Live More Sustainably and Take Simple Steps That Contribute to a Healthier Planet
During Earth Week, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is encouraging Rhode Islanders to be intentional in taking small but purposeful steps to live more sustainably. Taken together, the simple behavioral changes that we can all make each day at home, on the road, at work and at play, can lead to big results.
We invite Rhode Islanders to take action in their everyday lives to protect the planet. Simple things like shutting off unused lights, turning off the water when you brush your teeth, and recycling and properly disposing of your trash, go a long way.
The old adage – Think Globally, Act Locally – is a principle that many Rhode
Islanders will follow this Earth Day by making small changes to help limit our
impact on the environment. The recent signing by Governor McKee of the Act on
Climate will move Rhode Island in the right direction when it comes to reducing
emissions that exacerbate climate change.
"I am proud of Rhode Island's advocates and leaders who stepped up to enact a strong bill to combat climate change earlier this month. As the Ocean State, we see the direct impacts of climate change, from more intense storms to hotter summers. Climate change is the issue of our time that affects the health, safety, and prosperity of our communities, and we often wonder – what can we do about it?
"I
encourage all Rhode Islanders to take steps toward living more sustainably.
Taking stock of our individual actions and making concrete changes in our own
behavior during Earth Week and throughout the year are meaningful ways to
reduce emissions and preserve our environment," said DEM Director Janet
Coit.
12 SIMPLE STEPS TO LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY
1. Eat local –
Rhode Island has a vibrant food community with lots of great options for
locally sourced ingredients. DEM strongly supports local farms, fishing
industries, and shellfishing. Visit Relish Rhody for more information and
patronize restaurants that use local ingredients.
2. Drive less
and be mindful of your driving style – Carpool, walk, or bike to lower
emissions and relieve road congestion. Planning trips to conduct errands in a
common area can reduce miles traveled as well. When driving, observe the speed
limit and avoid unnecessary acceleration. You'll reduce emissions and save
money on gas at the same time. If you are buying a new vehicle, explore an
electric or hybrid option.
3. Conserve
energy in your home – As old bulbs and appliances reach the end of their useful
life, replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs and replace old appliances with
energy-efficient appliances. Also, avoid "energy vampires" by
unplugging devices when they're not being used or use power strips with on/off
switches. Program your thermostat so that your heating and cooling systems use
less energy when you're not home. Remember to responsibly recycle your old
bulbs (e.g. fluorescents) or thermostats which may contain mercury.
4. Think about
your water usage – Modern high-efficiency washing machines and laundry
detergents are formulated to be just as effective when using cold water as hot
water. Using cold water can lead to significant energy savings every month.
Also, you can lower the hot water temperature on your water heater for
additional savings.
5. Dry your
clothes on a clothesline – Line-drying your clothes saves energy and
wear-and-tear on your dryer. Bonus: sunshine is a natural disinfectant for wet
clothes. If you can't line-dry your clothes, consider using a lower heat
setting or shorter drying cycles on your dryer to conserve energy.
6. Reusable
plastics – Eliminating single-use plastics saves energy, reduces unsightly
litter, and protects marine life. Next time you go to the farmer's market,
bring reusable bags with you; with your next beverage, skip the single-use
straw, and use a refillable water bottle. Be sure to bring your cloth shopping
bags along on your next trip to the grocery store.
7. Don't let
trash fly – Always bag trash. Use covers on your trash bins and close the doors
and lids on dumpsters. Be sure trash is properly contained in open areas on
trucks, boats, and other moving vehicles.
8. Pick up
litter – Next time you're outdoors, take a few minutes to pick up any litter
that may have accumulated on your property and along the roadway. With
everyone's help, miles and miles of streets could easily become litter-free.
9. Join a
community cleanup. Help beautify local neighborhoods and recreation areas by
getting involved in a community cleanup project. Earth Week events are occurring
across Rhode Island, and DEM has compiled a calendar of events to help you find
one in your community.
10. Purchase
renewable energy – In RI, you have the option to purchase your energy from a
renewable/non-fossil fuel source. Choose a supplier that exceeds state
renewable energy standards from the list provided by the RI Public Utilities
Commission.
11. Raise your
environmental IQ. Explore easy ways you can contribute to a healthier planet:
conserve water and energy, reduce waste, and support local farms and
conservation efforts.
12. Get outside! – Enjoy our environment and natural resources by visiting a nearby state park or management area or a local preserve. Rhode Island is home to more than 400 miles of hiking trails and abundant fresh- and saltwater paddling opportunities. Get your heart rate going and enjoy spring's bloom on the Blackstone River Bikeway and East Bay Bike Path. For more information including detailed maps, visit RIDOT's website.
For freshwater anglers, DEM is stocking many popular waterways across Rhode Island with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of time outside are well documented.
As the late neurologist and author Oliver Sacks wrote in Everything
in Its Place, "All of us have had the experience of wandering through a
lush garden or timeless desert, walking by a river or an ocean, or climbing a
mountain and finding ourselves simultaneously calmed and invigorated, engaged
in mind, refreshed in body and spirit. The importance of these physiological
states on individual and community health is fundamental and
wide-ranging."
Follow DEM on
Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for
more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other
timely updates.
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