Over the past few decades, “going green” has seen a dramatic change in social perception. Once the sole domain of hippies and eccentric scientists, fighting the sustainability revolution is now very much in fashion among the young, hip, and successful.  The technology involved in eco-friendly activities has also changed in that time, now incorporating the most cutting-edge technologies available. But that doesn’t mean that simple, hands-on activities can’t still do wonders for reducing your carbon footprint

The Wall Street Journal recently compiled a somewhat tongue-in-cheek list of “manly” ways to go green. While I’ve got to object just a touch to the idea that these are exclusively masculine approaches to reducing impact—most women I know can skip showers or drink straight whiskey just as well as any man—I do like the list because it brings the idea of decreasing environmental harm down to a very personal, hands-on level.

While solar-powered iPod chargers and hydrogen fuel cell cars have become must-have gadgets among certain sets, their high price tags and association with an ivory tower elite have elicited a noticeable backlash. For many people in the United States, environmentally sustainable practices mean higher gas prices and higher food costs with no immediately discernible benefits in return.

While demystifying the science of global warming, and refuting some of most widely-held climate change myths is still key to making carbon footprint reduction a key issue for citizens the world over, it’s important to realize that everyone needs to feel like they can help out in some way. And homespun solutions like reusing timber for construction projects, or using a less-fuel consumptive vehicle for non-cargo-hauling trips—preferably a bicycle, though a motorcycle will do in a pinch—can be a huge part of that.

Furthermore, lest those of us using the newest and greenest gadgets forget, a person’s carbon footprint is a holistic measure. It’s easy to feel ecologically superior looking out the window of a Prius at '85 Ford-150, but keep in mind that maintaining an old vehicle -- bad fuel milage and all -- saves space in landfills, keeps a lot of hazardous chemicals out of the ground, and decreases energy used in the production of new cars.  

Consider, too, that the person driving that truck may indeed have the skills to repair or build by hand from scrap materials any number of things the Prius driver would have to buy. Add up the costs involved in industrially creating, packaging, and shipping those goods, it might just be the person in the Prius who’s created the biggest carbon footprint.