4 Things You Can Do About Climate Change

Do you believe one person can change the world? I have certainly seen performances that have moved me so much, I was never the same again—including the first time I thought about becoming an actor! So why is it so hard to believe that we as individuals can do something about climate change? We can! 

All month long, we’re talking about sustainability and how we as individuals can create meaningful change in the world.

There are so many ways we can make an impact—from energy saving appliances to supporting local agriculture to dressing sustainably for your next audition or red carpet. I’ve pulled the Top 4 most impactful things you can do about climate change, and best of all, they are easy enough to get started today!

1) Go Car-Free or Carpool

A 2017 study ranked 148 actions you could take to help climate change, and the most effective way is to go car-free. I know that “nobody walks in L.A.” (and probably many other cities across the country), but ditching your Dodge can reduce up to 2.5 tons of CO2 – that’s more than a quarter of the average yearly emissions we each contribute.  

So if you want to make the biggest impact on climate change, simply opt for alternative transportation. Take public transportation when it’s available. Walk or bike, or take an electric scooter or bike to run errands that are close by, and carpool with your friends to events or work.  

2) Eat Less Meat and Dairy

The next biggest contributor to climate change, after the fossil fuel industry, is the food industry, specifically the meat and dairy sectors. It takes a tremendous amount of resources to raise and maintain the world’s cattle, and the process releases plenty of carbon emissions. Plus, cows literally burp greenhouse gas (methane) back up, adding even more to the environment. 

In fact, according to the BBC, “If cattle were their own nation, they would be the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after China and the US”!

I am not saying you need to become a vegan (unless you want to), but we can all benefit with a few more meatless meals in our diet. And our planet will benefit too! By cutting your animal protein consumption by half, you’ll reduce your impact on the planet by 40%. If you still want protein, switch out some of your red meat for fish or poultry, which causes less environmental damage to produce.

And don’t forget, many of the largest and strongest animals on Earth are big, beautiful herbivores too, like the powerful and intelligent elephants, the fierce rhinos, the happy hippos, the sharp bison and savvy gorillas. So the next time you’re at craft service picking up lunch, consider asking for the vegetarian option. 

3) Rent for the Red Carpet

As a creative person, I concede that the fashion industry has its place in our culture. But fast fashion and our general over-consumption of goods creates some serious environmental ripples. Clothing production represents around 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions, which sounds small until you realize that the average American tosses out almost 80 pounds of clothes a year.

As an actor, I like to have lots of options so I’m prepared for any audition, but you don’t need designer duds to make a good impression in the audition room. Check out your local thrift store or gently-used resale shop to find extra pieces and accessories.  

For red carpet events, consider renting your garment instead of buying something fancy you’ll only wear once or twice. Rent The Runway has lots of beautiful options in a wide range of sizes and styles. Plus, it’s cheaper and super easy to “shop” online and send your items back when you’re done. 

4) Join A Community

We talked about this a little bit last week, but action is really the antidote to climate anxiety. Find a community of like-minded people and combine your efforts. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Research community gardens or urban farms in your area. 
• If you live in a coastal area, help monitor wetlands in your area and participate in organized clean ups. The EPA maintains a list of volunteer programs in each state here. 
• If you live in a wooded area, meet up with your local brush-clearing group to help maintain the forests and prevent the spread of wildfires. 
• Help get people back on their feet after natural disasters by building homes with Habitat for Humanity. 
• Lobby for more environmental protection legislation, or just lend a hand in the office. Patagonia Action Works, part of the outdoor gear company of the same name, has a database of lots of grassroots organizations you can connect with here. 

It doesn’t matter which cause you’re most passionate about; it makes a difference that you’re doing something. Not only will a group help keep you accountable and moving forward, but you’ll also reduce your stress and anxiety about the future. So it’s a real win-win for you and Mother Earth!

What do you think about climate change? What action are you taking today to help? I’d love to know in the comments below!