1 Little Thing​ – a ​busy ​person’s ​guide to ​everyday ​climate ​action

• We Are All Stewards of Planet Earth — and Simple Changes Carry Weight

Editor's Note — We all have a responsibility to care for each other and the planet we inhabit — here are one writer's simple tips for being a better caretaker of planet Earth, and by extension for our fellow humans as well •

By Kimberly Haidinger

Special to Today Online

Do you have time for just one little thing? I hope so. In today’s overworked world, that might be asking a lot. 

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Most Americans work over 40 hours per week — nearly 40% clock 50 or more, and almost 1 in 5 hit 60-plus hours. Add in sleep, commuting and the occasional attempt at self-care, and there are only about six hours left each day to do everything else. If you are a parent, you’re likely already in a time deficit. 

So when someone brings up climate change — let alone “personal responsibility” in solving the problem — it’s understandable if your immediate reaction is, “I can’t even.” 

I totally get it. I have been there —- tired, overwhelmed and convinced everyone else has it more together than I do, while I’m still hunting for a matching pair of socks. And yes, trying to save the planet on top of managing work, life and mental health can feel laughably unrealistic.

But here is the thing: Climate action does not have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can start with just one little thing.

Forget overhauling your entire life overnight. Instead, ask yourself: What is one simple change I could make without losing my mind?

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Here are a few ideas that might work for you:

Home Habits That Help

• Laundry Switch-Up — Still washing in warm or hot water? Try cold instead. It’s easy, and your clothes won’t mind. 

• Leftover Logic — Tossing uneaten food too often? Cut your recipes in half or freeze the extra. Future you will thank you on a busy night. 

• Paperless Progress — Try using washable cloths instead of paper towels. If that’s too much, buy paper products made from recycled materials. 

• Rethink Your TP — Look for toilet paper made from recycled paper instead of “virgin” paper, which is made directly from newly cut trees. Recycled options are soft, effective and way better for forests. 

• Wearing More, Washing Less — Do your clothes really need washing after every wear? Probably not. Stretching between washes not only saves energy but lightens your laundry load. 

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Low-Waste Swaps That Stick 

• BYO Bottle — Buy a water bottle or travel mug you actually like and start using it. You might even start looking forward to refills. 

• Ditch the Bottles — Choose products with less packaging, like bar soap or refillable options. They cut down on plastic waste and keep your bathroom clutter-free. 

• Smart Shopping — Give secondhand stores a try, especially upscale consignment boutiques. Great finds, a smaller environmental impact and lighter price tags. 

Bigger-Impact Choices — Still Easy! 

• Drive Smarter — Eco-driving techniques — like smoother acceleration and avoiding idling —- can shrink your fuel use and save you money. 

• Shop Local & Fresh — Shop at local farms and markets when you can or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) at a nearby farm. This supports your community and cuts down on food miles.

• Work From Home — If this is possible, you can work in your pajamas, and by skipping the commute you’ll save time, money and stress — plus it’s a win for the planet. 

All of these actions help lighten your load on the planet. And when millions of us make small changes, the results add up in a big way. 

Even small steps make a real difference. But you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, please don’t — just pick one little thing. When it feels like second nature, add another. 

Change does not have to be dramatic to be meaningful. It just has to start. Need more inspiration? Visit the Carbon Emissions Project website for practical tips and fresh ideas. 

And welcome to the world of climate activism — where your one little thing really does make a difference. + 

Kimberly Haidinger is the author of “A Kid’s Guide to Climate Activism” — this new nonfiction book for middle-grade readers aims to empower young people to take meaningful climate action — she shares practical tips and resources for individual and household climate solutions at www.TheCarbonEmissionsProject.com •

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