By Abi Warrender
Introduction
With trending news of celebrities taking a private jet for short flights, and the constant news about wildfires, pollution, and species extinction, it is easy to feel hopeless about climate change. If others pollute our planet in ways that would take an average person several lifetimes to recreate, why should we have to care about our own individual actions? In times like these it is easy to ignore the reality of the situation by pointing fingers: at the system, the government, celebrities, people that pollute…the list goes on. There will always be someone else to place the blame on. But it’s important to remember that this negative loop is not what will help us heal the planet. Local communities coming together to cause change within their own communities is (I feel) the best way we can make an impact on the climate within our generation.
If we always blame the system, we forget our own power that we have as individuals to change, at least at a small-scale level. Instead of feeling hopeless by looking at the system as a whole, I recommend finding a few impactful lifestyle changes that you and your family and friends can implement. See some of our suggestions down below.
#1: Participate in More Outdoor Activities
This one may seem a bit confusing. How will participating in outdoor activities help the environment? My answer: being outside is essential for humans. Many of us have lost our connection to nature, and losing our innate relationship with the outdoors makes it harder to care about environmental issues. My personal favorite way to go outside is bringing a hammock to the woods to relax for a bit with a book. While walking along the trail, I’ll clean up any trash or debris that has made its way into the forest. If you find yourself in cold or unpleasant weather, I also recommend watching a nature documentary or reading a book about the environment, such as Braiding Sweetgrass or Rooted.
#2: Plant seeds of hope.
Looking for a fun thing to do on a spring day? Research the local wildflowers or plants native to your area and buy a seed pack or two. You can also buy a seed “shaker” to spread seeds out the window while driving. Planting wildflower seeds is best in the middle or end of spring when there is no longer danger of frost. Go out preferably on a sunny day when the ground is moist and spread the seeds around a patch where the grass is missing. This is great in places you know will likely not be mowed or affected. Planting native plants is important for species biodiversity, and provides a source of food for important pollinators such as butterflies.
#3: Try a Plant-Based Recipe
There are some great plant-based recipes on Foodprint EDU’s website. The Forks over Knives website also has some amazing meal ideas. Consuming less animal products and increasing consumption of vegetables and plant-based proteins in your diet is a phenomenal way to, again “vote” with your dollar. Between 2020 and 2021, vegan food sales increased by 150%. This increase in popularity reflects the growing rise of vegan alternatives, which in turn leads to corporations investing in vegan products and many chain restaurants including vegan options on their menu.
#4: When Possible: Shop Local
If or when you are able, support local restaurants, farmers markets, community gardens, small farms and grocers, who prioritize fresh, locally grown produce rather than food imported from other countries or faraway states. Locally grown food is also the better bang for your buck: because it does not need to be preserved to be transported long distances, it is often higher in nutritional value, is grown in season, and you can often directly ask the farmers the conditions under which the food was grown. This gives back to your community by “voting” with your dollar that you value the local food chain.
#5: Do Less.
Lately I’ve noticed suggestions on lowering your carbon footprint often involve buying more products, such as a reusable straw, reusable silverware set, etc. However, sustainability is so much more than buying the “lesser of two evils”. Why not just buy less in general? We have been conditioned to believe that we need a new phone every couple of years, need new clothes for each season, and need constant beauty products to “fix” the flaws with our appearance. This culture of more, more, more causes a lot to go to waste–Google pictures of the thousands of garments tossed in third-world countries if you don’t believe me. The truth is that no amount of purchasing will make you feel fully satisfied and happy. There will always be a fashion trend that you want to be a part of, or a new technology item that you have convinced yourself you need.
I recommend trying to disconnect yourself from this line of thinking, and instead purchase items (especially clothes) that are good quality and will last a long time. I’ve found immense joy in thrift shopping and have found expensive and high-quality brands such as L.L.Bean and Patagonia for significantly cheaper at thrift stores. I know these clothes will last longer than something from, say, Shein, and I’m still buying them for cheap. Overall, try to purchase less items in general, and use what you already have. Look into repurposing your clothes or household items and find what uses you already have. Pasta jars from the grocery store can easily be washed and become cute mason jars. Stained or ripped clothing can be used as an alternative to paper towels. Empty bread bags can be reused as sandwich bags for the next day. Get savvy and shop less!
Conclusion
Please note this is not a comprehensive list. Some of these tips may work for you but some may not be a great fit for your lifestyle. And that’s okay. The best way to contribute to solving climate change is to find the things that you are actively able to take part in, with your resources and skills, and leave behind the suggestions that you are not able to. Finding several initiatives or projects to take part in to help the environment is a fantastic way to lessen climate anxiety while actively giving back. For other information on how to lower your carbon footprint, explore the rest of our website!