The Smarter Way of Living … In the Palisades

The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades to deliver a weekly “green tip” to our readers. This week’s tip was written by Sheda Morshed.

Some good news for a change: A February 23, Washington Post article reports that if humans slash global warming emissions to zero, global temperatures will stop rising almost immediately. But the only way for this to happen is if we ALL take action, immediately.

Since Americans are responsible for creating one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, we each have the potential (and responsibility) to do better. All of the following actions are either a newer and better way of doing things, or simply the smarter way. And none will sacrifice an iota of your joy, we promise.

Go plant-based: In the U.S., animal-based diets are behind 51% of GHGs, not to mention soil degradation, dwindling water supplies, water and air pollution and species extinctions. An added benefit to a plant-based diet: they’re healthier for you, too. Visit us to see which local restaurants are offering delicious and exciting plant-based options.

Install rooftop solar (in 2022): Rooftop solar is the smarter way to reduce your fossil fuel footprint, while securing energy reliance for your family and greatly reducing your energy costs—beyond sourcing from utility-controlled solar farms. We’ve vetted local solar and battery installers to bring you big discounts through a streamlined process, including free support. But don’t wait: Federal rebates and state incentives may be discontinued after 2022.

Commit to compost: The third largest source of GHGs in the U.S. is from the breakdown of kitchen scraps and other organic materials in landfills. We offer myriad hassle-free options for diverting your organics that are even better than using your green bin.

Ditch the gas … in your garden: The new and smarter way of beautifying your garden is very low hanging fruit to tackle climate change and pollution. In the Palisades and all of California, small gas equipment (leaf blowers, lawn mowers, etc.) produce more smog than ALL of the passenger cars on the road. Start the conversation with your gardener.

Choose to reuse: Plastics are sourced and manufactured using fossil fuels and are creating a toxic pollution stream from seas to mountaintops. It’s time for us all to Choose to Reuse by opting for smarter alternatives. Visit us to learn more, including how to get a free reusable produce bag.

Heed the 10-Mississippi rule: In the U.S., passenger cars release ~30 million tons of CO₂ just by idling (running your engine while not driving). After only 10 seconds of idling, you’re wasting more fuel than re-starting your engine. Whether you’re pulled over to text, finishing a conversation, or waiting on someone, do everyone a favor and just shut it off.

Divest from your dirty bank: Experts tell us the biggest leverage consumers hold in shifting to a clean energy economy is by banking responsibly. If you’re at one of the top 10 dirty banks (JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, RBC, MUFG, Barclays, Mizuho, TD, BNP Paribas) say sayonara and join a BCorp or Credit Union, today.

Visit us at resilientpalisades.org.