The polar bear’s survival is linked to the arctic sea ice, a habitat greatly affected by climate change. Our daily actions have an impact: when we burn carbon-based fossil fuels, we release CO2. The laws of physics require that more CO2 means a warmer world, and a warmer world means less sea ice on which polar bears can hunt. Scientific research shows, however, that it’s not too late to take action to save the sea ice and polar bears.
PBI scientists have put together a list of the most impactful actions that individuals can take. We suggest that you look through these tips, find out what you’re already doing—and then challenge yourself to add two or three more to help the bears. These simple steps will soon become habits and, eventually, part of a stewardship ethic that guides your daily choices and informs your everyday decisions.
Transportation
Home and Work
Dining Table
Marketplace
Social Interactions
- Walk or ride a bike
- Use public transportation
- Drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your needed task and drive at the most efficient speed for your vehicle
- Avoid drive-through businesses; don't idle for more than 30 seconds
- Keep your car tuned up and maintain proper tire inflation
- Insulate buildings and heat/cool with efficient systems (e.g., rated by Energy Star)
- Generate your own power with wind and solar
- Let your utility company know that you want to subscribe to green power
- Use energy-efficient (e.g. Energy Star) appliances and equipment. Turn appliances off when not in use. Use low-tech methods when possible (e.g., line-dry clothes)
- Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent or other energy-efficient bulbs (see Energy Star)
- Use no more water than needed
- Buy and cook only what you’ll eat. Don’t waste food.
- Consume foods that are minimally processed and packaged (e.g., potatoes vs. potato chips)
- Purchase fruits and vegetables grown locally on small-scale farms
- Avoid products that result from tropical deforestation (e.g., palm oil, coffee that isn’t shade-grown, South American beef)
- Consume less meat. Eat three meatless meals per week.
- Consume products like pasture-fed beef, free-range poultry, and wild salmon rather than CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operations) meats.
- Minimize consumption: reduce, reuse, and recycle
- Research vendors and buy from those with sustainable business models
- Avoid products with excess packaging
- Buy products created closer to home: for example, if you live in the U.S. or Canada, purchase goods made in North America instead of those shipped from far away.
- Vote for political representatives who recognize that our carbon-based society isn’t sustainable and who will work to establish an appropriate price for carbon
- Interpret the facts about global warming to your friends and relatives
- Encourage members of your social circles to adopt sustainable lifestyles—and lead by example
- To help create a stewardship ethic in your community and raise awareness of how lifestyle changes can make a difference, take part in local green initiatives like planting trees, recycling drives, or ride-your-bike to work days—or start your own.
Did You Know?
There are about 100 million households in the U.S. alone, and each household uses about 11,000 KWh electricity per year. It takes one pound of coal to generate 1KWh of electricity. The electricity generated in the U.S. is roughly 50% coal, 25% natural gas, 25% other (nuclear + hydroelectric + renewable). Power generation is somewhat regional – do you know what's in your area?
A 100W light bulb left on for 10 hours burns one pound of coal.
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