How to Make Your Energy Matter
Some climate actions make a bigger impact than others. Here are steps individuals can take that help reduce carbon emissions. First, keep in mind:
- Start with one action. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and do nothing!
- If you care about climate action, you’re not alone. Studies show the majority of Americans (78%) want action on climate, yet people dramatically underestimate how many people feel the same way.
- You have more influence than you realize. Share this list of actions with others and tell them what action you’re taking.
Influence Your Networks and Advocate
- Influence your networks. Help your workplace, book club, neighbors, family, or place of worship go green (share this list with them!)
- Vote and campaign for clean energy candidates, donate to their campaigns.
- State regulatory boards are powerful – they decide how, when, and where clean energy projects are built in your state. Oil and gas interests have deep influence with many of the boards—state regulatory board meetings are open to the public and they need to hear from residents pushing for clean energy. Start attending and bring friends.
Green Your Money
- Switch to a green bank or credit card, such as Aspiration, ATMOS, Ando. The world’s 60 largest banks lend trillions of dollars to the fossil fuel industry.
- Similarly, you can stop funding fossil fuels with your investments (401k, IRA, credit card).
- Pressure your university/alma mater to divest, getting rid of stocks or bonds that support oil and gas companies.
Fix Food
- Eat more plants and grains, reduce meat consumption.
- Reduce your food waste or compost.
- Start an herb or vegetable garden, or plant trees and pollinator-friendly plants.
Electrify Your Life
- Install solar at your home and cut home carbon emissions completely.
- Buy or lease a new or used electric vehicle. EVs produce zero emissions, are fun to drive, and save you money over time.
- Replace old appliances with energy efficient ones: Electric or induction stove, heat pump, electric lawn mower/weed eater, electric clothes dryer, or an electric panel (breaker box)
- Electrify everything!