Less climate doom, more climate action
Ever woken up, checked the news, read about the ever worsening climate, political and economic crisis, and wanted to stay in bed forever? We've all done it, and it's fair. It's because this stuff matters, and it's scary.
However, it's Climate Action Week in Sydney, and a good reminder that individuals acting together can make incredible change - even if the current vibe is doom and gloom.
Here are eight simple things that individuals like us - and like you - can do to make a difference.
"Don't agonise, organise."
- Florynce Kennedy
1. Bank better.
Whether you have a lot or a little, banks pool our money together and invest it. If our banks are investing it into industries that destroy the planet, we're helping to fund the climate crisis. The best thing we can all do is move our banking and super to green accounts that put our money were our collectives mouths are.
We're with Bank Australia (a fellow B Corp) if you don't know where to start.
2. Get to know your local MP.
Your local MP is a real person. Get to know them, and have them get to know you – what matters to you, what you want to see action on, what will ensure them your vote next election. Our politicians work for us, so they need to listen to us.
If you never speak up, your voice will never be heard. Ask to meet them, have a call with them, or send them an e-mail. They're friendly and don't bite!
3. Keep learning.
You know how serious the climate crisis is, but what good is there to know? Read a book, follow blogs or listen to a podcast on environmental solutions, community action, and ways forward. Information is power.
We're fans of Wardrobe Crisis with Claire Press, in both book and podcast form!
4. Keep up to date with causes to lend your signature to.
While the problems our planet face can seem huge and unstoppable, lots of smaller wins make up a lot of good. Follow some local organisations and lend your signature to their petitions or e-mail writing campaigns about environmental and justice issues in your community – and outside of it.
While it may sometimes seem these gestures don't amount to much, they're often the needed seeds that sprout into media stories, that spur action, that change the world.
5. Eat more plant-based meals.
This is one of the most powerful, more everyday actions we can take for the planet. Carbon emissions from each plant-based meal is 10-50 times less than the meat heavy version. Bonus points if you can grow some of your own food to reduce transport emissions – even if it's just herbs on your apartment windowsill!
Reducing meat intake isn't only better for the environment and animals, but also better for your health.
6. Join, or start an action group.
If you feel alone in wanting to take climate action, we promise you're not. Whether you start a local action group or an online, global network of activists, we're stronger together.
Pinpoint something you want to change, apply pressure, and get to work! It's also great to meet new like-minded people and expand your social circle.
7. Combat misinformation and green-washing.
We can't let businesses, industry and media play so dangerously with our future, by confusing and deceiving caring people into supporting harmful things. Challenge claims that can't be sourced, verified or have been independently audited by credible organisations such as B Corp or Ethical Clothing Australia.
Report misinformation, share evidence-based sources, message people and let them know what's real.
8. Attend Climate Events
There are hundreds of inspiring events and forums in every city throughout the year, across every facet where society intersects with environment.
Want to know how Finance intersects with the environment? There's an event for that.
How AI can be used to prepare for natural disasters? Sorted.
Learning to cook Chinese food more sustainably? You've got it.
If you're in Sydney, our co-founder Eric will be on the discussion panel for Gen Alpha and the Sustainable Fashion Revolution at the University of Technology, Sydney.
"We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children" - proverb