Climate

(To browse my blog posts on climate change, please click here.)

This is a compilation of things I intend to do to contribute my share of climate action. Please note:

This list is a result of my ongoing learning, researching, and reading. It is by no means complete, and I will continue to add items to it, as well as the resources and rationale for the actions.
I form the list based on my personal circumstances and needs, which means not every single item is applicable to others. I make this list available on my blog with the hopes of getting my friends to join me in adopting some of the changes that make the most sense to them.
This list aims to map out ideas for becoming better advocates for and practitioners of climate action, not to prescribe strict rules that tolerate no deviation.
The action items are mere suggestions to get the ball rolling (remember, one individual doesn’t change the whole planet). Achieving most, let alone all, of the items of course does not ascertain the recovery of the planet. It is futile to aim for perfection.

Work

Work in the climate industry, with a focus on climate education and communication
Initiate or advocate for a climate action plan at work; engage management and colleagues
Join or support a climate/environmental group at work
Take a course (or several) on climate change and/or sustainability
Host a monthly climate book club
Write a blog featuring my experience with taking climate action
Write and submit articles on climate change to local publications and media platforms
Interview people who are directly affected by climate change to know their stories and experiences

Join a local climate action group
Campaign for a party or politicians with strong climate agenda
Contact local authorities to urge strong climate commitment
Contact businesses and manufacturers to urge more climate-friendly products and services
Participate in as climate marches, strikes, protests
Contact media institutions to request more climate news coverage and sharing of opinions
Read and explore local and national climate policies and agenda
Read and explore international accords and protocols on climate change
Attend climate policy-related events (e.g., COP) to support international policymaking
Join panels and give talks about climate action, where possible
Boycott corporations with high emissions and poor sustainability practices

Fly long haul at most 2 times per year (one round-trip)
Replace 80% of annual short haul flights with alternative transportation (preferably trains and electric coaches)
Take public transit as one of the default modes of transport
Opt to walk any distances shorter than 3 km (~30 minutes)
Opt to bike any distances shorter than 7.5 km (~30 minutes)
Opt for carpooling and ride-shares instead of solo driving
Use an electric or hybrid car
Advocate for pedestrian- and bike-friendly urban planning and policies
Advocate for electrified public transit investments and policies
Advocate for telepresence and teleconferencing in international work meetings and conferences
Purchase Gold Standard carbon offsets if flying is non-negotiable

Set up a rooftop solar energy system for lighting, water heating, cooking
Advocate for neighborhood solar system, if applicable
Advocate for local and municipal switch to clean energy sources, if applicable
In the winter, wear layers and minimize the use of heaters
Invest in good insulation for home (i.e., high performance glass)
Advocate for green roofs for heat moderation
Advocate for automation systems in buildings (i.e., switching lights and heating off automatically)
Audit energy leaks or inefficiencies around home
Use an electrical high-efficiency heat pump
Use a smart thermostat, if applicable
Optimize fridge and freezer settings
Use an electric stove instead of a gas stove
Use only LED lighting
If purchasing appliances, opt for certified energy saving products
Use low-flow fixture for faucets
Automate switch-off for water heater
Opt for cold water in laundry and personal use
Wash clothes on short, cold cycles
Hang dry clothes instead of using the dryer
Avoid baths
Use rainwater barrels to hold water for gardening and other uses

Eat mostly plant-based
Eat seasonally
Avoid products from industrialized agriculture (i.e., “big agri”)
Avoid beef and industrially raised meat
Opt for plant-based milk and reduce consumption of dairy products
Grow vegetables in a community garden or a home garden
Set up a food sharing network in the neighborhood
Purchase an appropriate amount of food to avoid food waste
Support food rescue programs and services (e.g., Too Good to Go, Second Life Marche)
Practice good food storage and preserving to avoid food waste
Have a worm compost system
Shop at farmers market and purchase CSA produce
Boycott palm oil and other products that involve destruction of tropical forests
Advocate for regenerative and sustainable agriculture

Set up a waste sorting system at home
Advocate for a local/municipal waste sorting system, if applicable
Learn about local recycling policies and recycle accurately
Use items until they are no longer functional and irreparable
Reuse or up-cycle items or item parts when they are no longer functional
Reduce plastics as much as possible – limit plastic waste to a (small-ish) container per year
Use reusable packaging when shopping – no plastic bags or wrappers
Bring my own reusable cutlery and containers
Avoid disposable plastic water bottle – bring a reusable water bottle
Refuse single-use/disposable items (and if that’s not an option, opt to repurpose them into something else)
Use newspaper for gift packaging
Avoid hotel toiletries while traveling – bring my own
Opt for reusable feminine hygiene products

Open an account at a bank that divests from fossil fuels (and invests in clean energy)
Join renewable energy co-ops and donate money to projects that advance renewable energy
Donate to restore ecosystems that are carbon sinks
Donate to support adaptive plans and resilience projects for vulnerable communities
Donate to support activities and operations of climate activists/organizations