Simple Sustainability Solutions

Addressing sustainability is less about the grand solutions, and more about the small steps all of us can take.

by Bruce Saller
WRITER

Our environmental challenges can feel so overwhelming as to make us wonder if anything we do will make a difference. From the amount of garbage in the ocean, to the destructive power of greenhouse gases and the intractable issue of energy use, the relatively small changes any one of us makes can feel like the proverbial drop in a massive bucket.

Photo by rivage on Unsplash

However, when we collectively do the small things, the impact is greatly magnified. Here are four simple things that if we all did them would have a significant impact on environmental sustainability.

The Three Rs

First, we should all follow the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and then Recycle.

Reduce is cutting back on the amount of trash we generate. Examples are using reusable containers instead of plastic baggies, bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, using a water bottle, and buying items that use recyclable packaging (buy items in glass, metal or carboard containers versus plastic and Styrofoam).

Reuse is finding a use for items that you might throw away (or that other people might throw away). Instead of buying something new, consider shopping for items at consignment shops, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. Clean out your closets, garage, basement, etc., and sell or give away the items you no longer need. Find other uses for items. Use glass jars to store things, turn plastic containers into plant stands and bird feeders, and cut up worn out towels and clothes to use as rags.

Recycling is changing used materials into new products to avoid using virgin resources. Plastics can be made into benches, decking, playground equipment, etc. Cardboard and paper products are reused in making egg cartons, newspaper, building insulation, etc. Aluminum and metal cans are used to produce new cans. Follow the recycling guidelines for your area: Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George.

Cut back on eating meat and eat more plants. 

Recent research out of Stanford University on food-related carbon footprints found a beef hamburger’s footprint is 8 to 10 times higher than that of a chicken sandwich, and about 20 times higher than a vegetarian burger.

Compost your food scraps and your yard greens and browns. 

The Fredericksburg-Stafford Solid Waste Management Board (R-Board) holds composting classes which are open to everyone. Residents of Fredericksburg and Stafford are given a free composting bin.

Support sustainable businesses

The Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission has given Sustainability Awards to several downtown businesses that employ sustainable practices.  Support these businesses and others that employ these practices.

Alone, we can’t accomplish much. Together, we can address environmental sustainability.

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