Take Climate Action

Our individual actions are powerful. Choosing mindful actions day-to-day can snowball into deep rooted positive change within our culture and industries. It also communicates to others that addressing the climate crisis is important, which will result in more people joining the movement and being apart of the solution. Through simple actions, each of us has the power to positively shift our community’s culture.

Carry these three reusable items to replace single use products:

1. water bottle

2. coffee thermos

3. grocery bags

This alone significantly reduces consumption of waste.

• Bonus: switch over from bottles to shampoo bars

To achieve drawdown, we need industry level change. Use your purchase power to support responsible companies that are taking climate action and implementing positive practices, such as Patagonia.

Additionally, if you invest in the market, such as through an IRA, impact investing is a powerful way to promote change. Impact investing is a strategy where you invest in companies that are creating positive social or environmental impact, rather than in companies that are causing harm and/or exacerbating the climate crisis. Different firms have different strategies when it comes to building an impact portfolio, Ellevest’s strategy is one example.

Support organizations that are doing creative, effective work for our climate. Donating, volunteering, or simply staying informed are all ways to engage. Mossy Earth is tackling the climate crisis in creative ways. They are exceptional at building partnerships, and their communication to donors and accountability is outstanding. You can donate as little as $6.75/month to support their work.

There are specific and nuanced climate change issues in every community. Support organizations that address issues specific to your home. Here in Asheville, we support to Dogwood Alliance, Asheville Greenworks and Asheville on Bikes.

And if you don’t see a need being addressed in your community, there are resources available to make it happen. Patagonia has a grant program for grassroots environmental action groups.

Walk or bike when possible. Shop local when possible. Get to know your neighbors. Notice the details around you - the change in seasons, the trees, bees, and flowers.

If you want to take a step further, check out the book ‘Happy City’ by Charles Montgomery and learn how your community can be best designed for happiness and equity, while in turn making it a greener place to live.

A garden mitigates climate change at the local level. Plant trees and perennial plants in your garden that give a lot to the ecology (supporting pollinators) but don’t require your constant care and resources. Often, species native to your area meet this criteria. In addition to supporting pollinators, trees protect us from extreme heat, capture carbon, and mitigate storm water surges.

If having your own garden is not relevant for your lifestyle, encourage garden and conservation projects around you. Notice and appreciate other gardens and natural landscapes when you have the opportunity. Nature is everywhere.

• Climate Solutions 101 by Project Drawdown (free online presentation)

• Nature is Everywhere by Emma Marris (Ted Talk)

• How to Save the Planet with Dr. Ayana Johnson and Tim Ferris (podcast)

• Happy City by Charles Montgomery (book)

• Architect’s Hands: Designing Better Streets by Evelina Ozola (Ted Talk)

• Climate Careers to consider by the US Career Institute

• Our Better Nature with NPR and Kuo Ming (podcast)

• The Generosity of Meadows with Sustainable World Radio and Owen Wormser (podcast)