Consider a career move

Volcanic lake, Kamchatka, Russia
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

Today universities offer many courses in environmental fields -  from policy to education to business administration. If your job is at odds with your concerns, consider moving in a different direction. You might not have to reinvent the wheel: You can offer your current skills to businesses who are trying to be greener - they all need consultants, marketing professionals, lawyers, accountants, assistants and so on.

Think about working in an environmental field, whether it be business, consultancy, conservation or recycling. Green business is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy and demand for green products, renewable energy and new technology is only going to grow as resources become more scarce.

- from the book '365 Ways to save the Earth', by Philippe Bourseiller

Introduce environmental education to schools

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

Many local environmental charities or natural reserves offer free or low-cost education presentations or field trips for school-aged children - often it is simply a matter of asking. They usually focus on environmental problems facing your area, or tours of the natural features it has to offer. They often tailor their programs to the national curriculum, ensuring that children can easily make the link to their classroom education.

If you would like environmental education to have a higher priority in your children's school, spend  some time investigating the organizations that offer educational resources. It is a good way to increase awareness among students, teachers and other parents.

- from the book '365 Ways to Save the Earth', by Philippe Bourseiller

Research the impacts of aquaculture before eating farmed fish

Cherry Blossoms, Japan
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

At present, fish farming accounts for 43% of the world's fish production. This is unlikely to change as the world's demand for fish grows along with its population, and many wild species continue to be in peril because of over-fishing. Aquaculture is often criticized for its negative environmental impacts: To produce 1 pound of farmed salmon, 3 pounds of wild-caught fish are needed to provide meal and oil. And, like all intensive farming, fish farming uses chemicals and antibiotics, which affect humans.

There is such a thing as sustainable aquacultures: Tilapia, catfish and many varieties of shellfish can often be farmed safely. Organizations like Seafood Watch and the Marine Stewardship Council have developed strict criteria for sustainable fish farming and offer advice to the public about how to choose the best fish. Look out for their logos on the fish you buy.

- from the book '365 Ways to Save the Earth', by Philippe Bourseiller

Boil only as much water as you need

Thunderstorm clouds, United States
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

Whether you use an electric kettle or a saucepan, heating water uses energy. There is no point in doubling the energy you use, for no purpose. Boil only what is necessary. A study found that if all British people did this on just one day, the energy saved could power all the country's streetlights through the following night.

When you boil water for tea or a hot drink, try to boil only what you need, or pour the surplus into a thermos flask to keep the water very hot until you need it.

- from the book '365 Ways to Save the Earth', by Philippe Bourseiller