Some of my steps to improve the environment had to be set aside for the pandemic. (I’m talking about you, Kroger plastic bags! Some of my Kroger baggers were so enthusiastic that they tended to use one bag per item.)

Like butterflies, we are emerging out of the pandemic crystallis. So it’s a perfect time to conduct a personal environmental audit. We can take a mindful approach to decide what habits to adopt to bring our love to God’s natural world.

Here are some areas to consider:

Energy Consumption

• Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
• Use Energy Star-rated appliances.
• Wash clothing on cold.
• Air-dry clothing when possible.
• Keep computers, televisions, small appliances and chargers on power strips that are shut off when you leave home.
• Maintain your water heater.
• Increase the efficiency of heating and cooling your home. (insulation, new shade trees, etc.)
• Add solar or wind energy sources, if you can.

Water Consumption

• Shorten showers.
• Collect rain water for gardens.
• Use the washing machine and dishwasher only for full loads.
• Wash the car only when necessary.
• Stop leaky faucets and toilets.

Transportation and Travel

• Bike and walk.
• Resume using public transportation and carpooling, if fully vaccinated.
• Consider how much you are ordering on Amazon.
• Return to the farmer’s markets, if fully vaccinated.

Waste Stream

• Resume using your own reusable shopping bags.
• Get paper, not plastic.
• Purchase durable goods.
• Compost kitchen scraps and yard waste.
• Buy less.
• Grow food and herbs.
• Cancel junk mail.
• Try natural cleaning products or make your own.
• Take your shoes off in your house.
• Check for radon and carbon monoxide.
• Refuse (to take plastic, etc.), reduce (your consumption), reuse, recycle and rot (in compost).

See if you can find one or two things to resume or add to improve your environmental impact.