11 WAYS to tackle climate change
There’s no heading off climate change. It’s very much here. But experts say there’s still time to minimize the losses to come. To do so, we need broad structural reform, but individuals can take high-impact steps, too. Consider the following a starting point for putting together your own climate action plan, because we can’t afford to wait for others to do it for us.
1.
Eat a plant-based diet
Cutting back on meat and dairy is among the most powerful steps any one of us can take, and perhaps the easiest. Doing so can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, like methane, conserve fresh water, limit animal cruelty, and improve public health. The average American consumed a record-setting 222 pounds of red meat and poultry in 2018. We can do better. Consider going vegan for breakfast and lunch, or meatless three days a week, or eat vegetarian half the time. For inspiration, browse our easy plant-based recipes, use our menus, learn easy ways to put plant-based food on your menu. It all adds up to less demand for factory farmed animal products.
2.
Limit food waste
3.
Plant a Climate Victory Garden
Forward-thinking farmers are sequestering carbon by practicing soil-building, sustainable agriculture. Support them, and start your own regenerative mini-farm. Stone Pier Press is brimming with information on backyard carbon farming and how to plant your own Climate Victory Garden. A good place to start is to read Growing Good Food: A citizen’s guide to backyard carbon farming, and its companion book, Growing Perennial Foods: A guide to raising resilient herbs, fruits & vegetables.
4.
Advocate for change
Lend your support to an organization you believe is making a difference. Demand accountability from corporations and legislators. Support organizations that make plant-based options available in underserved communities. Volunteer weekly, donate monthly, get others involved.
5.
Fly less
The aviation sector currently accounts for about two percent of global emissions, and is among the fastest-growing polluters. The cost of flying is primarily what's driving demand for carbon offset programs. It’s hard to avoid travel for business, for instance. But what about choosing vacations that don’t involve flying?
6.
Leave the car at home whenever possible
Take public transportation, carpool, bike, limit your use of taxis or carshares to three times a week. If you don’t have good alternatives to driving, commit to doing less of it—maybe by using public transportation twice a week. Making meaningful change does not have to be an all or nothing proposition.
7.
Grow meadows, not lawns
Mowing and maintaining lawns wreak havoc on the environment and emit several times more greenhouse gas emissions than they store. Meadows, on the other hand, support pollinators, require little to no maintenance, and act as carbon sinks. Here’s a handbook to designing and planting your own meadow.
8.
Choose to have fewer children
This is considered among the highest-impact steps an individual can take to tackle the climate crisis.
9.
Vote with your wallet
Support farms, companies, and businesses that adopt and support humane, regenerative, and socially just practices. Look for products labeled Regenerative Organic Certified, a certification for food, fiber, and personal care items. Order plant-based options when eating out. Seek out meat and dairy alternatives.
10.
Vote!
We need to elect good, forward-thinking officials. There’s no time to waste.
11. SUpport conservation efforts
Scientists agree that we must protect at least 30 percent of land, fresh water, and oceans by 2030 to have any chance of stemming biodiversity loss and climate change. Doing so will give the planet a chance to breathe, more efficiently capture carbon and lower greenhouse gases, and absorb and hold water thereby reducing flooding. Currently only 13 percent of US lands have lasting conservation protections in place.