How To Get Involved In Environmental Activism

Last Updated on April xi, 2020

With all the dismal news swirling around us nosotros may feel helpless, insignificant, or as if our actions don't affair.

Well, I am here to tell you lot that they do! Seriously.

And, getting involved in your community is one of the best ways to keep eco-anxiety at bay.

Get more tips for banishing eco-anxiety.

I am an environmental activist.

I advocate for a less wasteful life in my customs, and I am going show y'all how to do it too.

I'm a wife, a mom, I work, I know that time is SO valuable.

I am just your average gal – I promise!

I'm going to exist honest, being an activist can exist a huge commitment, but it doesn't accept to be!

Sometimes it'due south equally piece of cake every bit asking a question or talking to the correct person. Yep. It's really that easy.

1. with the school:

During a meeting I asked if they would eliminate single-use, plastic straws in the cafeteria.

It took some time, but eventually the did – which prevented 3,600 students from automatically being given a straw every day!

2. with the PTA:

In 2016, I set a personal goal to reduce the waste at the school and school events in my commune.

Every year nosotros accept a HUGE funfair where thousands of plastic trinkets are handed out as prizes.

I decided to piece of work with the consequence chairs and PTA president
I explained why the prizes weren't needed
I explained the impact of plastic our environs
Reminded them that most kids played with the toys for a few minutes before throwing them away or having to be decluttered a few months later

So, they decided to ditch plastic prizes! As a bonus, this too saved the PTA a meaning corporeality of money.

3. with a local non-turn a profit:

I work with Become Green a not-turn a profit system that has really upped my community outreach.

I take worked with several organizations to "green" their events which means reducing landfill waste, setting up recycling, and composting.

For example, the Boy Scouts program is strong in our community and each troop has an annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser that caters to more 500 hungry guests.

While at the issue one twelvemonth, I looked around at all the waste matter and thought there had to be a better way.

I spoke with one of the troop leaders which so lead to me presenting a more eco-friendly pancake breakfast to the committee.

Anybody was on lath so we swapped out the Styrofoam plates, plastic cups, plastic cutlery, etc. for either reusable or compostable items, while adding composting and recycling.

The original effect created 18 large trash bags, the new zippo waste result created just 2!

4. with the grocery store:

I dearest to store from the bulk bins when I can. This helps me reduce my packaging waste material.

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Zero Waste Grocery Shopping.

I use my produce bags to purchase nuts, granola, rice, beans, raisins, etc, but I would dearest for there to be more than of a selection then I'thou collaborating with the Bulk Regional Manager at Whole Foods to expand their bulk section.

Hopefully this will come to fruition, especially since Illinois is about to pass a bill (HB3440) which will (FINALLY!) let customers to use their own containers at bulk sections. Cantankerous your fingers!

5. with gifting:

Speaking of my reusable produce bags, they always become attention when I'1000 grocery shopping, usually at checkout.

My rule is if someone asks me what they are or where I bought them, I give them ane of mine for free!

I see this as a way of inspiring people to use reusable produce bags as well as paying information technology forwards in hopes that they will do the same.

In fact, while handing over the bag, many take excitedly told that they will practise only that – how absurd!

6. with the local government:

A new eating place opened on Lake Michigan which is a hot-spot for waste!

I attended our Park District'southward bi-weekly meeting to abet for better sustainability practices.

Given the proximity to Lake Michigan, I lobbied difficult for the elimination of plastic straws! A no-brainer in my eyes.

Information technology's still a work in progress just giving up is non an option.

7. with my neighborhood:

Lastly, cake parties are big inside my customs.

Oft times they create a lot of unnecessary waste.

To combat this, I created an Consequence Greening 1-pager that provides suggestions on how to reduce waste at any blazon of event.

I worked with our local government to take this ane-pager added to the Village Cake Party website correct adjacent to where the block party permit application resides then that residents tin't miss it!

I am set to personally light-green 2 cake parties this summer and the hope is that the 1-pager will inspire residents to do the same.

impact:

The best affair about working in your customs is that you get to share the bulletin outside of yourself.

Think most ALL of the people you tin influence.

Not only are yous bringing sensation to the those working and volunteering, you're bringing sensation to the guests who witness first-mitt how a few simple changes can reduce waste product significantly.

Guest Post: Nicole Boomgaarden, from Chicago, is the founder of imperfectzerowaste.com. She works office-time as a Sr. Business organization Analyst in the financial industry. Serves equally the liaison with local schoolhouse districts to help them adopt sustainable practices and environmental instruction. Enjoys playing softball, volleyball, dancing, reading and sharing her cognition around how to live a greener life on her Instagram account @imperfect_zerowate.