How Low (Impact) Can You Go?

As the Earth Day buzz begins to fade from the blogosphere, it’s time to plan for, that’s right, Earth Everyday. So let’s break down a few of your options:

Full of ideas?
Backpacker magazine has issued a challenge:  Design a three season sleeping bag whose materials and manufacturing process have minimal climate impact. This contest is a follow-up to their Zero Impact Backpack challenge. Across the pond, the Scottish Government is offering $20 million to the winner of the Saltire prize for innovation in marine renewable energy technology.

Need some inspiration?
Check out these cool green inventions from Core 77’s Greener Gadgets Competition, or read about folks who live the La Vida Verde all year long. Meet No Impact Man, Colin Beavan, who goes low in New York City, and Planetwalk’s John Francis, the globetrotter who swears off planes, trains, and automobiles.

Feeling overwhelmed?
It’s OK to start small. Becoming zero impact doesn’t happen overnight--we’re still working on it too! But you can begin by targeting one improvement, like reducing your water use. Then take one action, like installing a toilet tank displacement bag to conserve flush water or planting a rain garden to reduce runoff. Your efforts will add up, and before you know it, you’ll be on the road to Greensville.   

--Della Watson

Sources:  SNews, National Geographic, Inhabitat, The Daily Green