(To browse my blog posts on climate change, please click here.)
This is a compilation of things I intend to do to contribute my share of climate action. This list is a result of my ongoing learning, researching, and reading. It is by no means complete, and I will continue to add items to it, as well as the resources and rationale for the actions. I form the list based on my personal circumstances and needs, which means not every single item is applicable to others. I make this list available on my blog with the hopes of getting my friends to join me in adopting some of the changes that make the most sense to them.
This list aims to map out ideas for becoming better advocates for and practitioners of climate action, not to prescribe strict rules that tolerate no deviation. The action items are mere suggestions to get the ball rolling (remember, one individual doesn’t change the whole planet). Achieving most, let alone all, of the items of course does not ascertain the recovery of the planet. It is futile to aim for perfection.
- Working in the climate industry with a focus on education and communication
- Advocating for strong climate policies at work and in government
- Voting and campaigning for party/politician with a strong climate agenda
- Contacting media, businesses, and local authorities to call for strong climate commitments
- Divesting from fossil-fuel banks and investment packages
- Advocating for local and municipal switch to clean energy sources
- Advocating for electrified public transit and pedestrian-friendly policies
- Minimizing long-haul flights as much as possible
- Switching from short-haul flights to alternative ground transport
- Attending policy-related events to support a climate agenda
- Supporting renewable energy co-ops
- Supporting regenerative agriculture farms and programs
- Installing rooftop solar or advocating for neighborhood solar
- Living in smaller home or shared housing
- Joining climate action groups, local and international
- Participating in climate strikes, marches, protests
- Engaging workplaces in climate discussions and forming climate groups
- Investing in home energy efficiency (insulation, smart thermostats), electrification (heat pumps)
- Writing and creating climate-related content
- Donating to climate initiatives, with a focus on land restoration, renewable energy, and community resilience
- Shopping second-hand, renting, borrowing, and exchanging
- Boycotting high-emission corporations and fast fashion
- Eating mostly plant-based and seasonally, and avoiding industrialized meat and dairy
- Supporting food rescue programs to avoid food waste
- Avoiding food waste as much as possible
- Boycotting palm oil and other products that involve land use change
- Setting up compost systems
- Taking public transit and prioritizing walking and biking
- Using an electric or hybrid car when necessary
- Advocating for telepresence in international meetings (minimizing long-haul flights)
- Starting or supporting a community garden
- Using LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances, optimizing appliance settings
- Refusing single-use plastics and avoiding plastic waste in personal products
- Using reusable items like water bottle, cutlery, shopping bags, health and personal care products
- Using items until they are no longer usable or functional
- Prioritizing purchasing durable goods from manufacturers or businesses with a climate agenda
- Sorting waste and recycling properly as per local policies
- Purchasing Gold Standard carbon offsets if flying is unavoidable
- Taking courses on and learning about climate change
- Reading and learning about climate policy documents
- Hosting a climate book club, advancing learning and conversations
- Washing clothes with cold water
- Hang-drying clothes, avoiding dryer machine
- Avoiding baths and overuse of water
- Using electric stove instead of gas stove
- Advocating for additional green spaces in the neighborhood
- Using rainwater barrels for gardening
- Opting for in-person shopping instead of online
- Preparing experience-based gifts instead of material ones
- Avoiding hotel toiletries and other single-use freebies