Just Chill Pledge

I took a course this summer on climate change. I have always thought of myself as an earth-friendly inhabitant, but could we all do a little more with a little more intention? The question is: how?

What can one person do to lower greenhouse gas emissions and help cool the earth?

I went to the great oracle, Google, and inquired what could be done.

I found articles like this one:

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/10-ways-you-can-help-fight-climate-crisis

It listed 10 ways everyday people could, in fact, help. However, it is not enough just to have a generic listing of what one could do. Advocacy has to be personal. It requires specific commitment and a pledge to a cause and an outcome.

A small gesture goes a long way.

Much like a ripple effect, intentional advocacy can travel far and wide. Social consciousness is important. It is not enough to bury our heads in the sand or leave the work up to someone else. We might not make it to the end of our own lives comfortably, let alone secure the lives of future generations.

If not us, who?

If not now, when?

But how? The question always comes back to how.

Just Chill Pledge

The Just Chill Pledge is a personal commitment to 10 ways each individual person will actively impact awareness of climate change, advocate for responsible and sustainable practices, and make personal greenhouse emission commitments.

Allow this pledge to inspire you.

Make a list of 10 things you are willing to do to move the needle, and publish it on your social media page with these hashtags:
#10ways2Bcool #justchillpledge #climatechange #earthadvocacy #globalwarming #coolearth #doingmypart #globalsolutions #Ucan2

Here is my list:

Community. There are people all around me who care about the planet and know far more about conservation, climate strategy, and ways to make a difference than I do. I just need to plug in. I have found great organizations online through higher education outlets, social media, local city, county, and state government, and Meetup. Great minds think alike. Besides, we are more likely to commit and have an impact when we align with others who share a common interest.

Understand. Do I even understand what is at risk? Knowing just how high the stakes are elevates climate change on my personal priority list. All the effort and possible inconvenience to do better gains significance when it is attached to purpose. Reading, listening, and learning are required. I am not suggesting that anyone become a martyr. I am merely implying that knowledge is powerful and can empower us to make micro changes that ripple into macro changes.

Perspective is vital. Cultural perspective is vital. What is occurring in the northern hemisphere will impact the south. People and villages play a vital role in understanding what is happening, and how to change it. A great example of this is understanding Indigenous cultures. They honor the land at an identity level. The way they honor the land in all they do plays a key role in sustainability. Read more about this preserved ancient knowledge in articles like:

https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/indigenous-knowledge-crucial-fight-against-climate-change-heres-why

The “what” without the “why” is futile. I have personally decided that climate change is important to me for quality of life. I love being outdoors. It is a vital part of my sanity and personal peace. If being outdoors is not safe for me, how will that impact my health and happiness?

I also care about my legacy. I think about my great-great-grandchildren that I will never know. I want them to have a happy childhood frolicking outside, carefree. If the atmosphere is not safe, this cannot happen. So, I will do better by learning better ways to have better days.

Vote and Correspond. Sustainable change comes with money and power. We must take an active role to employ politicians that share our values and concerns. Even when they do not, we need people who at least support those who respect the things we hold sacred. It is important to correspond. Periodically write to politicians so they know the issues and concerns that are important to us. Maybe ask for clarification on their perspective or what they can do to help. We need to be talking to the people we do not vote for more than the ones we did. This requires me to know their stance and political record. Again, it requires a little effort on my part, but the future of our planet is counting on me not to be ignorant. We cannot keep “sticking our heads in the sand” hoping someone else will care and take action. That “sand” is heating up and may melt us with the earthquake and volcanic activity flowing our way.

Inform my Wallet. This includes supporting brands that have social and environmental awareness and do their part in reducing greenhouse gases and emissions—even those that simply attempt to honor sustainability. Spend with brands that care. Leaning into sustainable change is typically about minimalistic choices that improve my personal finances. This alone is worth the commitment.

Shop Local. Shopping local helps reduce the need for items (and me) to travel long distances and helps local small business owners. For me, or others, it may also mean creating a small business solution that fills a gap.

Less Clothes Shopping. I love fashion! So, this one is hard for me. When I learned that the fashion industry plays a big part in carbon emissions, I was convicted. I am committing to wearing my clothes longer and more times than I personally desire. It also saves me money. This is a no-brainer for most of us, but we have to follow through. For more tips view articles like this:

https://goodonyou.eco/reduce-fashion-carbon-footprint/

Growing a Summer and Winter Garden. Growing my own food helps me to ensure less food waste and forces me to consider composting. It also saves me money and improves my health. This is a win-win.

A Greater Commitment to Recycling and Upcycling. This also includes searching out ways to upcycle items that do not fit the traditional outlets. This may take a little more creativity and effort on my part, but consciousness is the first step.

Adjusting my Thermostat. I am committing to 72 degrees in the summer and 67 degrees in the winter. This may force me to wear some more of those clothes I already own.

Social Influencing. I have a small voice and platform to bring awareness of the global climate crisis and challenge others to advocacy. Periodically, I can venture away from my regular scheduled content to do this because it is important. Writing this article is a good first step.

Bonus: Stay Home a Little More. The more I get into my car, the more I contribute to waste. Wasting my money, energy, and resources often happens with little thought. It may not be great for the economy, but it is good for my soul and the environment. As a former mortgage lender, I used to always say, “Savings saves lives.” It is also applicable here. When we save money, we are also likely saving the earth.

These things are not going to change the world overnight, but if a few billion people are doing just 10 very personal and simple things, how could the world change?

Join me in this pledge:

I pledge to do my part for the earth! Please pass it on.

Resources

AI Image from Adobe Firefly- Prompt: Imagine a heated earth, cooling down, with sunglasses.