global warming...what can you do?

no one adores washing dishes, but is it really harder to wash a spoon than it is to locate and drill oil reservoirs, refine crude oil, extract the chemical feedstock used to make plastic, and mould plastic into thousands of tiny, single-use utensils that are then shipped to a landfill where they must then be managed for hundreds of years while they sit without decomposing?

there’s 2 kinds of trash (biodegradable & non-biodegradable). Opting for the former is a good start.

Here are some ways you can do to become part of the solution to the problem:

• Use your own containers for take-out or leftovers from your favorite restaurant. Make sure to be friendly when you ask to use your own container; activism with a smile is always the most effective.


• encourage your city council to pass a ban on Styrofoam containers in restaurants. Legislation like this is important because Styrofoam is not recyclable and does not quickly decompose so it sits in landfills. The more Styrofoam we prevent, the fewer open spaces we'll need to be converted to landfills to hold this trash. You can talk to restaurants and stores that use plastic cutlery or bags about biodegradable plastics.


• inform the city officials if you come across a restaurant using Styrofoam.


• unplug cables if not in use.


• turn off the light if you can do without it


• don't ride or use your car if you can walk to your destination


• turn off computers if you're going out for a break (it will save energy and electric bill too)


• bring baskets when you go to the market. you save on awful lot of plastics.


• tell yourself: "starting today, NO PLASTICS!" and do it


• plant a tree if you can and if you have the land to plant on


• cultivate a garden at home (you can save on a few pesos if you plant your own vegetable garden and it's healthful too)

When we regularly make decisions that take into consideration the wellbeing of the environment and other people, our friends and family take notice. Leading by example is a sure way to inspire those around us to take action as well.

congratulate yourself on the changes you make, no matter how small. When it comes to doing what’s right, there is no effort too small.