Lazy person’s guide to saving the world

Many fruits and vegetables are thrown out because their size, shape, or color are not right

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is 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 one just give up?

The answer: No. Change starts with every human on earth — even the most indifferent, laziest person — is part of the solution. Fortunately, there are some super easy things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big difference.

There are four levels of things one can do in order to save the planet and promote the SDG: Things you can do from your couch, Things you can do at home, Things you can do outside your house and Things you can do at work.

These four levels entail simple but effective ways to help save the world and it is just at arms’ length and here’s how:

Things you can do from your couch:

•Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely 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 interesting social media post about women’s rights or climate change, share it so folks in your network see it too.

•Speak up! Ask your 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 and ask your country to ratify it or sign it if it hasn’t yet.

•Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cosy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them.

•Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on a message board or in a chat room, flag that person.

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 short 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 know you will 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 and aluminum keeps landfills from growing.

•Buy minimally packaged goods and avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food right when you turn on the oven.

•Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency and adjust your thermostat, replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs.

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 color are not “right.” Buying these perfectly good funny fruit, at the farmer’s market or elsewhere, utilizes food that might otherwise go to waste.

•When you go to a restaurant and are ordering seafood always ask: “Do you serve sustainable seafood?” Let your favorite businesses know that ocean-friendly seafood is on your shopping list.

•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 maybe even save money at the coffee shop.

•Bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your own reusable totes.

•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.

•Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Protecting your family from disease also aids public health.

•Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your country and 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.

•Does everyone at work have access to healthcare? Find out what your rights are to work. Fight against inequality.

•Mentor young people. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring and a powerful way to guide someone towards a better future.

•Women earn 10 to 30 per cent less than men for the same work. Pay inequality persists everywhere. Voice your support for equal pay for equal work.

•Four billion people lack access to basic sanitation services. Lend your voice to talk about the lack of toilets in many communities around the world.