In Community

Get to know the place where you live as a bioregion, not just as a political jurisdiction. For example, where does your water originate? What are your local food sources? How has the landscape changed over time?

• Meet your native plants and animals—appreciate the roles they play in your health.

• Support policies that curb road-building, sprawl, loss of open space and destruction of native habitat.

• With your income, instead of buying more, bigger or fancier things, reward yourself with less stuff and a simpler life that allows more freedom, and more time for family, friends and building community.

In the Home

Recycle. More importantly, buy recycled.

• In summer, close curtains to keep sun/heat out. Rely on fans more than air conditioning.

• In winter, open curtains during the day to let the sun in. Put on a sweater instead of turning up the heat; use an extra blanket on the bed.

• Heat, cool & light only those rooms in use.

• Use energy-efficient lighting, such as LED light bulbs. They initially cost more, but last many times longer.

• Save water—turn it off! Repair dripping faucets; install low-flow devices on taps, showers, and toilets.

• Use alternatives to toxic cleaners, such as vinegar and baking soda.

• Avoid processed foods; eat in a way that benefits your health.

• Eat lower on the food chain—especially eat less far-traveled beef and seafood.

• Check into household solar, utility-based wind, and other renewable energy systems.

• Extra insulation saves money.

When Shopping

Ask yourself, "Do I really want to keep this forever?"

• Every purchase is planned, needed, and cared for.

• Take your own shopping bag.

• Avoid products designed to be used once and thrown away.

• Avoid excessively packaged products.

• Demand recycled-content products, such as recycled paper products.

• Support local farmers. Buy locally grown and organically grown produce.

Transport

Support public transportation initiatives and funding.

• Reduce individual use of your car—walk, bicycle, use public transport, carpool.

• Live near your work and/or activities.

• Buy a car with low fuel consumption. Rent on those rare occasions when you need something bigger or more powerful.

• Recycle your engine oil. Never pour it down the drain or on the ground.

Population

Every child planned, wanted and loved.

• If you want a large family, consider adopting.

• Don’t put pressure on your children to have grandchildren for you.

• Love other people’s children; become a mentor, tutor or coach.

• Promote population and environmental education in your schools. Encourage schools to invite speakers and show films on sustainability issues.

• Support family planning: urge your legislators to fund family planning programs in your community and abroad.

• Elect officials who support family planning, environmental protection and conservation.

• Talk about population and sustainability issues—engage in social discourse that explores complex issues, avoids stereotyping and extremism, and searches for solutions.

At Work

Start an office conservation committee; practice energy efficiency, recycling and buying recycled.

• Work toward a paperless office: use email.

• Encourage your employer to carry out an energy audit, and implement the recommendations.

• Ensure your office air-conditioning and heating are set at realistic and comfortable levels.

• Install timers to turn off lights and heat (or air) after a certain time at night.

• Consider whether a business trip involving distance travel is really necessary, or if the business can be conducted by electronic means.

Principles for Action

The planet Earth does not grow.

• Without population stabilization, there is no hope for a sustainable future. Human population and lifestyle consumption can not exceed nature’s carrying capacity for long.

• Recognize the moral and civil obligation to care for other people and other forms of life.

• Humankind must maintain ecological processes that keep the planet fit for life: protect and encourage biodiversity; do not use resources beyond sustainable renewal rates.

• Halt dependence on oil and coal, transition off of gas, and switch to renewable energy sources.

• Cultivate a culture of sufficiency to accompany an economy based on efficiency.

• Economic growth cannot be the only aim of development. Economic incentives should be provided for sustainable behaviors.

• Citizens should be truthfully informed, and then empowered, so they can make decisions for genuine progress.

• Secure as many opportunities for future generations as we have.

• All countries will gain from worldwide sustainability and are threatened if they fail to attain it.