Instructions
Read through the sections below to explore how small, everyday choices can make a big difference for our planet. Complete the checklist and the activities to think about your role and the role of others in protecting our environment.
Part 1: My Eco-Action Plan
Even small habits can have a big positive impact on the environment when many people do them. Go through the list below and be honest about your habits. Check the box that best describes you for each action. The goal isn't to be perfect, but to see where you can make a change!
| Action | I already do this! 👍 | I will try to do this! 🌱 | I need help with this. 🤔 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn off lights and electronics when I leave a room. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Use a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic ones. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Sort my family's waste into recycling, compost, and trash correctly. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Walk, bike, or take public transport for short trips. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Take shorter showers to conserve water and energy. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Talk to friends and family about ways we can be more eco-friendly. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Reduce food waste by only taking what I can eat and using leftovers. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Part 2: The Big Picture – Who's Responsible?
Our personal actions are important, but they are only one part of the solution. To fight climate change effectively, we also need large-scale changes from governments and big businesses. Read the list of actions below and match them to the group that has the main responsibility for making them happen. Write the correct letter (A, B, or C) in the space provided.
A. Individuals & Families
B. Big Businesses / Corporations
C. Government
- _____ Passing laws to ban single-use plastics nationwide.
- _____ Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- _____ Designing smartphones that are easy to repair and have a longer life.
- _____ Building and funding a city-wide network of safe bike lanes.
- _____ Switching a factory's power source from coal to solar panels.
- _____ Remembering to bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
- _____ Setting national targets for reducing carbon emissions.
- _____ Offering more plant-based and locally sourced food options in a restaurant chain.
Part 3: Final Thoughts
Think about everything you've just read. Answer the questions below in your own words.
1. What is one new action from the checklist that you feel motivated to try? Why is that one important to you?
2. What is one thing you wish governments OR big businesses would do to make it easier for everyone to be more environmentally friendly?
Answer Key
Part 1: My Eco-Action Plan
There are no wrong answers! This section is for your personal reflection.
Part 2: The Big Picture – Who's Responsible?
- __C__ Passing laws to ban single-use plastics nationwide.
- __A__ Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- __B__ Designing smartphones that are easy to repair and have a longer life.
- __C__ Building and funding a city-wide network of safe bike lanes.
- __B__ Switching a factory's power source from coal to solar panels.
- __A__ Remembering to bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
- __C__ Setting national targets for reducing carbon emissions.
- __B__ Offering more plant-based and locally sourced food options in a restaurant chain.
Note: Sometimes these responsibilities can overlap! For example, a government could give a business money to help it switch to solar panels. The answers above reflect the group with the primary responsibility.
Part 3: Final Thoughts
These answers are based on your own opinions and ideas. The important thing is to think critically about how we can all contribute to a healthier planet.