Doing your bit when you’re already doing your bit

We’ve all heard about the plastic pollution crisis and all the harm it’s causing the animals that we love. We know that climate change is threatening all living beings, and that the ecological crisis - the loss of species and habitats - is reaching a terrifying level.

But what on Earth can we do about it as one person? It can seem incredibly overwhelming, feeling helpless in the face of such enormous crises. But there are things that each and every one of us can do, over and above individual choices to live more sustainably.

It’s really important that we limit our own negative impact on the environment around us. Not only does this have a direct positive action, but it can help inspire others to change behaviour or raise awareness too. Doing our bit can give us a sense of pride at being able to do something positive, leading onto empowerment and drive to do more. Living in a way which overtly damages the planet can, conversely, lead to a sense of cognitive dissonance; the emotional strain we feel when our values and our actions don’t align.

But what can we do once we’ve got our reusable shopping bags, committed to a refillable bottle and switched to green energy in our homes?

1. Connect to nature.

This is the most powerful thing we can do to keep our fires stoked and to make sure we’re well enough to continue working to look after our home planet. This means taking time in nature, whether that’s the fells, lakes, the beach or even a park or riverside. Being in nature, feeling the awe that accompanies time there, is what will drive us to want to protect it. It also helps us to see the issues it faces, for example pollution or destruction of habitat. However, perhaps overlooked, is that being in nature is really beneficial for our health and wellbeing. We need to stay well to be able to effect positive change. Time outside has the answers for both. Why not combine time outside with doing something positive, for an even bigger sense of positive wellbeing - for example a beach or river clean, or cycling or walking to school or work instead of talking the car?

2. Connect to your community.

We can’t face these crises alone. It’s really important that we find our tribes of like-minded people. Through everyone working to their own strengths, as part of a collaborative organisation or group, the effect of our actions can be multiplied. It’s also really important that we aren’t alone and have support. Check out the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic-Free Communities, or the Extinction Rebellion groups, or alternatively set up a group specific to what you’re trying to achieve. Being connected to our local communities, whether at school or the wider community, is really important at this time when the world feels more and more fragmented. If we keep our groups open-minded and inclusive, it’ll also help bring new members of the community on board, and inspire more people to care.

3. Make your voice as a citizen heard.

Vote, write to your MP about things you care about, encourage others to do the same. If you don’t agree with what your bank is investing your money in, change banks, but tell them why. Ask your local shops to reconsider the amount of single-use plastic they’re using. March in the streets on Fridays. We have enormous power as customers and citizens, and we mustn’t be afraid to use our voice - after all, whether its our vote or our money, government and businesses need something from us, so our opinion matters. This is where being a part of a community can also be particularly helpful. 

On 30th June 2020, The Climate Coalition have arranged #TheTimeIsNow virtual lobby, for a green and fair economy. We’re at a crucial turning point where we can move towards a model that values environmental and health protection, or locks in pollution for decades to come. You can make your voice heard by having a #cupofteawithmyMP online with other members of your constituent - all the details you need are here.

4. Help to educate and inspire those around you.

For those people in the community who are perhaps less connected to the environment and don’t understand the need to protect our natural world, how can you reach them on their level to help educate and inspire change? What stories can you tell them, what pictures or films can you show, not to scare or shame, but to encourage an understanding? What facts can you tell - both about how awesome the planet and its animals are, and how threatened they are?

5. Stay positive.

It’s easier said than done, but we have to try and remain positive and look for positive solutions. It’s so important that we don’t shame or guilt anyone, including ourselves, when it comes to tackling these massive issues, but feel really proud about anything positive that we do. We don’t hold the key individually - change has to come from all parties, including businesses and governments, but we do have enormous ability to act as catalysts to change, and that’s something to be excited about.