Support candidates that make the need to act on Climate Change a priority in their campaigns at all levels of goverment, including state and local elecetions

If cattle were their own nation they would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases!  And, luckily, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans is good for you.

Systemic racism in America reflects an  intersection of many issues like health care, food, housing, and jobs but includes environmental racism, as well. People of color and other minorities will be disproportionately affected by climate change. Be sure to support racial justice groups that include environmental justice in their demands.  

 99% of plastic production is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels.  91% of the plastic produced is never recycled.  It  ends up in landfills, rivers and oceans, or is incinerated.  Avoid bags, utensils, straws, and single use containers made of plastic. Bring your own containers to restaurants and for take out. Buy in bulk. Repurpose containers. Consider the impact of the type of packaging at the point of purchase.

We need a critical mass of people demanding action to create the required systemic changes that a dysfunctional federal government seems unable to make.. A majority of Americans believe in the urgency of taking action on climate change but are not actively involved.Take a risk and engage people in your own concerns and actions on climate. 

Remember that period in 2020 when the air was fresh and the skies were clear of pollution? There was a temporary drop in greenhouse gas emission of 4 to 7% for part of 2020.  Reductions in driving, flying, and manufacturing all contributed to the accidental reduction of greenhouse gases in 2020 but CO2 emissions have risen to, and surpassed, pre-pandemic levels. .And, as we return to in person gatherings it is important to note that commercial buildings, including churches, account for 40% of energy use. If the worst aspects of the climate crisis are to be averted, greenhouse gas emissions must fall by 7.6 % every year starting in 2020.  

As the interconnections between issues like climate, health, poverty, and racism become increasingly clear, it is a reminder of the many ways in which our financial actions might add to the disparity of those affected. If you have investment or retirement savings, there are increasing opportunities to align your investments with your values, even if you are in mutual or index funds.  As You Sow  is an organization that employs shareholder advocacy with companies that have strong environmental, social, and governance principles(ESG).  They have a terrific tool to analyze your funds at asyousow.org/invest-your-values.

It takes a  lot of energy to pump, heat, and treat your water. Take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and switch to WaterSense- labeled fixtures and appliances. The EPA estimates that if just one out of every 100 American homes were retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, about 100 million kilowatt hours of electric power would be saved per year avoiding 80,000 tons of CO2 deposited into the atmosphere.

The economic model defined as collaborative consumption or the peer to peer activity of acquiring, providing, or sharing became more popular after the  2008 Great Recession. The current pandemic will also create opportunities for change. More working from home might mean less outright car ownership and the use of ride sharing services or bike shares. More use of digital platforms like Zoom could encourage low carbon initiatives like free Wi Fi hot spots. Gas powered equipment that is used infrequently like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and power tools are also great candidates for the sharing economy.

The average American discards around 80 lbs of clothing each year and 85% of it ends up in land fills where it releases methane as it decomposes, Buy quality clothing that will last! Even better, buy vintage and recycled clothing. Organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and the Society of St Vincent DePaul that will accept clothing for resale will also accept torn and stained textiles for recycling.    

Aside from reducing carbon emissions associated with shipping, why buy locally produced, in season produce? Answer: The local economy is supported, beneficial soil practices are more likely to be used on small farms, and eating more produce contributes  to less unhealthy consumption of processed food. Even better, plant your own vegetable garden!

At some point more of us will start flying again. With emissions projected to triple by 2050, no other human activity emits as much over a shorter period of time as aviation. And, the CO2 is injected directly into the atmosphere where it is the most damaging! So, try to reduce short haul and connecting flights which are the most polluting. Flying economy on long distance one way flights is the most efficient. Offset projects must be real, verifiable, enforceable, and permanent. Scams abound but ethical sites like carbonfootprint.com have a carbon offset portfolio along with a carbon footprint calculator. 

Automobiles are one of the top emitters of greenhouse gases. Drive less by walking more, taking public transportation, carpooling, biking, and combining errands. Avoid unnecessary braking or acceleration and use cruise control on long trips. Be sure your tires are properly inflated. Consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle. A large selection of electric cars is coming onto the market and attractive rebates are making them less of a novelty that only the affluent can afford.

 Support organizations that educate, protect, and empower girls and women such as Camfed.org, Girls Not Brides (brides.org), Tostan (Tostan.org), and Population Services International (psi.org).

Did you know that FUMCOG has a 100% renewable energy contract with its electric supplier? Wind and solar power are now comparable in price to traditional fossil fuel sources. The  additional costs in human health and a climate that might not be viable for long term survival by the continued burning of fossil fuel make the switch to renewables cost effective and one of the most important personal steps in reducing individual carbon footprints. If you have not already switched,and PECO is your utility you can research renewable suppliers of electricity and compare with PECO's base rates at PaPowerSwitch.com . Popular renewable suppliers like Community Energy, Clean Choice Energy, and the Energy Co-op offer rates without cancellation fees. The Energy Co-op offers 100% Pennsylvania sourced renewable electricity. They also offer an alternative to fracked gas with renewable natural gas sourced from decomposed oraganic matters like landfills and waste water.