Yes, I agree, small things do add up, let's not wait for governments... Europeans use about half of resources of Americans and it's possible to use about half of what Europeans use by being careful and frugal, personal experience.

tip: TH talked about military showers, get also a military haircut! I use about 2-3 times less shampoo, water and electricity when washing my hair than with a 'normal' haircut.

Talk to old folks. People who went through the Great Depression and World War 2. They know how to really stretch stuff. They are one of our precious dying resources and they have many lessons to teach.

vsk

vsk, that's a really good message. We need to bring the old folks' memories of that era back. There were hardships back then that people got over in creative ways, surviving on very little.

For example, farming here in Japan is almost entirely an affair for people over 60 years old. It would be great to see more campaigns (there are some NGOs doing it already) where young people go out and learn hands-on how to grow rice and vegetables together with farmers who have done these tasks for a long time.

And old people should be invited to schools to talk to the kids about how it was back when everything was a little more difficult...

- Martin

Small steps do add up, and they are important. The danger, which presumably is what incites those of us who say they don't, is that small steps are all-too-frequently used as an excuse for not taking bigger steps. People change a few light bulbs and shower heads and declare they've done their part, so all those pesky environmentalists should leave them alone. Businesses replace 3 trucks with biodiesel ones and go prepare a thoroughly greenwashed advertising campaign. Politicians put fuel-efficient cars among their options, tell their constituents they care about environmental concerns, and then drive one of the fuel-inefficient options anyway.

When you acknowledge that 70% of our water is used for agriculture and most of the rest for manufacturing and other industrial uses, and that only an eighth of our energy use in the US is in the form of electricity, you realize that making your home efficient, while wonderful for both environmental and economic reasons, can't be the end of the line. The average American could save more water by not eating meat for about a month than by not showering at all for a whole year. Numbers and their relative magnitudes are what we need in order to make informed decisions.

It's tough when your government's main focus is expanding the economy. To do that we need either more consumption or more population. We're great at both. Are there economists looking at the steps needed to have a basic standard of living without multiplying like rabbits or consuming more and more? I assume we'd adapt, but it's hard when our representatives are handing out checks and say go shopping.

It's crazy to think about the line of wasted energy, resources, and people-power when you buy something useless: gifts, cheap electronics, and lots of other cheap barely or non durable goods. Someone sold it, someone distributed it, it was shipped multiple times, someone manufactured it, to make they used raw materials, those materials were mined.

I commend Craig and his list. It's a great way of keeping stuff in circulation and useful instead of in the landfill.

Expanding on Sean's comments, what Craig does in his personal life doesn't come close to what Craigslist has done for my recycling, and the recycling of every other Craigslist user who has turned their own trash into someone else's treasure.

Stuff I have gotten from Craigslist:
A giant box of past issues of Men's Health
A washing machine
A dishwasher (still not installed - I'll get to it)
A box of leftover Simpsons Strong-tie joist hangers
Used redwood decking
Used double-paned thermal windows
An awesome hiking buddy/general pal

Sean and Greeneck,

great points about how successful Craiglist has been at helping people reuse and recycle items.

I should have mentioned that in the post, so I'm glad you brought it up!

Thanks,
Chris

Is it just me or did Craig sound a little tipsy in the video?

Either way, I wish he'd elaborated more.

@mandypandy,

have you heard him speak whilst tipsy? if not, how would you know? ;)

maybe that's just how he speaks. i don't know either way, but i'd guess not.

what would you like him to elaborate on?

I agree that we should encourage all efforts to reduce consumption no matter how small. For some people that is a big first step.

Here's the problem with coming down on people who are making smaller but genuine efforts, it's demoralizing. And at a certain point these people will simply become alienated from the whole green movement.

I'd prefer to see their first efforts used as a spring board to educate about the larger issues. They've already shown an interest let's build on it instead of coming down on them for not doing enough.

If we are going to do anything about climate change, over consumption etc, we need numbers on our side or we're just wasting everyone's time.

Here's your pat on the back guy...
But honestly, why exactly should any of us care what Mr. Craigslist is doing? He's like many of us, trying to do little things...that's great but you may as well post a video from Joe Average in my opinion. The celebrity angle with green issues just peeves me off... it's a waste of time. Let's show what "average" people are doing instead of looking to see what celebs or famous/well known people are doing.

Honestly it sounds more like he's playing up the things he does and just looking for a pat on the back for wanting to do more. he even goes so far to say that the 32k miles on his 7 year "old beat up" prius were put there by friends .. if you've only put 32 thousand miles on a car in 7 years you do not need a car in your area.

@bonobo bob

You might have missed the previous posts in this series, but in each one we've been asking readers - average joe's, if you will - to send in their video tips. In fact, that's the whole point of the series.

details here:
http://www.treehugger.com/video-eco-tips/

here's how i worded it above:
"What are some of the things you are doing to help make a difference? Are you active politically? Are you making your business 'go green'? Have you talked friends into recycling? Big or small, please share. If you'd like to make a video (or videos) explaining what you do, email those to video-tips @ treehugger dot com and we'll share it with our readers."

Craig is a reader, so he sent in a video. If you send one in, you'll likely get a post just like this to discuss your tips. So, please share!

-Chris

I did miss the earlier posts in the series. Good on you for pointing that out to me and my apologies for missing it.
I'll go vent on the DiCaprio post now then I guess... or how about I turn of my computer and go for a walk... save a little energy that way.

People who are already doing a lot should give themselves a break and not feel guilty about leaving something undone. Making conservation seem like masochism is no way to get new people interested....