Sustainable Detox: Actions
Detox Introduction
Hi! I’m Molly, a businesswoman and new mom that wanted to feel less helpless about climate change. I created this detox to help define what individuals have the power to do and explain why it's important to do so. If you’re new to the detox, you can view the full intro post here. This post specifically focuses on our actions.
Your actions and abilities may seem small, but they're mighty and can create beautiful change for ourselves and our posterity!
The Impact of Our Actions on the Environment
I know that A LOT of actions have been mentioned in this detox thus far, but there are still some that have yet to be mentioned that are so powerful they need their own stage. These actions are:
Learning
Voting
Talking to others.
Bill Nye the science guy says that voting is the best way to fight climate change, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says that talking about climate change is the best way to address it, and learning is the precursor to both (CNBC, University of Minnesota)! Learning prepares us to vote in favor of the climate and to advocate for the environment while talking to others.
Though the impact of these actions cannot be quantified like the others in previous posts, they have an enormous capacity for creating positive change. Voting in favor of the climate can create massive changes in government policy and help us quickly lower our dependence on fossil fuels. Talking to people about climate actions can inspire others to vote, purchase an EV, eat less meat, or source their energy from a green energy source. Have you ever waited to buy a new tech gadget because you were waiting on your friend to get one first to learn from them and their experiences? Sometimes you need a little help or inspiration from a friend before you make a move! If you talk about the actions you are taking to fight climate change, you can inspire someone that inspires someone else that inspires someone else and on and on! We can all clean up our act a little bit!
Actions for Improving Our Actions!
The ultimate goal is to be an informed and active global citizen. It may seem like you don’t have power as one person in a sea of many, but oh how your brain is trying to trick you! As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." WE can be those thoughtful, committed citizens. Scroll below to learn how…
Commit to Learning:
Sign-Up for THIS email list from Posterity Collective to see when new blog posts like this one happen!
Sign up for newsletter like Climate Forward from NY Times
Follow Climate Accounts on Social Media so you see climate news in your scrolling feed
Voting
Register to vote. Only 51.8% of voting-age citizens voted in the last presidential election (Pew Research). What about the other half of the population?! We need to get to the polls and inspire others to do the same! You can register to vote here: or sign up at the DMV if you’re getting your license in a new city or state!
Sign Up to Receive Voting Alerts, so you know when elections are happening near you and not just the big ones! Environmental change can be made on the local level too!
Create a voting plan: if we create a plan, we’re more likely to follow through. Will you early vote? Vote by mail? On the day of the election? Decide your plan and let your place of work know if necessary!
Research the Politicians: are the people you’re voting for supporting green policies? (like those supporting expanding green energy solutions, more electric vehicle charging stations, or a carbon tax) If a candidate hasn’t mentioned anything, you could share your concern for the issues with them!
Join a Political Group. Many people don’t have time for this - but if you do - that’s great! Two great groups include The Sunrise Movement & Citizens Climate Lobby
Talking.
Bring up climate solutions in conversation when there is a natural segue or kickstart conversations by doing the actions from this cleanse! You could…
Host a dinner party with all vegan food or go to a vegan restaurant!
Bring Tupperware for restaurant leftovers!
Plant a garden!
Pick up trash on a hike!
Suggest a book about climate change or the environment for your book club to spark conversation! Some suggestions: Braiding Sweetgrass, Saving Us, The Future We Choose, The Good Your Money Can Do
What You Can Save!
Most of these actions are FREE or things that you’d be doing anyway. The only things you need are time and thoughtfulness!
What I’ve Done
I started this blog to help people understand and talk about climate change. Researching the information for these posts has also helped me learn more about the issue because I want to make sure that I’m sharing the correct and most up to date information since we’re constantly learning new things about climate change every day.
I also just fixed my voter registration after moving a couple of blocks down the road. If you’ve recently moved - this is your reminder to do this too!
How to Start
You’ve got this! You don’t need to conquer all these at once! Start with one task a week or even a month and then go from there. Whatever you need to do to be sustainably sustainable. Any little bit counts!
