In the face of enormous, apparently intractable social problems, individual action can seem puny and inconsequential.
Heres how to get started.
Want to see how enlightened your rep is on the issue?
Check outthis handy list of all the climate-change deniers in Congress.
You know the drill: Call, write, email, protest, and above all,vote.
Does your city have a sustainability office or a committee on the environment?
Does your local university have a sustainability office you’re free to communicate with about local efforts?
For a quick way to check out how a federal candidate leans, go tothe Sierra Clubs endorsement page.
For state and local races, contact yourlocal chapter of the Sierra Clubsome states offer legislative scorecards.
When you talk to your elected officials and they ask, well, what areyoudoing?
you want to have a ready answer.
Do you take transit?
Can you make choices in your own personal transportation?
If you drive, can you take transit even one day a week?
(This doesnt have to mean going fully vegetarian or veganyou can just go reducetarian.
Really, if you’re able to justlimit or eliminate beef and porkyoud be doing a lot. )
Is there a compost program [in your community?
Can you organize with others to push your municipal representatives to do something?
If you want to get fanatical aboutneverbuying something, make it bottled water,a scourge upon the planet.
Can you, in general, just buy less stuff?
Especially plastic toys, for kids,which arent usually recyclableand arent in play for very long, anyway.
The holidays are comingwhat if you gave and asked for experiences instead of things?Youd probably be happier.
Can youmake your home more energy-efficient?
Can you find out if your workplace is energy-efficient?
If youre thinking about buying a new car, can youtest drive a Boltor aPrius?
Do you really need a car at all?
Who are you doing business with?
If you have investments, consider impact investing.
Want more ideas, from the very easy dont put stuff on your car roof?
to the even easier replace your lightbulbs?
Check outthese suggestions from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Youre making choices with your pocketbook.
A million small choices add up.
Influence Your Friends and Neighbors
Speaking up actually matters, says Miller.
Building a political movement requires knowledgeable, engaged people who work together on an issue.
This is a movement that is based on making lives better.
I must follow them, for I am their leader.
Changing representatives minds means changing their constituents minds.
This doesnt have to mean scare-mongering or guilt-trippingkeeping a positive and helpful tone is critical.
Were doomed is not going to inspire anyone to do anything.
So are you into education?
Are you into gardening?
Researchhow to get started with composting.
Catholic?Read what the Pope has to sayon climate change.
(Jewish?Covered.
Episcopalian?Covered.)
Are youqueer and interested in backpacking?
My personal next steps?
Start going to my local meetings abouttransportation alternatives, and re-considering my banking.
The future depends on it.
