Much debate about climate change focuses on the plausible worst-case scenarios or appropriate emotional reaction that should be elicited. "We're doomed!" "Saying we're doomed doesn't help!" "Saying we're not doomed is being naive." The problem is that these appeals to emotions are missing the main point, which is that we as humanity writ large need to do everything in our power to mitigate the effects of climate change. Yes, the problem is going to get worse and will likely lead to many horrors in the future. At the same time, there are huge opportunities to help solve the problem and make a difference.
Too often lists of how to help the problem involve suggestions like "don't fly and don't have babies" which are impractical for some and not really a choice for others. The most important thing we can do that can make a difference is to create awareness and political will. It's also important to remember that climate isn't an isolated issue. Strengthening voter rights also gives people a stronger say on issues like climate.
Before we begin, one important clarification. Yes, we all know that a few people lowering their carbon footprints won't make a noticeable dent in global carbon emissions. However, think of it like voting. A single vote doesn't make a difference (except that one race in Virginia), but a bunch of people can come together and make a big impact. The movement needs willpower and for the conversation to be out in the open. There won't ever be a single magic bullet solution- it requires coordinated global action.
With all that said, let's begin. The lists are organized into three categories loosely based on amount of effort and/or money required.
Easy and Free Solutions
A1. Find out who your member of Congress is and look up their views on climate Find them here
A2. If you haven't voted before, vote. Vote in every election you can, including primaries. If you're going to vote based on a single issue, make it the climate. Universal healthcare doesn't help if humanity doesn't have a planet that can support it!
A3. If you already vote, encourage other people around you to vote.
A4. Write or call your member of Congress and tell them climate change is an important issue for you. Ask them to support a carbon tax and end subsidies for fossil fuels.
A5. Talk to your friends/family about why climate change is an important issue for you
A6. If your friends/family aren't receptive about climate, talk to them about green energy. Everyone loves clean energy!
A7. Follow a climate scientist/advocate on Twitter. Michael E. Mann is a good one.
A8. Take a quick stock of your lifestyle and expenditures to see if there's any waste. Not thinking about literal garbage, but things you spend money on you don't need to. Jill Schlesinger refers to this as "latte money." Not only will you save money, you'll reduce your overall carbon footprint. (aka "Reduce")
A9. Do you find yourself throwing out food every week? Try some tips to reduce food waste (and/or Compost, see B5).
A10. Try substituting the food you eat down the carbon ladder. If you eat beef, try eating chicken instead. If you eat chicken, try eating more fruits and vegetables.
A11. If you buy items that are easy to carry at a store, ask to skip the bag. I find it also reduces clutter around the house. (See also B6)
A12. Recycle everything you can. Even stuff beyond the typical cans and bottles- you can recycle old electronics, appliances, lightbulbs, plastic bags, etc. Earth911 is a great resource.
A13. Before you throw things away, think about whether they could be donated to a thrift store or given to a neighbor.
A14. This should be a no-brainer, cut down on the junk mail you receive!
A15. Switch to e-statements for credit cards, power bills, etc.
A16. Don't forget to continue thinking about it in the workplace or your school- see if there's ways you can cut down on waste
A17. Talk to your workplace, school, etc. about how they can reduce waste (and possibly save money as well!)
A18. Take cold showers! It reduces energy consumption and might actually have some health benefits.
A19. Turn lights off when you leave a room. Turn off devices you aren't using.
A20. Set your thermostat a little lower in the winter and a little higher in the summer. Try to use natural ventilation when you can. Fresh air feels good!
A21. Walk more or take public transportation if it's available. It's also a good way to get exercise and familiarize yourself with an area.
A22. Read some articles online about climate change. Make yourself more knowledgeable about the subject. Try not to freak yourself out- remember the science is scary, but we have the tools we need. We just need to use them, and fast. Climate Reality is a good place to start.
A23. Check out a book about climate change out from your library and read it.
A24. Buy locally-sourced food and goods. Support your local small businesses!
A25. Listen to a podcast about climate issues, like Climate One.
A26. Don't use glitter. Microplastics are devastating the oceans.
Cheap and/or Low-Effort Solutions
B1. Support an author by buying a book about climate change.
B2. Make a small donation to a climat-oriented nonprofit like the Sierra Club. Make it monthly!
B3. Shop at your local thrift store or neighborhood garage sales.
B4. If you are in charge of your power bill, see if you can purchase a 100% renewable plan. If you aren't, ask the person who is if they would consider a renewable plan.
B5. Start composting your own food waste. It's pretty easy. If you have a lawn, use compost instead of chemical fertilizer- fertilizer releases nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
B6. Buy your own shopping bags and take them with you.
B7. If you have a yard and there's a large-scale compost facility near you, take your yard waste there.
B8. Switch out incandescent lightbulbs for LED. They are getting surprisingly affordable.
B9. Participate in a local trail or park cleanup effort, like National Trails Day
B10. Buy carbon offsets for your emissions.
B11. See if there's a way to insulate your house or apartment better. A little weatherstripping goes a long way, it keeps you more comfortable, and it saves you money on your power bill.
Expensive and/or Energy-Intensive Solutions
C1. Join a local climate action group. There's plenty of action opportunities out there!
C2. If you own a house, consider adding solar panels to your roof. In some states like NJ, MA, PA, and NY you can get money back through SRECs, even if you use the power yourself.
C3. Make your next vehicle purchase an electric car, or at least a hybrid. Power it with renewable energy!
C4. Get involved in local politics and fight for climate issues.
C5. Volunteer for a local politician who shares your views on climate action. Or run for office!
C6. Grow your own vegetables.
C7. If you're getting ready for college or looking for a job, consider a degree/career in sustainability.
C8. For large purchases like appliances, make energy efficiency a consideration.
C9. Write ridiculously long lists of things people can do to take action on internet forums
Additional suggestions are always welcome!
Too often lists of how to help the problem involve suggestions like "don't fly and don't have babies" which are impractical for some and not really a choice for others. The most important thing we can do that can make a difference is to create awareness and political will. It's also important to remember that climate isn't an isolated issue. Strengthening voter rights also gives people a stronger say on issues like climate.
Before we begin, one important clarification. Yes, we all know that a few people lowering their carbon footprints won't make a noticeable dent in global carbon emissions. However, think of it like voting. A single vote doesn't make a difference (except that one race in Virginia), but a bunch of people can come together and make a big impact. The movement needs willpower and for the conversation to be out in the open. There won't ever be a single magic bullet solution- it requires coordinated global action.
With all that said, let's begin. The lists are organized into three categories loosely based on amount of effort and/or money required.
Easy and Free Solutions
A1. Find out who your member of Congress is and look up their views on climate Find them here
A2. If you haven't voted before, vote. Vote in every election you can, including primaries. If you're going to vote based on a single issue, make it the climate. Universal healthcare doesn't help if humanity doesn't have a planet that can support it!
A3. If you already vote, encourage other people around you to vote.
A4. Write or call your member of Congress and tell them climate change is an important issue for you. Ask them to support a carbon tax and end subsidies for fossil fuels.
A5. Talk to your friends/family about why climate change is an important issue for you
A6. If your friends/family aren't receptive about climate, talk to them about green energy. Everyone loves clean energy!
A7. Follow a climate scientist/advocate on Twitter. Michael E. Mann is a good one.
A8. Take a quick stock of your lifestyle and expenditures to see if there's any waste. Not thinking about literal garbage, but things you spend money on you don't need to. Jill Schlesinger refers to this as "latte money." Not only will you save money, you'll reduce your overall carbon footprint. (aka "Reduce")
A9. Do you find yourself throwing out food every week? Try some tips to reduce food waste (and/or Compost, see B5).
A10. Try substituting the food you eat down the carbon ladder. If you eat beef, try eating chicken instead. If you eat chicken, try eating more fruits and vegetables.
A11. If you buy items that are easy to carry at a store, ask to skip the bag. I find it also reduces clutter around the house. (See also B6)
A12. Recycle everything you can. Even stuff beyond the typical cans and bottles- you can recycle old electronics, appliances, lightbulbs, plastic bags, etc. Earth911 is a great resource.
A13. Before you throw things away, think about whether they could be donated to a thrift store or given to a neighbor.
A14. This should be a no-brainer, cut down on the junk mail you receive!
A15. Switch to e-statements for credit cards, power bills, etc.
A16. Don't forget to continue thinking about it in the workplace or your school- see if there's ways you can cut down on waste
A17. Talk to your workplace, school, etc. about how they can reduce waste (and possibly save money as well!)
A18. Take cold showers! It reduces energy consumption and might actually have some health benefits.
A19. Turn lights off when you leave a room. Turn off devices you aren't using.
A20. Set your thermostat a little lower in the winter and a little higher in the summer. Try to use natural ventilation when you can. Fresh air feels good!
A21. Walk more or take public transportation if it's available. It's also a good way to get exercise and familiarize yourself with an area.
A22. Read some articles online about climate change. Make yourself more knowledgeable about the subject. Try not to freak yourself out- remember the science is scary, but we have the tools we need. We just need to use them, and fast. Climate Reality is a good place to start.
A23. Check out a book about climate change out from your library and read it.
A24. Buy locally-sourced food and goods. Support your local small businesses!
A25. Listen to a podcast about climate issues, like Climate One.
A26. Don't use glitter. Microplastics are devastating the oceans.
Cheap and/or Low-Effort Solutions
B1. Support an author by buying a book about climate change.
B2. Make a small donation to a climat-oriented nonprofit like the Sierra Club. Make it monthly!
B3. Shop at your local thrift store or neighborhood garage sales.
B4. If you are in charge of your power bill, see if you can purchase a 100% renewable plan. If you aren't, ask the person who is if they would consider a renewable plan.
B5. Start composting your own food waste. It's pretty easy. If you have a lawn, use compost instead of chemical fertilizer- fertilizer releases nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
B6. Buy your own shopping bags and take them with you.
B7. If you have a yard and there's a large-scale compost facility near you, take your yard waste there.
B8. Switch out incandescent lightbulbs for LED. They are getting surprisingly affordable.
B9. Participate in a local trail or park cleanup effort, like National Trails Day
B10. Buy carbon offsets for your emissions.
B11. See if there's a way to insulate your house or apartment better. A little weatherstripping goes a long way, it keeps you more comfortable, and it saves you money on your power bill.
Expensive and/or Energy-Intensive Solutions
C1. Join a local climate action group. There's plenty of action opportunities out there!
C2. If you own a house, consider adding solar panels to your roof. In some states like NJ, MA, PA, and NY you can get money back through SRECs, even if you use the power yourself.
C3. Make your next vehicle purchase an electric car, or at least a hybrid. Power it with renewable energy!
C4. Get involved in local politics and fight for climate issues.
C5. Volunteer for a local politician who shares your views on climate action. Or run for office!
C6. Grow your own vegetables.
C7. If you're getting ready for college or looking for a job, consider a degree/career in sustainability.
C8. For large purchases like appliances, make energy efficiency a consideration.
C9. Write ridiculously long lists of things people can do to take action on internet forums
Additional suggestions are always welcome!
