We are all in different places on our metamorphosis journey.  We may dealing with the emotional aspects of the climate crisis. We may be dealing with existential threats to our own homes and families.   We may be in denial.   We may be ready to change.   For some, fully grieving the losses ahead is necessary in order to move forward.   Some of us may feel too small in the face of such a big crisis. No one person or individual has to shoulder the burden, but all of us can do something, in some way. 

 

While some of these solutions below may work for you, the fact is, for many we are simply not able to find the time, resources or energy to for example buy an electric car, or retrofit our homes. What is needed above all are systemic and structural changes, explored in the section, "Change the World." Also important, is to face the very real emotional and pyschological aspects of climate change, explored in the Catharsis section of this website.

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Things you can do right now...

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Take Action

Direct action to combat climate change is the most powerful thing you can do.   Whether it is by working to change laws, through direct action, there are many ways to be part of the global climate movement.   Learn more here.

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Walk, cycle, or take transit instead of driving.

Transportation is the biggest contributor to carbon emissions in Ontario – over 35 percent. Most of these emissions are from passenger vehicles, so start by considering the impact of your everyday journeys.

 

Limit your consumption.

Modern consumer culture promotes the constant purchase of new things and disposal of old. ‘Reduce’ is the most important part of the mantra ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’.

 

Reduce your food waste…

…and buy local to reduce the miles your food has travelled. In 2015, carbon emissions from the waste sector accounted for approximately five percent of Ontario’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

 

 

Use less energy at home.

Making your house more energy efficient is a great way to limit your impact. Getting a smart thermostat will help you lower your energy use and lower your energy bills.  You can also lower your heating by a couple of degrees, turn off your air conditioner when it’s not needed, or hang drying your clothes instead of using a dryer.

 

Limit your air travel.

If you can avoid flying with alternatives like rail, or even enjoying a staycation, choose the lower carbon option.

 

 Give your home an energy retrofit.

You can drastically reduce your carbon footprint by improving your insulation, replacing an inefficient furnace or fitting new energy efficient windows. Start with a home energy audit to find out what needs to be done first.

 

If you have to drive, consider an Electric Vehicle or Plug In Hybrid.

Thanks to Ontario’s low-carbon electricity supply, these can reduce your carbon emissions from transportation by up to 90% compared to a regular car.

 

Electric cars are a good low-carbon alternative to gas vehicles. And yes, they do work in winter.

 

Use renewable energy.

 You can do this by adding solar panels to your roof, or investing in community solar or wind projects if you don’t have access to a roof.  Adding solar panels reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to the move towards a fully renewable energy future.

 

Eat less meat and more plant based foods.

The meat industry takes up huge amounts of land and contributes considerably to global greenhouse gas emissions.  Commitments like Meatless Mondays, or reducing your meat consumption to at most one meal per day can have a big impact. Eat more plants, and try growing some of them yourself.

 

Urban farmer Ran Goel offers advice on how to fight climate change with your food choices.

Ask your political representatives to do more to fight climate change…

…and support the efforts they are making. Sign petitions. Write to your  representatives, and ask them to support policies and plans to meet our climate targets. The more they hear from you, the more they’ll know that it’s a priority for their constituents.

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SPREAD THE WORD

Encourage others to take action and change their habits too.

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Adapted from:  11  THINGS YOU CAN DO TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

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IDEAS FEATURED IN METAMORPHOSIS

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LAWN TRANSFORMATION

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POLLINATOR GARDENS

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EARTHSHIPS

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WITNESSING

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WATER WALK

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