Do I have a minute to fight climate today? Fine, I’ll take out one of my AirPods. But you should know that I’m not going to donate any money because I’ve already done my part this week by reading five headlines about it.
Did I actually read any of the articles? Trust me, I was absolutely outraged when I read the headlines so I didn’t even need to.
You should have been there when I spotted “17 of the 18 Warmest Years on Record Have Occurred Since 2000.” I rolled my eyes and emailed it to myself to read later. I’ve been trying to keep my inbox clear, though – for psychology reasons – so I had to delete it.
The effects of climate change may be bad for humanity’s future, but its pervasiveness in my newsfeed is even more devastating to my mental wellbeing. Self-care is important, and I don’t need to be triggered by getting into all the details of how “Environmental Loss Along Coastlines Could Expose Up to 300 Million People to an Increased Risk Of Flooding.”
Honestly, it was brave of me to even glance at that one; I’m a beach person.
I did manage to click one of the headlines I saw this week, though, and even trudged through the usual lead-in doomsday stats. But then I started wondering what my ex was up to on Instagram, so I hopped off to check that out.
You probably think I’m total garbage, right? Which reminds me, “Composting Can Play a Major Role in Shrinking a Person’s Carbon Footprint” – that headline inspired me to stop throwing away my banana peels at home and start throwing them on the sidewalk. Let nature do its thing!
Here’s the thing: I don’t need to read the articles when I’m already so informed. A perfect example is my awareness that “The Operating Procedures of Many Major Corporations are a Contributor to Climate Change.” After reading that headline, I stopped my monthly auto-delivery of toilet paper from Amazon and now buy it from the corner store that’s right outside my apartment.
That’s right, I’m supporting local businesses while fighting climate change.
Also, the irony that Amazon is contributing to the literal Amazon being on fire is not lost on me. I wrote a really witty tweet about it. So, yeah, I guess I’m kind of increasing public awareness in my own way.
Is climate change an issue I care about? Clearly. Worthy of whatever I can spare? Absolutely. But just because I’m not going to donate money doesn’t mean I’m not helping the cause!
As the saying goes, time is money, so I chose to advocate this week by scrolling through my phone while I was bored at work on both Monday and Thursday. You’re a volunteer donating your time, so I’m sure you can relate.
And listen, I’m not perfect; I use plastic bags at the grocery store, but everyone does! What makes me different is that I re-use them as garbage bags for the trash can in my bathroom, which is pretty clever if you ask me. Can’t do that with a tote bag!
I’m making real, personal sacrifices to fight climate change, too. As I’m sure you’re aware – or maybe not – “Eating Less Meat Is Essential to Curbing Climate Change.” I was craving a cheeseburger the other day when I remembered that headline and decided to eat a salad instead. Also, I kind of let myself go after the breakup with my ex, so I’m trying to lose five pounds.
So, no, I’m not going to donate to fight climate change today, and probably not tomorrow or next week, or until there’s a fundraiser EDM concert I would buy tickets to anyway, and would allow me to feel self-righteous while I trip out on Molly.
Tell you what though, you can totally put me on your email list. I’d love to stay up to date.
