3 Ways to Become an Environmentalist
With floods, storms, forest fires, and other environmental disasters becoming commonplace, it’s an excellent time to consider how your actions affect the environment. This can be daunting, though. There's so much to learn about the carbon tax, carbon dividends, carbon prices, carbon pollution, and fossil fuels. But it doesn't have to be, and once you understand more you'll see that your actions can make a huge impact on the environment. If you think only environmental leaders and council members can contribute to climate solutions, think again.
Several small lifestyle changes can also have a significant impact on the environment. From the food you eat to the energy you use, there are many ways to participate in climate solution efforts. If this is your first time considering climate solutions, it can be challenging to figure out how to do the right thing for the environment. However, there are easy ways to get you on the path to being an environmentalist. Read on to see how to build a roadmap to save the planet.
1. Start your advocacy campaign at home.
If this is your first time conserving energy, start small. One of the best practices for budding environmentalists is to start with a few lifestyle changes. Learn how to compost, recycle everything, and reduce how much meat and dairy you consume. You can use low energy bulbs, buy energy-efficient appliances, and shorten your showers to save water.
Turn the lights out and unplug devices when you’re not using them. You can also try not to use appliances that contribute to harmful emissions. For example, reduce how much and how often you use things like a dryer and dishwasher. Another great climate solution is to ensure that the electricity you use isn’t causing more damage to the environment.
Compare different companies and options to find an energy plan that will save time and energy. It’s best to use a third-party price-comparison platform to do this. For example, if you’re in Ireland, you can use a startup service like Money Gains. It will help you find the best deals on electricity tariffs and plans. That way, you can switch to a cheaper and more energy-efficient plan.
2. Volunteer and donate to climate solutions.
You may also consider volunteering your time to climate action efforts and organizations devoted to climate change solutions. You can donate money to help the World Wildlife Fund conserve near-extinct species. Or maybe spend a summer helping out at a nature conservancy. You can also join a non-profit advocacy campaign involved in solutions like the carbon dividends framework like the Climate Leadership Council.
This international policy institute offers internships, volunteer positions, and opportunities to donate to promote their climate solution efforts. It also provides aspiring environmentalists a wealth of information so you can see what equitable climate solution you’re spending your time and money to help put in place.
3. Educate yourself and others.
Do you know anything about the carbon fee, carbon neutrality, and carbon tax initiatives? Do you understand how fossil fuel companies, power plants, and gas companies contribute to climate change? What do you know about fossil fuels or the Paris Agreement? To be a good environmentalist, you need to know enough about what you’re advocating to change.
Educate yourself about everything that’s affecting the environment, so you can get involved in finding a viable climate solution. Find out what economists and environmental leaders are saying about climate change. You can also read books explaining complicated initiatives. For example, learn more about current climate solution plans like carbon dividends. If you prefer listening instead of reading, you can download audiobooks or check out several online talks recorded by climate change activists.
Once you have enough knowledge about climate change, you can begin to spread the message. Talk to friends and family members about initiatives and climate change issues. Consider setting up a local advocacy campaign in your hometown. Even small enterprises like local social media posts and petitions to council members in your local district can make a difference.
