When we choose a product or service, we don’t see all the processes and materials that are used to make the product, and we frequently don’t see what happens when we are finished with the product or service.  This makes it hard to assess the overall impact of our choices on the environment, and to choose more sustainable options.  Advertising and media information generally only show a portion of the process.  However, many companies have started using a Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) to learn how products affect the environment before, during, and after you use them.  “An LCA counts all the energy and materials used to make, ship, use, and get rid of a product. It also tracks all the pollution and waste created at each step.”  As you can see, an LCA is a complex evaluation, even for a simple item or activity.  The attached article discusses how to find and interpret LCAs.  It may take some digging to find them, but they can help you choose more sustainable options. 
https://earth911.com/how-and-buy/what-is-life-cycle-analysis

Check out your local library.  Most are not just a building full of shelves of books, although for book-a-holics like me, that’s awesome too.  Not only can you borrow books to read for free, but many libraries in the US provide a lot of other resources.  In my library, you can check out electronic items such as projectors, laptops, and telescopes.  One of our branch libraries has a large makerspace, where you can use tools including sewing machines, woodworking tools, 3-D printers, and a podcast/film studio.  There are educational programs, and my branch has a “plant library” where you can get a free houseplant.  They host a spring garden seed exchange.  They also host groups that meet to pursue a common interest, such as quilting or genealogy.  Most US libraries also provide access to electronic resources such as ebooks, audio books, and movies.  And the librarians are always happy to help you find information to learn something new. 

Per the New Mexico Healthy Soil Working Group, “Healthy soils have a much greater ability to absorb and hold water, which cuts down on evaporation and creates resilience to drought and extreme weather events. With soil microbes providing nourishment for plants instead of synthetic fertilizers, nutrient density in foods is increased which improves public health. Crops are better able to fight pests and disease, reducing the need for expensive chemicals –this is good for farmers’ bottom line and at the same time helps lessen pollution, leading to improved watersheds and water quality. Healthy soils also foster biodiversity, enhanced wildlife and pollinator habitat and absorb atmospheric carbon.”  However, as described in the attached article, soil in much of the world is becoming depleted and contains less organic matter than is required for healthy soil.  Healthy soil is critical for a healthy planet.  Most of us do not own large tracts of land, but we can work within our own yards or neighborhoods.  Here are some thoughts:

• Plant native plants and encourage native critters including insects.  They’re best adapted to the climate in your area and promote healthy ecosystems.
• Avoid chemical pesticides and artificial fertilizers when possible. 
• If you have a farm or ranch or other large area, investigate regenerative practices appropriate for your part of the world and type of soil
• In your yard, leave leaf litter, lawn clippings, and other plant material in the yard to help enrich the soil.  If you have to rake leaves because they form too thick a layer on your yard, use them for mulch or pile them in a side area of the yard rather than bagging them up for the landfill. Insects and other small critters need leaf litter and other “wild” places for their homes.  Unless it appears diseased, till your garden foliage back into the ground at the end of the summer to help enrich the soil. 
• Encourage underground critters such as earthworms, but if you decide to “add” earthworms or insects, make sure they’re native to your location so you aren’t adding a problematic invasive species. 
  
• Look for local organizations that are working to increase soil health and see if you can participate.  Or work with your local government to change how parks and other common areas are managed.  Encourage your homeowner’s association to allow natural areas. 

https://earth.org/to-address-water-shortage-look-below-your-feet/