The subject of climate change can be seen everywhere lately and a lot of people start to rethink their way of living. Some are focusing on CO2-reduction while others try to avoid waste in their households. The approaches to save the planet are divers, but how much influence do our actions actually have? And what can we do to have even more impact and to even make the central players (re-)act?
“Citizens only have a minor impact in the fight against climate change”
This was the message carried by a few newspapers a couple of months ago. Substantially they explained that ¼ of the efforts to be made to tackle the climate crisis would have to come from the citizens, while almost ¾ had to come from states and companies. Does it really mean that there is nothing we can do have a global impact?
1) 25% of the change is in our hands
We can individually take action to reduce our own impact on the environment throughout our daily life and habits. From the smallest actions - such as switching to LED light bulbs, reducing our wastes, lowering the temperature in our homes, buying locally produced food and less unnecessary stuff - to the most impactful ones (both for our comfort and the environment) - for example renovating our homes regarding thermical aspects, going vegetarian or vegan, saying no to airplanes etc.
If we collectively take these actions partly of fully, then a quarter of the job will be accomplished. This is at the same time encouraging and discouraging. What about the three other quarters?
2) Buying is voting
Even though we as citizens cannot impose actions on companies and states, we can express our opinion. We are not talking about strikes and demonstrations, but of a way more powerful tool: the voice of the crowd. This voice is mostly heard on a financial level by companies and states. Money is the key to everything in our modern societies, and its dynamics have more influence on the decisions of our leaders than most other indicators. This is where we can have an impact.
If you take a look behind the scenes and try to avoid buying products or services from companies that don't take substantial actions to lower their negative impact, it will have an effect eventually. Some companies have already felt the shift of tendency (usually through a decrease in their sales), so they have to react by answering the demand for greener products and services. In the past months, more and more companies have expressed their plans to reduce and compensate their emissions. Let’s continue buying smart, so that leaders hear the message and take appropriate measures.
3) Express your concerns
If some companies and leaders are deaf to the business-related consequences, then perhaps you can express your concerns and ideas directly to them. For example, if despite a “Stop advertisements” sign on your post box, you keep getting the same ads from real estate companies, stores and local service providers, then you can simply call them or send a friendly letter asking them to rethink their methods. It seems to be a small act with a small effect, but if, let's say 1000 or more people would do the same thing, we are getting closer to our global impact!
You can also have a look at your direct environment: the place where you work or study. There is usually always room for improvement there (garbage separation, energy provider etc.). So why not start here, by actively changing things or suggesting your ideas to the people in charge? From my experience, you will always find someone who wants to hear your improvement proposals and who will help you put them into practice.
4) Spring into action
Even if ¾ of the transformation towards a better world need to be performed by companies and states, there are still some things you can do to boost this change. You can join associations, political movements or other groups that actively work on these topics. Help your local community rethink their street lights, help the city improve the garbage system and recycling plants, or organize events in schools and institutions to teach others about all the small and big steps they can take. There are so many ways to step out of your own four walls and to be a part of a bigger movement, if you wish to do so.
Spreading your knowledge and motivating others can be extremely efficient, even in smaller dimensions. You will give the people around you the tools to act. This can be done by doing your groceries with your own containers to motivate the stores to rethink their processes, or simply by talking to your friends, family and neighbors. Whatever feels comfortable or useful to you - just get out there and do it!
5) Keep at it!
The actions we want to take collectively and the efforts that have to be made need to last. It is not just a year or ten until the issue of climate change is solved and can therefore be forgotten. It is a long term change and a multifaceted process. Therefore, always questioning the given circumstances, asking for more transparency around us and exchanging with others is extremely important. This will give you new insights on the topic and more inspiration for concrete actions in your everyday life. So keep looking for new solutions and don't hesitate to share your ideas and opinions with others. Because we have the biggest impact if we work together!
Would you like to know more about how to easily implement an eco-friendly lifestyle? This article could be interesting for you.