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How to Create and Keep Up Good Habits

Plan your actions, carry them out and apply what you learn for the next time

At one school in Japan, fifth graders gave group presentations on the theme of energy and environmental issues.

One group presented their research on the amount of electricity and water being used by the school. In this research project, they investigated whether any electricity or water was being wasted by going around the campus at various times of the day. The group pointed out instances where resources were being wasted and made a plea that the school be more conscious of such wastefulness.

This group investigated the existing conditions of how much electricity and water is being used and the ways they are being used.

Taking this a bit further, let's think about specific ways we can avoid wasteful use of electricity and water at school. You could create a schedule for classmates to take turns being in charge of turning off the classroom lights at recess; or you can put up a poster on the bathroom walls saying "Don't leave the tap dripping! Shut off the water."

You can think of many ideas! And if there is an environment club or committee in your school, you can easily make an action plan of based on a variety of solutions to improve your school's present situation.

After you make a plan, let's put it into action. Continue checking how much electricity and water is being used and for what purpose. After a while you can see, for example, how much electricity/water use has been reduced, or if the posters aren't working, you need to make a new plan and follow through. This action plan should be based on the results of your initial plan. The more you keep it up, the more energy you'll save.

Whether you do something on your own or in a group, at your school or in your community, try the following steps: 1) Study and understand the existing situation, 2) Plan a solution, 3) Carry out the plan, 4) Check the results, 5) Consider the next move and go back to Step 1. Companies run their businesses this way.

You can carry out the same energy-saving plan at home. First, research how much electricity and gas your family consumes each month, the cans and bottles you recycle, and garbage you dispose. Secondly, think of ways your family can reduce these amounts and then go for it!

In Japan, there is a very helpful tool called the "Eco-Household Accounting Book." In the same way that your parents keep records of household spending, in this book you can record how much electricity and water you use each month.

If you make an effort to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and garbage while taking account of your family's energy use, you'll find that your family's electricity and water consumption will decrease. It's a real win-win system for both the earth and your family, isn't it?

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