What you can do about climate change

Steve Ghan -

When we table for Citizens Climate Lobby at public events, one of our most popular handouts lists what people can do about climate change. So, in the spirit of the New Year, we’re sharing that list below. I want to know from our readers: Which of these actions are YOU already doing — or which do you resolve to do — in the new year? Are there any actions not listed that you are doing or would like to do? Tell me at steven.ghan@gmail.com.

Lower your carbon footprint

Transportation

  • Replace your gas-powered vehicle with a hybrid or electric vehicle
  • Carpool or vanpool to work
  • Rediscover the joy of riding bicycles and electric bicycles
  • Integrate walking into your modes of transportation
  • Choose to live near work, school, or services
  • Cut down on air travel

Electricity

  • Replace baseboard heating or gas heating with a heat pump
  • Replace all lights with LEDs
  • Install motion-sensing lights outside
  • Insulate your home better if an inspection reveals room for improvement
  • If your water heater needs to be replaced, replace it with a heat pump water heater
  • Install rooftop solar panels

Food

  • Reduce your consumption of beef and lamb
  • Try a plant-based diet (including Beyond Beef & Impossible Burger)
  • Plant a vegetable garden
  • Eat local foods (unless local agriculture requires pumping water for irrigation)

Land use

Materials

  • Drink tap water rather than bottled water
  • Buy food in bulk
  • Reuse shopping bags
  • Recycle aluminum, steel, paper, plastics, etc.

Talk about climate change solutions

  • Educate yourself on climate change solutions (see drawdown.org)
  • Talk to friends, family, coworkers
  • Listen for common values
  • Share good news about climate solutions

Connect with other climate heroes

Exercise your citizenship

  • Vote, and encourage others to vote
  • Write to or call your representatives, urging action on climate change
  • Write letters to the editor calling for climate action
  • Meet with your representatives

Steve Ghan leads the Tri-Cities Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby.