How to be an Environmental Activist

The environment has made headlines a lot in the past couple of years, and most of the time it seems like it’s not good news. It may feel like there’s nothing you can do about it, but the truth is every person is important in helping mitigate climate change. It can be easier than you think to be an advocate for the environment.

Next time you feel like helping the environment is an overwhelming feat, try one of the five actions below:

Volunteer

I’ve mentioned this on my blog before, but volunteering is a great way to make a difference toward saving the environment. There are a ton of different ways to get involved in green volunteering, from local watersheds and parks to organizations like the National Parks Service. Giving back to your community is a great way to experience nature and lend a helping hand. If you’re in college, a lot of campuses have environmental groups you can join that volunteer around the community. Some offices give volunteer PTO, which is a great option when you’re working full-time like I am. If they don’t, you can always take it upon yourself to organize a volunteer event.

Practice what you preach

Issues like greenhouse gases have been around for decades, so why are they still such a prevalent problem? It’s easier to identify the issue than it is to start enacting solutions. The best thing you can do is lead by example. Whether that’s limiting meat consumption, reducing single use items, or using eco-friendly transport, just try to act that in your daily life. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to try. Anne Marie Bonneau’s quote on zero waste sums this up, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

Put your money where your mouth is

Buying green (and avoiding brands that greenwash) is one of the best ways to be an advocate for the environment. Shopping habits have a big impact on the environment, and spending your dollars in an eco-friendly way is a great use of purchasing power. There are many ways you can go about this, from shopping local to buying in-season to reducing online purchases. Don’t forget your reusable bags!

Vote

Environmental policy is a bipartisan issue and a meaningful way to impact the environment. Research what candidates stand for (that goes for state and local as well), and then get out and vote. But don’t stop with casting the ballot! After voting, write/call whoever is elected to show your support or concern toward specific legislation. Our government is of the people, by the people, for the people, so let’s make that happen.

Never stop learning

One of my favorite classes in college was Environmental Ethics. It covered what responsibility humankind has to the natural world. If you’re in school, take a class, join a club, speak with a professor. Outside of formal education, read a book (I personally recommend Silent Spring by Rachel Carson), listen to podcasts, TED Talks and anything else you can get your hands on. When you’re educated on the problem and potential solutions, you can better contribute to the conversation.

Remember, there is not one right way to be an advocate for the environment, and keep in mind you don’t have to single-handedly fix climate change. It can be overwhelming, but we’re all in it together.

There will always be new things to learn and new issues to tackle, but as long as you care, you’re an environmental activist.