"Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  Margaret Mead

It was wonderful to sit in with a group of eco-minded AMD’ers this week at what we term a “Lunch and Learn” sessions.  This session focused on ways that we can all improve the environment in our everyday lives. 

The speaker was Susan Roothann, the Founder and Executive Director of A Nurtured World, and a chemical engineer with 20-plus years experience in the environmental protection field.  Throughout the interactive session, we talked about both global and local environmental issues.  As with many of these discussions, the problems can seem overwhelming.  So much so, that it can be paralyzing.

Interestingly, Roothann presented data that showed that the three biggest consumer impacts on the environment – transportation, food and energy - were also the three biggest ticket items of consumer spending. Coincidence?

The motivational message of this session was that we can make a difference through individual actions. And we can spend less money by doing so. Talk about motivation.

Each person in the session created a personal action plan, and not just any action plan.  We were challenged to tackle something hard – something we have not been able to achieve before….a “stretch goal” so to speak.

Although we were pushing our time limit, it was great to hear some of the homegrown solutions from my colleagues.  One woman is finally going to clean out that extra refrigerator in the garage and have it recycled.  Others were going to purchase electricity load monitors to find ways to reduce their energy consumption at home.

Personally, I am planning to join the ranks of AMD’ers who ride a bike to work a few days per week.  Getting the route mapped out and tested, figuring out the locker and showers, and – most difficult for me – getting up a bit earlier, are the hurdles I am working to clear.  What will you commit to do?

Tim Mohin is the Director of Corporate Responsibility for AMD.  His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such links sites and no endorsement is implied.

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