support the burgeoning ‘green’ economy. It’s good for you, good for your family and good for our planet.
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4. Use nontoxic products. There are so many fabulous eco-friendly products now available to us that it is becoming easier and easier to make choices that are healthier for us and our planet. By choosing organic, nontoxic products, you’ll protect our environment and also reduce the risk of disease for you and your family.
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5. Reduce, reuse, recycle and rot. Cutting down on garbage by just 10 percent can save 1,200 pounds of CO2 per household. Buying in bulk saves time, money, energy and packaging. With more than one-third of all household waste coming from food scraps, invest in a Composter and reduce your impact on our waste stream.
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6. Turn off and unplug electronic devices. You’ll reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation and save on energy and CO2 emissions. We also encourage you to save natural resources and create quality family time by joining the EcoMom One Night Off Campaign – choose one night per week to switch everything off, light candles, play games and relax, all while supporting sustainability.
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7. Rethink your laundry plan. Doing fewer washes, using cold water and line drying when possible can save more than $600 a year and more than 500 pounds of CO2 emissions.
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8. Plant a tree (or any plant). This is a great activity to do with your kids or to mark a special occasion. Over the course of its lifetime, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide, and seedlings make excellent party favors.
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9. Reduce mom guilt with carbon offsets, renewable energy credits or green tags. Supporting renewable energy development to balance out your worst “eco-sins” is kind of like eating too many brownies one day and jogging extra the next. It’s not the answer, but it is a step in the right direction. If you go for offsets, make sure it is with a reputable company.
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10. Play more. This will be your child’s favorite, and hopefully yours, too. In today’s world, it is easy to get so busy that you forget to take time to connect and play with the people you love – and do the things that feed your mind, body and spirit.
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To learn more about the eco-mom challenge, visit the Eco-Mom Alliance
