The climate crisis is something that we could win if we chose to do so. It is a big problem for one person to solve, but don’t put all that weight on your shoulders! It is not just up to you! The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that “Americans who think global warming is happening outnumber those who think it is not happening by a ratio of more than 6 to 1 (Yale).” The believers and fighters are in the majority and the majority continues to grow year after year! We just need to work together to create change! But how can we create change? After years of reading, studying, and learning from experts, I’ve found the top three steps we can take as individuals to lower greenhouse gas emissions are:

1. Use Your Voice

2. Conquer Small Actions

3. Spend With Purpose
   

In more detail…

• Use your voice. Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says that the most important thing you can do to fight climate change is to talk about it (Katharine Hayhoe). Our voice is more powerful than we think! We can vote for politicians supporting green policies, talk with friends, make art, and even write or tweet at companies that have poor environmental practices and ask them to change for the better! But as the amazing, late Ruth Bader Ginsburg said lets "… do it in a way that will lead others to join [us]." Read more blog posts about using your voice. 
  

• Conquer Small Actions – Don’t underestimate the power of action! Doing things as simple as recycling or picking up trash can make a difference and can inspire others to act as well. Read more blog posts about taking action. 
  

• Spend with Purpose - Did you know we have power as consumers? Companies spend billions of dollars a year trying to figure out what WE want (Statista); they study past purchases and cultural trends to come up with ideas for new products that will hopefully increase their revenue. So, let’s SHOW them what we want by buying products and services that are respectful to people and the environment, where every person in the supply chain makes a living wage and little to no harm is caused to the earth in the making of the product or service. Companies will start to notice and will start making more products that fit within those guidelines! Read more blog posts about spending with purpose.   

You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Start we these things in mind and slowly integrate these practices into your life when you can. We’ll help each other out along the way!

Also, if you want to learn more about why climate action is so urgent, read the post here. I was confused about what climate change was for a while, but I learned, and you