Effective leaders know how to influence people. In most organizations, it's not about authority, it's about influence. The same applies in our personal worlds. Today, escalating conversations on topics such as climate change, carbon legislation, energy independence, and growing consumer eco awareness generate innovative forward eco movement for some but simultaneously create confusion and skepticism for others.
However, many in the field, including our sustainability consulting practice, agree that the gap between eco awareness and action may represent the single largest opportunity for global sustainability progress. While traditional ‘green’ efforts have focused on expanding awareness, the recent explosion of information and global interest indicates that the message has been sent out and received.
In fact, a recent Gallup poll shows 94% of Americans are aware of Climate Change issues and 75% feel something needs to happen. The next step (opportunity) is closing the gap between knowledge and personal action. With the limitless option available, you may be asking yourself:
• Where do I even begin?
• What should I focus on?
• How do I know what if I am making a difference?
As communicated in our sustainability consulting, the basic formula is: change your habits = different result. The trick is to become aware of the areas in your life that have the biggest environmental impact, and then take inspired action to create new habits. Sounds easy, but how do you do that? Consider re-thinking your current approach to your areas of influence:
• Vehicle Fuel Consumption: The most significant area of personal impact and one that is well within your sphere of influence. Sustainable actions directly aligned with personal savings include: alternative fuel transportation, fuel efficiency and personal reduction (commuting, ride share, alternative transportation).
• Electricity Consumption: By switching to wind or renewable sources, the average family could save the equivalent to thousands of miles driven in a car. Sustainable actions include: source control (wind, renewable, offsets), home efficiency (energy star appliances), and personal energy management.
• Water Consumption: Clear fresh water is rapidly becoming an endangered resource in even the most developed countries. Sustainable actions directly aligned with personal savings include: water management (personal use and outdoor watering) and waste water management (controlling what goes down the drain and into the storm drains).
• Waste Disposal: A large portion of what goes into the average garbage is recyclable. By separating your plastics, glass, and paper, the weekly volume sent to the landfill could be cut by more than half. Sustainable actions include: inquiring about recycling programs with traditional collectors and locating recycling centers in your area.
When you consider that over 80% of our personal impact can be bucketed into four major categories, taking eco action becomes easier. Replacing current behavior with eco friendly alternatives is a place to start exercising your green spheres of influence.
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