3 Rs + a C.

Yes, I just said that the advice we received as kids is inadequate. However, if you are unsure where to start, start here. Reduce the number of packaged products you use, turn off the lights every time you exit a room, turn off the water while brushing your teeth, limit your water consumption by taking faster showers. Reduce.

Use as many reusable products as possible. Water bottles, shopping bags, storage containers, lunch boxes, anything that can be easily washed and reused instead of thrown away. Reuse.

Become an expert in your local recycling policy. Waste management companies provide this information on their websites. Follow their recommendations. There are stations set up to take products and chemicals that cannot be recycled through the waste management company in your area. Things like motor oil, antifreeze, electronics, appliances, etc… can be taken down to these stations and safely recycled or disposed of. Recycle.

And finally, compost. Most major metropolitan areas have a company that will take compostables. Food, paper towels, anything that will break down in a short period of time and be turned into places like these. Also look for community gardens and farms that take compost. There are many options, all it takes is a little research. Compost.

VOTE DAMN IT!

Wherever you are, whatever your voting laws are, exercise your right and vote. Do it! Every single election, every single measure, every bill and minuscule piece of legislation. Vote on everything every single time.

Do your research. Who is the person you are presented with? What do they actually believe in? Where is their money coming from? Whose interests do they truly support? How have they voted in the past? Dig deep. Do not trust memes, campaign ads, slander, or party lines. Do not vote for someone or something simply because they are a member of your chosen political party, or because that party supports it. Find real reports, real evidence, real testimonies. Dig deep and get all the facts.

Vote for what YOU believe. Do not swallow propaganda from anyone. Do your research and vote your conscience. Vote for yourself, for your children, for your community, and for the world.

You have the right and ability to shape our world. Use it. Vote!

Your $ speaks volumes.

We may not be eager to admit it, but we live in a capitalist society. Our money determines a large portion of our lives. And where we spend it tells a story. Where we spend our money tells the world what we believe in and support. Moreover, it tells prominent corporations where the profits are. If companies who pollute suddenly start losing money and those who utilize renewable energy start showing greater and greater profit margins, the whole industry will change to follow the money.

Take particular care with how you allocate your money. Everything from the groceries you buy on a regular basis, to the appliances you purchase, to that new car you finally saved up enough for, has an environmental impact. Are you buying local? Are you supporting companies that work to repair the damage to our environment? Are you investing in renewable energy companies? Or are you investing in oil companies? Where is your money going and what story are you telling with it?

I realize the majority of people in the world don’t have millions of dollars to spend on investments and large purchases. Every little bit helps. Even if it is as simple as purchasing milk from a local dairy, every little drop in the bucket contributes to the flood. Do what you can with a conscious effort.

Donate.

Maybe this is all just too much. Maybe you don’t want to think that much. Maybe it is all way too overwhelming. And you know what? That’s okay. Climate change is a huge, multi-faceted topic. It is hard to comprehend and harder to feel like you can make a difference. If you are lost and unsure what to do, donate.

Whether it is $10, $100, $1,000, or a million. Everything helps. Pick a charity, organization, or cause that you believe in, and make a donation. It is tax deductible in the USA. So, go for it. You literally have nothing to lose.

Below is a list of organizations we support. Pick one, click on their name, and make your donation. It is that simple.

• National Parks Foundation

• Greenpeace

• N.O.A.A.

• N.A.S.A.

• Environmental Defense Fund