Resources | CleanChoices

Lazy Person's Guide

The Sustainable Development Goals are important, world-changing objectives that will require cooperation among governments, international organizations and world leaders. It seems impossible that the average person can make an impact.
Should you give up? No!
Change starts with you. Seriously. Every human on earth—even the most indifferent, laziest person among us—is part of the solution. Fortunately, there are some easy things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big difference. Have a look at just a few of the many things you can do to make an impact!

THINGS YOU CAN DO FROM YOUR COUCH

Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off entirely when not in use, including your computer.
Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile.
Share, don’t just like. If you see an engaging social media post about women’s rights or climate change, share it so folks in your network see it too.
Speak up! Ask local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that don’t harm people or the planet. You can also voice your support for the Paris Agreement.
Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cosy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them.
Stay informed. Follow local news and contact Global Goals online or on social media.
Tell us about your actions to achieve global goals using the hashtag #cleanchoices on social networks.

THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME

Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full.
Take shorter showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants.
Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food if you do not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminium keeps landfills from growing.
Buy minimally packaged goods.
Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food when you turn on the oven.
Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency
Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer.
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models and light bulbs.
If you have the option, install solar panels in your house. This will also reduce your electricity bill!
Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
Don’t rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine.
Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.
Think of what sustainable switches you can make, like a bamboo toothbrush and your stainless steel straw, and get started.

THINGS YOU CAN DO OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE

Shop local. Supporting neighbourhood businesses keeps people employed and helps prevent trucks from driving far distances.
Shop Smart—plan meals, use shopping lists and avoid impulse buys. Don’t succumb to marketing tricks that lead you to buy more food than you need, particularly for perishable items. Though these may be less expensive per ounce, they can be more expensive overall if much of that food is discarded.
Buy Funny Fruit—many fruits and vegetables are thrown out because their size, shape, or colour are not “right”. Buying this perfectly good funny fruit at the farmer’s market or elsewhere utilises food that might otherwise go to waste.
Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.
Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup. Cut down on waste and save money at the coffee shop.
Bring your bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your reusable totes.
Take fewer napkins. You don’t need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout. Take just what you need.
Shop vintage. Brand-new isn’t necessarily the best. See what you can repurpose from second-hand shops.
Maintain your car. A well-tuned car will emit fewer toxic fumes.
Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and furniture a new life.
Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your country and the local community.

THINGS YOU CAN DO AT WORK

If you have a fruit or snack that you don’t want, don’t throw it out. Give it away to someone who needs it and is asking for help.
Ensure your company uses energy-efficient heating and cooling technology, and adjust the thermostat lower in winter and higher in summer.
Does your company invest in clean and resilient infrastructure? It’s the only way to keep workers safe and protect the environment.
Bike, walk or take public transport to work. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.
Organise activities like No Impact Week at Work. Learn and teach to live sustainably for at least a week: un.org/sustainabledevelopment/be-the-change.
Speak up! Ask your company and Government to engage in initiatives that will not harm people or the planet. Voice your support for Paris Agreement!
Try to reduce waste since most waste ends up in our oceans.
Examine and change everyday decisions. Can you recycle at your workplace? Is your company buying from merchants engaging in harmful ecological practices?
Corporate social responsibility counts! Encourage your company to work with civil society and find ways to help local communities achieve their goals.