What is the best way to get others to care about the environment?

Question

I am very interested in conservation, recycling, and other acts which will preserve our time on earth, and it is only because I am self interested. I think that we as humans are creating an environment that is not sustainable for ourselves. I don't think that life on earth will have any trouble continuing to exist, but I am worried about humans. Why don't others think about this for their children?

Answer 1

Well, you could pull it into the person's wants or needs. For example, if Bob liked drinking Coke from the 2 liter bottle, tell him that if he doesn't recycle, soon, there won't be any more bottles.

The good thing is that everybody wants to fit in. You may want to get a few friends, start doing those things that will preserve our time on Earth in a populated area (by that, I mean where you take action), and soon, everyone will join in.

You could post a flyer about a service project- simple stuff ripples into big stuff and no matter how small, they help.

Now I'm not saying  these will always work, but they are worth a try. I'm glad you want to take the initiative to help our planet.

Good luck, and I hope it all goes well.

Answer 2

No kidding:  I laugh when people say they are working to save the earth:  really, we need to worry about our own butts: the Earth will take care of Herself long after we're gone....

I think the best way to get others to care is to be an example, and do all the right things which you are doing.  Educate yourself, do the right things, and speak passionately about WHY when people ask you why you are doing whatever it is.  Model green living.  Freecycle stuff.  Buy environmentally less harmful cleaning and personal care products.  (And give them as gifts....)

Answer 3

If  you  care about yourself and others that means you are caring about your environment! take care

Answer 4

Many want government to force people to care through laws,bans,taxes and mandates.

The best way is lead by example, not by force.

Answer 5

I just started leading by example and all 12 employees in my department are recycling now. They started to ask questions, and I would just tell them why...I did a lot of research on what i was recycling, so my answers were more profound. I didn't ask anyone to join me, they just inquired about the where's,when's, and hows. Then started recycling themseves.  In the last 2 years with all the concerns in the world, we felt we were capable of leading by example.. We all donate to local charities, recycle, promote healthly living, ect... I found that if i did some of the things they were passionate about, they were more likly to try mine.  We all love it and think just two years ago we were all complaining about these things, and now we are more proactive.  Good luck. It will work, we have other dept's invovled now too...but only those that want to help.

Answer 6

The best way is to lead by example and not lie or exaggerate claims of doom and gloom.  When someone 'who shall not be named' both exaggerates, and admits to exaggerating claims of harm to the environment through various causes, the intelligent person will look at the lies, and then conclude that the entire argument being made is fallacious, even when it might not be so.

If I tell you that throwing away your six-pack coke rings may harm an animal as it makes it's way through the disposal process, you may show some concern.  However, if I were to tell you that those same six-pack can holders will cause the extinction of every type of water fowl on the face of the earth, people will think that I am being an alarmist and will dismiss the harm of those can rings altogether.

Answer 7

Education and communication is the best way to get others to care.  Moreover, the information needs to be relayed in a way that people can understand it, so that it is meaningful to them.  

i.e.-some people are only interested in $, so you can relate it to them by explaining that changing incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones they save money over the life of the bulb

It is more work for the person trying to "get the word out" but it is the best way because if it is done right, it makes a lasting impact and changes the way that person thinks about the environment - which is the goal

Answer 8

great job. we need more people like you.

tell everyone you know to watch the documentary: "An Inconvenient Truth"

that true, factual, interesting, gripping, shocking and important film always makes people start caring about their planet much more after they watch it.

Answer 9

Be passionate about your efforts and lead my example.  When you see a friend or family do something bad for the earth you could give them a friendly mention of what they could do to change it.  Now, I am not saying criticize their every move.  I have had to lead my husband into conservation, etc.  He now gets it on his own!

Answer 10

So many people live in the "Here and Now",  and are not concerned with what they are doing to those around us.

The best way to get people to change is to Lead by Example.

Answer 11

Show them how easy it is just to make a couple changes.  Tell them that recycling has gotten so efficient, that a tin can in your recycle bin is back on store shelves within 60 days of being picked up!  Tell them that pop can they are drinking from has more lives than we do!