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The goal seems enormousand it is.
But its also an urgent one.
However, climate and environmental issues intersect with every other social issue from race to immigration to the economy.
This isnt some nebulous threat thats a long way off in the distance with hazy potential outcomes.
Graydon Herriott. Prop Styling by Amy Elise Wilson at Sarah Laird.
A lot of this is only going to happen when enough people come together to demand change.
But, ideally, theres something here for everyone.
Last April,a Harvard studysuggested a link between air pollution and high COVID-19 mortality rates.
Graydon Herriott. Prop Styling by Amy Elise Wilson at Sarah Laird.
Its all connected, according to Dr. Bullard.
For fiction, common favorites includeOctavia ButlersEarthseedseries, starting withParable of the Sower,andA Childrens Bibleby Lydia Millet.
Reach out and join them.
Heather Hazzan. Prop styling by Noemi Bonazzi. Hair by Naeemah Lafond at The Wall Group. Makeup by Jezz Hill at The Wall Group.
Figure out how you and your neighbors can tackle the climate crisis together.
I always say that person who is sitting on the stoop who knows everybodys business is your first responder.
Theyre the natural organizer.
Heather Hazzan. Prop styling by Noemi Bonazzi. Hair by Naeemah Lafond at The Wall Group. Makeup by Jezz Hill at The Wall Group.
People have to stop thinking that they have no power, she says.
For climate activist and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Josh Fox, making films is a form of activism.
You have to do the thing that makes you an anonymous foot soldier in change, Fox says.
Heather Hazzan. Prop styling by Noemi Bonazzi. Hair by Naeemah Lafond at The Wall Group. Makeup by Jezz Hill at The Wall Group.
Some of the most powerful examples include the Standing Rock protests and the international Youth Climate Movement.
So much is focused on consumer habits, which are good and make you a better person.
But as your personal evolution happens, you have to realize thats your obligation to yourself, Fox says.
Heather Hazzan. Prop styling by Noemi Bonazzi. Hair by Naeemah Lafond at The Wall Group. Makeup by Jezz Hill at The Wall Group.
When we talk about changing the world, thats an obligation to other people.
Theres this saying, Save the coral and save the ice, or vice versa.
I would encourage folks to respect and work with Indigenous peoples when it comes to the climate crisis.
Graydon Herriott. Prop Styling by Amy Elise Wilson at Sarah Laird.
In urban areas, Black and brown people are probably the ones fostering community garden and composting initiatives.
Denali Nalamalapu, a U.S. communications specialist with350.org, says to listen to them.
Listen to the stories of Pacific Islanders or Latinx people who migrated to the U.S. due to climate disasters.
Graydon Herriott. Prop Styling by Amy Elise Wilson at Sarah Laird.
We ultimately want to see a people-powered renewable and just economy, said Nalamalapu.
(Shes evenwriting a bookabout it!)
Local elections are what most people tend to overlook, she says.
Graydon Herriott. Prop Styling by Amy Elise Wilson at Sarah Laird.
But they are really fundamental in deciding policies that directly affect our risksbuilding codes and land use policies.
Voting in local elections is super important in thinking about long-term climate risks, Montano adds.
The things we do locally still add up and can have an influence.
Heather Hazzan. Prop styling by Noemi Bonazzi. Hair by Naeemah Lafond at The Wall Group. Makeup by Jezz Hill at The Wall Group.
Americas love for the great suburban home lawn also comes at a high price.
In hot summer months, a households outdoor water use can be as high as 70%.
When at home during the winter, Caldas recommends keeping your heating to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
(Or you could turn it off entirely.)
Insulate your home by filling the cracks and openings.
The Department of Energy (DOE) even has ado-it-yourself guide.
And a lot of this comes down to plastic.
In 2015, the U.S. recycled only9% of plastic waste.
The goal is to starve the incinerator, Lopez-Nunez says.
Buying affordable clothing from fast fashion companies can come at a steep environmental price.
Polyester and nylon are made from petrochemicals and are nonbiodegradable.
Nylon production also emits nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas more than 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Not everyone can afford to steer clear of these kinds of items.
But if you could, its worth trying.
Most of this waste ends up in landfills and waste incinerators that release hazardous emissions.
So if food is wasted after transport and ends up in landfills, the planet-warming emissions add up.
The food industry also tends to throw away produce that doesn’t look appealing to the consumer.
Instead, take up composting or visit sites such asImperfect FoodsorMisfits Market.
(Keeping in mind that this kind of serviceisnt a perfect answerto food waste as a whole.)
When you change your mindset, you change your actions.
When that happens, systemic change follows, especially when youre affecting the communities around you, Bastida says.
We tend to underestimate the power of leading by example.
It may seem small but it does generate a ripple effect.
Rather, Green is someone whos passionate about food sovereignty for Black and Indigenous communities.
Because of this, she encourages people to buy and plant native food.
I tend to shop in season, which I have the privilege to do, she says.
Its also a chance for Green to support local farmers.
Look for differentsustainabilityandanimal welfare certifications.
Living in a decolonized world is embracing these connections people have with their food.
So next time you hit that checkout button, think about the actual price.
Trying to steer clear of this ingredient might make your purchases a bit more eco-friendly.
This has the double potential benefit of reduced shipping costs but lower greenhouse gas emissions.
With that, Backer says its better to buy local and buy American if possible.
We all have a huge role to play in fighting climate change.
Individual action does matter, Backer adds.
Its kind of like voting.
If everyone starts to vote, it does make a huge impact.
One of those industrial activities is toilet paper production.
Additionally, instead of paper towels, use rags or old clothing to wipe down messes instead.
BiodegradableSwedish dishclothsare another excellent potential alternative.
Still, there is a way to reduce the impact of even non-electric cars.
The way you drive can also reduce the emissions that vehicles release.
Go easy on both the gas pedal and brakes.
Act and get involved in the community to eliminate those harms.
Walking can also be beneficial when it comes to your mental and physical health.
Over the years, scientists have found links betweenwalking and significantly lower mortality rates.
Rubin believes biking will help in this realm, too, which brings us to our next point.
Yes, your garden variety bike is a great option.
A shift in urban design to prioritize more pedestrians and bikes could eventually help phase out fossil-fuel-powered vehicle demand.
Just worry about what youre going to do next.
The most recent form of individual action Heglar has taken iscalling outfossil fuel companies on social media.
Its not a new act, but the more she does it, the more people follow suit.
I encourage people to embrace and weaponize their emotions, Heglar says.
Its about exposing [these companies] and revoking their social license to operate.
When the power goes off, most people light a candle to brighten their homes.
But did you know that most candles are made from fossil fuels, specifically petroleum?
(Alternatives like soy candles may be more eco-friendly.)
Shell isnt the only company to commit environmental crimes against humanity.
Art can spark change, especially if it gets attention.
Its risky, but Tilsen says its also necessary for Indigenous people who have been removed from the land.
Giving your time and resources in service to the community you live in really matters, Raval says.
