What is the single best thing you could do to help the global environment?

Question

I have an idea of my own and I want your opinions. Tell, me your idea and I will give mine later, so please check back.

Please keep it to a single thing you could do (that is possible and practical).


Some examples (but not the thing I'm looking for):

Recycling.

Driving less/commuting.

Living off the grid.

Going vegetarian.


(These are just random examples, tell me your idea).

I know it does not seem like this question is related to R&S, but I believe the answer has religious implications.

OK, 9 responses so far and no one is really thinking. (or reading the details).

We have a long way to go.

OK guys, that answer is NOT HAVING CHILDREN.

Think about this: since you can not control how your children will behave as adults, you must conclude that they will pretty much behave like average adults. No matter what you do, NOTHING will have as big an impact as having no (or less children). Every child you make will simply destroy the environment as much as you do (or probably more).

I know a lot of people will not like this answer. But it is true nonetheless. I’m not saying you should regret anything now if you already have children. But if you really want to do something good for the planet, do not procreate. If you really want children of your own, there are plenty of unwanted children in the world who need good homes.

nola: millions of vegetarians (myself included) are doing just fine.

Vicarious: I hope my follow-up explains your mistake.

Thanks JP, but did you notice in my details where I wrote "(that is possible and practical)."?

Herodotus: I understand what you are saying. It is why I said don't regret the children you have and if you want more, adopt. But with our population rapidly approaching 7 billion (compared to around 1.5 billion 100 years ago), where do we draw the line?

Answer 1

Act responsibly. Use one less bag. Do not fly. Use fewer packaged products. Live in the warmth of summer and the chill of winter. It is not a single act, but the accumulation of your daily routine that makes the difference.

For me having and raising children is the biggest part of being human. It is the grace in my daily life.

The one truly noble thing that I do each day is raise my son to be something other than the average adult. I've had only the one because I could not responsibly provide for more. I would if I could.

You're a good man, as far as I can tell, and are motivated by compassion and guided by reason. It is odd that we find ourselves on opposite sides of so many discussions.

I personally feel that having children and raising them to be good men and women is the most important thing a person can do. It is the why of humanity.

Answer 2

to point we stop breeding is paradoxical nonsense; if we die out as a species we are in a position to no longer impact our surroundings in any way - stable or undesirable. additionally we isn't around to observe whether or no longer this self destruct application has completed that is purpose. As people we hit upon ourselves caught on a rock in area, the materials we ought to stay to tell the tale are constrained. we hit upon the community environment damaging to us, so we ought to change it with a view to stay to tell the tale. The exchange makes use of the materials - whilst they're used we are finished. the only wish for survival is the colonisation of area and the seek for power and supplies interior the image voltaic equipment previous the earth. Any luddites that disagree with this are in an evolutionary backwater - enable them to stay in the back of and die out.

Answer 3

Making a choice in which items to buy based on the packaging involved. My husband and I went to a bulk store today, where they sell stuff that can be put in bags. Instead of buying a box of rice next time, we'll go to the bulk store and buy our rice there: no waste through packaging. Reduce and reuse are the keys. Recycle should be the last option.

Answer 4

This planet? I am in contempt of the idea that this planet is doing poorly. I think that it is doing what it was supposed to do. And when the Earthquakes are raging across the the land all over the Earth, I will be happy.

Answer 5

Eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch every day.

*edit*
Skeptic - you accuse of not following the question, but I assure you I did. Follow the link to see how, if you judge before you research you are a cynic, not a skeptic.

Answer 6

Raise awareness. I think that is the single best thing I could do to help the global environment. When others are consciously aware they tend to do many things to help the environment like those you suggested.

Answer 7

Seperate toliet paper into single ply. Edit: heh it's late i can't be expected to be serious 24/7.

Answer 8

To support war and let a continent be destroyed.

We dont need people. Humans are the problem.

Answer 9

Die.

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I don't know about you but it seems to me at least that if every person on the planet shut down all their stuff, put a gun in their mouths, and pulled the trigger... well the human race wouldn't be destroying the planet any more, now would we?

Answer 10

First , accept that everything that is happening right now is the will of God. Second , pray daily for God's will to be done in your life. It is God's earth, not ours. It is God's life, not mine.