6. Use birth control

Pollution footprint calculator: here.

“Our human population…explosion… continues to drive all the major environmental problems”.

A response to this issue by the Center for Biological Diversity has been its Endangered Species Condoms project which has given away thousands of condoms. ​ The generational ramifications seem to be: “the summed emissions of a person’s descendants…may far exceed the lifetime emissions produced by the original parent.”

Said another way: “Having a child…means that person going on to produce a lifetime of carbon emissions”

What to do? WebMD has sex-ed and contraception information.

21st-century long-acting contraceptives have been a marvel for many women. Beyond what individuals or couples can do, look into what The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been up to.

Read here for a thoughtful presention on birth-control options.

Gentlemen, I’ve had a vasectomy. It was low-cost and almost pain-free (no lie!). When you get home, don’t forget the ice. After a couple of weeks, you’ll never have to worry about an unwelcome pregnancy again.

Adoption

Why not adoption “as a potential alternative to having biological children”?
​ If you’re ready to have a child, there are so many kids who would LOVE for you to adopt them. “More than 100,000 children are available for adoption from foster care.” For good reasons, it’s not simple, quick, or easy. Your health care provider should know of reputable organizations to follow up with. “Make sure that you have proper professional advice.”

Adoptions happen every day, and you can make it happen once more – with patience and homework. There are agencies that can help guide you through the process: adoptuskids.org