A Four-point Plan for Improving the Environment

Assess the consequences

Most everyday activities have some effect on the environment: they either improve or make it deteriorate. A few leave it unchanged. Deciding which category any action falls into is an essential part of conserving the environment.

Encourage positive changes

If something enhances the environment, it should be recommended to others wherever possible. Individual action is only successful if enough individuals pursue it.

Avoid causing damage

Many actions, like throwing away excessive amount of rubbish, wasting water or using pesticides, fall into the category of avoidable damage to the environment. In nearly all cases, this kind of damage can be prevented without any noticeable change in the quality of life.

Cut down what cannot be cut

Some actions, like driving a car, are almost impossible to avoid. In these cases, the best approach is to take steps to reduce the damage.