Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.
Edmund Burke, orator, philosopher and MP (1729–1797)
What can any one person do? An infinite number of things, as it turns out. Many planet-saving activities are money-saving too; many are downright fun; many are both. Doing the things we’ve been told to do for years – insulating our homes, adjusting thermostats in our homes and cars to reduce heating and cooling, and driving so as to improve fuel economy – all save money. But bicycling is more fun than driving, and saves more money and more carbon. The US environmentalist Stewart Brand argues that Californians are so green precisely because they are such hedonists.
Personalize your planet-saving. You may enjoy gardening, birdwatching or boating. Climate change is disrupting such activities as it changes rainfall patterns and natural habitats, and brings more storms, floods and droughts. Join or form a birding, boating or garden club.
Then write letters and emails to politicians, perhaps once a week, as an individual or an organization. Only turning off the lights when we leave the room won’t do it. We need tough new policies, and politicians need to courage to implement them. Help them find that courage.
Join an environmental or sustainable development pressure group – a local, national or global one, or maybe one of each. That would increase and focus political pressure and also help you educate yourself and your friends and family.
But these are just suggestions. It’s really up to you.
