Interdependency - Individual/Organisation/Community

Climate change is the single most important issue facing humanity. We ARE Nature. And how we treat our environment has a direct impact on our physical and mental health. And vice versa. Interdependence is the key. And the time is NOW to come together, and harness this interdependency for our collective good.

A hugely clever, but evil piece of marketing has to be interdependency that we as Individuals need to change, and not the polluting, damaging organisations. And while we do all need to do our bit, for sure, we also need to face down the organisations that are doing the most harm. What is required in fact, is large scale Systems Change, and we as Individuals need to put the pressure on. We all share the same planet, and our individual selves and communities have great power, if we use it wisely

Here are some simple, day to day ideas of how we can have a positive impact:

Individual

• Avoid fast fashion and major culprits like Shein and Temu

• Talk to your peers/colleagues/families to educate them re the practices of these organisations

• Beware that when you buy online and return your items, they are likely going to landfill

• Shop less, shop local. Shop pre-loved and learn to repair or have your items repaired/upcycled

• This goes for Food too. Buy local, in season food as much as possible and be aware of waste. For a great read on how to reduce your food waste read this great book by Conor Spacey

Organisation

• At work, enquire as to your Sustainability agenda. If you don’t have one, start asking why, and offer to get involved.

• If you do have one, ask to see the outcomes. Is there any green washing going on or is real change afoot?

• Organisations, I believe can be a source of good or evil in the world. We spend a huge amount of time at work. What impact does your organisation have and where do you want to spend your working life contributing to? Not an easy question or answer, but one worth thinking about nonetheless

• If you are a part of a professional body, ask them what they are doing to further this critical issue. Have uncomfortable conversations. We need to drive change at all levels

Community

• How active are you in your community? Is this something that is of interest to you?

• I believe communities are the new families for many, and I believe many people are so interested in building local relationships

• Perhaps you can come together for climate friendly activities like litter picks, planting indigenous trees/plants, climate cafe meet ups

• Perhaps you can car pool/clothes swap/furniture sell/upcycle. The list is endless

While we tend not to hear much about the many, many, many worthwhile activities that are underway, globally, there are incredible people doing incredible things to further our shared agenda. You can also seek to get involved with one of the many projects/groups already established. And you can encourage your organisations and community groups to do the same.

Climate anxiety is a real issue and it tends to rob us of hope and our ability to act. Coming together is the antidote to this. It gives us hope and fuels us to take action in the right direction.

I write this as a storm rages the whole of Ireland. The same week Donald Trump takes his second presidency and plans to “drill baby drill.”

It is not enough to put Climate change on the long finger, as something we will “get to later” when we have finished with our other, “real” work. Time is running out. In living memory our climate is changing. What will it be like for our kids and grandkids?

What can we tell them we did to help?