Brittany Hammett
Writer
I’m a systems analyst, researcher, and doctoral student focused on sustainability, resilience, and disaster science. I’m passionate about translating complex environmental ideas into approachable, real-world actions that make sustainability feel doable for everyone. Outside of research, I love experimenting in the kitchen, exploring new ways to live more sustainably, and finding creative intersections between technology, climate, and daily life.
Actions by Brittany
Make sure your car tires are inflated
15 minutesLow tire pressure can have a noticeable effect on your car's fuel economy, and is one of the easiest things to address - Many tire shops will even do it for free
Watering grass is one of the biggest uses of water we don't think about, and its just creating more yard work for yourself and can actually be worse for the grass. Its ok for grass to get a little brown when its dry; it will grow back green once the weather is more amiable.
Beef is a big contributor to climate change, but its unfortunately also delicious. Fortunately, you don't have to be a vegetarian or give up beef to make an impact. Beef has 10x the footprint of poultry, so just sometimes having chicken instead is a meaningful change
Upgrade to a smart thermostat
$100-200 upfrontIf you don't already have a smart thermostat, This is probably the biggest bang for your buck for A/C related updates. Many of them learn from you and will keep you from wasting money cooling or heating the house when no one's home
Upgrade to an electric lawn mower
$300-600Did you know that gas lawn tools are way less efficient than gas cars? Running a gas lawn mower for an hour has the same emissions as driving for 300 miles. Fortunately, upgrading your mower is a LOT cheaper than getting an EV, not to mention way quieter (and no pull starting)