Lee Zeldin, the new administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is systematically destroying the organization he was hired to run. Part and parcel of the current adminstration’s “run it into the ground” philosophy, Zeldin’s proposals include:

• Undoing the 2009 endangerment finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health —a  legal foundation for regulating tailpipe and power plant emissions.
• Rolling back 2024 standards limiting carbon, mercury, and air toxins from fossil‑fuel power plants. Critics warn these changes could result in thousands more deaths, serious health burdens, and billions in climate damages.
• Rendering major climate protections null and void — including the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions — means fewer restrictions on pollution from cars, power plants, and big industry.

Just what Mama Earth needs, right?

When foxes guard the henhouse, it’s time to take action. We can all help the planet get a little healthier. Here’s how.

1. Reduce Home Energy Use

Switch to LED bulbs, unplug phantom devices, and seal drafts. Every kilowatt-hour avoided is fewer emissions. And the icing on the cake? You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you receive your electric bill and see just how much money you’re saving!

2. Use a Power Strip for Devices | Unplug Chargers When Not in Use

Plug TVs, computers, and game consoles into a power strip and turn it off when not in use. Phone and laptop chargers keep drawing electricity even when they’re not charging. It’s called phantom energy — and it adds up.

3. Shift to Cleaner Transportation

Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit whenever possible. Drive an electric or hybrid vehicle if your circumstances allow; even leasing used EVs helps reduce demand for gasoline. Fly less when possible — and offset unavoidable flights via reputable carbon-credit programs or donations to verified reforestation or renewable projects.

4. Shop With Care

Choose sustainably produced food and goods. Support local producers and foods with low carbon footprints. Eat mostly plant-based meals — it’s healthier for you and the planet.

5. Cut Single-Use Plastics | Bring Reusable Shopping Bags

Bring reusable bags, mugs, and containers. The manufacturing and disposal of plastics emits carbon and often ends up polluting ocean and land.

Plastic bags are petroleum-based and rarely recycled. Keep reusable cloth or fold-up bags in your car, purse, or backpack so you’re always ready.

6. Vote With Climate in Mind & Advocate Locally

Write to your representatives and local officials and ask them to support renewable energy, community solar programs, and transport investments. Prioritize candidates who support strong climate action and resist rollbacks. Every city council, school board, and midterm race matters. Support companies and utilities powered by renewables and clean practices. Avoid brands tied to high emissions — and tell them why.

7. Join or Support Organizations

Back nonprofits fighting climate deregulation in court or pushing for clean energy transitions — groups like the Environmental Defense Fund, NRDC, or local conservation organizations.

8. Plant and Protect Greenspace

Plant trees in your yard or community. Trees absorb CO₂ and support local biodiversity. Support park protection efforts and native plant initiatives.

9. Wash Clothes in Cold Water & Take Shorter Showers

Here’s a mind-blowing fact:  About 90% of the energy used to wash clothes comes from heating the water. Cold washes work just as well for most loads and save serious energy. Cutting even 2 minutes from your shower can save gallons of hot water and the energy to heat it. Skip the dryer. Hang your clothes on a line or folding drying rack.

10. Eat More Plant-Based Meals

Swap in a few plant-based dinners each week and significantly reduce your carbon and water footprint. You’ll feel better about the planet and your waistline.

11. Lower the Thermostat (or Raise It)

In winter, drop your thermostat by 1–2°F. In summer, raise it slightly. That small shift can lower emissions and save money.

12. Skip the Fast Fashion

Buy fewer, better-quality clothes. Thrift. Swap with friends. The fashion industry is one of the world’s top polluters — but you can slow your consumption.

13. Reuse What You Already Have

Before buying something new, ask yourself: can I repurpose, borrow, or fix what I already own? Small habit shifts reduce waste and demand for new resources.

14. Recycle & Compost | Reduce Your Contribution To Landfills

Recycling keeps plastic, glass, and metal out of landfills and reduces the need for new raw materials. Composting food scraps and yard waste helps cut methane emissions from landfills while enriching soil naturally. 

Separate clean recyclables from trash, and collect compostables in a bin or drop-off site—it’s an easy way to lower your footprint and support a healthier planet.

15. Talk About It

Be proud of your outreach, mention your efforts, share tips, and normalize climate-conscious choices in your circles. Spread the word!

One more thing: Don’t despair.

Weakening pollution standards and undermining the science that justifies climate regulation is a source of anger and frustration. It’s understandable, but don’t let that stop you from playing your part in preserving the environment. 

Many little, steady, smart actions can make a huge difference. These changes above aren’t just symbolic. They cut emissions, save money, and send signals to companies, politicians, and your community. Most of all, they help you feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. 

If you want our planet to have a tomorrow, get busy today.