I, like everyone else in the world right now, am trying to manage some considerable climate anxiety. The other day I told my friend she needs to get serious about her composting habits. She works in criminal justice reform and lives in Brooklyn AND has no kids. The nerve of me.
In the early months of last year I went from concerned environmentalist to survivalist. Presumably I’d read one too many articles on climate change. The pivotal article in question, whatever it was, was probably not singular in any way. Yet, suddenly I was on Zillow looking for little cabins not far from the Canadian border in order to stockpile fresh water and canned goods in preparation for 2060 (I’m such a good f’ing mom).
So much of our world currently lives with limited access to fresh drinking water (1.1 billion to be exact), why not us in the near future? I mean Flint for Gods sake!
You can order the 4-week, 4-Month, or “Ultimate Survivalist” food buckets from 4Patriots Survival Food Kits. I guess you order the amount based on the time you think you’re likely to survive?
“By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages”
As most of you are well aware, once you begin thinking about how to limit your impact on the climate it becomes an infuriating, overwhelming task that can drive you bananas (cut to me dragging two trash bags filled with recyclable gift wrapping out of my mother-in-law’s home because they were just not “DOING IT RIGHT”. My mother-in-law’s condo had questionable recycling habits so I decided it best to bring it home and separate it myself, further demonstrating my position as “most sanctimonious family member” in the eyes of my in-laws). Before I descended any further into this climate disaster rabbit hole I thought I should probably look into the numbers. How much control do we have as individuals and what is the overall impact of our actions?
The first article that appeared from my search clearly posited that the individual is not the problem. Dr. Morten Fibieger Byskov is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Warwick in the UK and describes the plight as such:
“Asking individuals to bear the burden of global warming shifts the responsibilities from those who are meant to protect to those who are meant to be protected. We need to hold governments to their responsibilities first and foremost. A recent report found that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions since 1988. ”
The very next article I read from the BBC was more tempered and very helpful. Stating that what we do as individuals can influence other behaviors, and in some instances make a more direct impact (cutting out meat, divesting in stocks in fossil fuels, and limiting car transport, for example).
I also began to uncover article after article about not having children in light of the environmental crisis. Jane Goodall and David Attenborough are part of a group called Population Matters whose mission is focused on living sustainably and choosing to have smaller families or to live “childfree by choice”, because it “contributes to environmental degradation, resource depletion, poverty and inequality”. On the other more extreme end is Voluntary Human Extinction Movement (VHEMT: May We Live Long, and Die Out). VHEMT claims 8,000 “volunteers” with the shared goal of restoring the planet by choosing to cease procreation (I would describe their website as approaching this bleak prospect with not a small amount of gallows humor).
I started to wonder if I had a leg to stand on as a concerned human since I recently created TWO NEW HUMANS who just consume and consume and consume. Very irresponsible.
Jenna Wortham & Wesley Morris of Still Processing
Last March, The New York Times Still Processing podcast interviewed David Wallace-Wells, author of “The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming”. Wallace-Wells position was similar to that of Dr. Byskov but what struck me was a point he made about the need to feel “active”.
Wallace-Wells says “… by far the most important thing to do is just to get people into office who are going to take this thing seriously. And when I look around and I see people arguing about veganism, people arguing about what clothes you buy, and plastic consumption and all that stuff, it’s so small that it often feels like it’s just a way to distract ourselves from the real problem, you know? Making us feel active when we’re actually not all that active.”
I can’t say I agree with this completely (says the layman with confidence), but maybe I didn’t need to drag the gift wrapping out of my mother-in-law’s house? Maybe I can concentrate on the other responsible choices I make and relax a bit on the ones I have less control over (or make my life a poop-filled hell…I’m looking at you, cloth diapers). But I do want to feel “active”. Even if it is a placebo.
One way to engage in climate policy is to get in touch with your local Citizens Climate Lobby. My local chapter is currently pushing through a Carbon Fee & Dividends policy. You can find your local chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby here:
Recently, a bulk refill store, GoGo Refill, opened just over the bridge from us in South Portland, Maine. Walking into the bright, minimalist space makes me feel like all is not lost after all. You bring (or buy) containers and fill up (and/or) purchase anything from castile soap, laundry detergent, toothpaste in capsule form, and shampoo in bar soap form.
The owner, Laura Marsten, has two kids and we started to chat. She gave me some advice on where to begin, the price points per product, and where the products are sourced. Honestly, it felt empowering. I know that sounds trite, but sometimes the simple act of not purchasing Tide or Crest can feel like a subversive act. So with all these unknowns whirling about, I asked Laura if I could send her a few questions to hopefully clarify some misconceptions and enlighten us. And after reading her answers, I would say it has and she did.
NTB: What do you think is the most pressing threat to our environment?
LM: I think the most pressing threat to our environment is the idea that our individual efforts are not going to change anything. Or the belief that our individual actions are the ONLY thing that will change anything. It's scary to think about, but we are now in the era where we need individual action, as well as wholesale systemic change to industry & regulation, as well as a cultural shift to prevent a dire climate emergency.
NTB: What are some simple ways to incorporate waste-saving habits throughout the day?
LM: These are my go-to tips!
Start small
I started this whole journey with a water bottle and a pledge to not buy a single-use plastic water bottle for a year. Trying to take on your whole house at once will drive you crazy and make this seem impossible, so pick an area like “kitchen cleaning” or “stop using zip-lock bags” and once that change has been made, look for another. We have lots of ideas on simple places to start - so come see us if you want some specific advice.
BYO
A good overall concept to get comfortable with is to bring your own. It could be a water bottle, a travel utensil set, or a container to get your takeout or bring home your leftovers - and obviously your reusable grocery bags. Being prepared with these simple items can help avoid moments where single-use plastics are the only option.
Speak up & ask questions
Being upfront about not wanting plastic packaging is sometimes awkward. Personally, I never want to be high-maintenance. But don’t be afraid to speak up and be clear about what you want, and don’t want! When you’re getting takeout ask “do you have paper or compostable packaging for that? I prefer not to have plastic.” Or ask “can you put it in my own container?” If you’re clear and kind I’ve found that most people will be happy to accommodate!
Laura Marston
NTB: As a parent, I sometimes move too fast and cut corners (like cleaning up too many spills with paper towels as opposed to cloth napkins). What is your advice on how to counteract these moments? Or is my energy better utilized elsewhere in the climate change fight?
In terms of where to allocate one's energy in the fight against climate change, there are a few key changes that will have the biggest impact for individuals and families: reduce food waste, and reduce the amount of animal products we eat. Those are tough changes to make if you are a meat-eating family.
My family is making those changes, along with refusing single-use plastics. Currently, about 8 percent of the world’s oil production is used to make plastic, according to a 2016 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and that figure is projected to rise to 20 percent by 2050. So whatever we can do to prevent that rise, is an important effort.
There is no shortage of places to focus your efforts, so figuring out which actions are manageable, impactful and sustainable for your family is the trick.
NTB: With regard to using organic products, cost can be prohibitive for lower income families. Is there a way to make waste-saving a more affordable option so that this movement can be community-wide?
I want to say upfront, that food insecurity is a huge issue in Maine, and if you are raising a family and you are struggling to put healthy food on the table on a tight budget, that should absolutely be your top priority. Many aspects of a low-waste life are also cost-saving. Like focusing on reducing food waste. That is something that has saved lots of money in our house - and is something I'm working on as my new year's resolution for 2020. There are also reusable products that have an up-front cost, but long-term savings. Like investing in a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water, or reusable Un-paper towels that can save your family $100+ dollars a year. I'm constantly inspired by my grandmother and the waste and cost-saving tactics she learned and practiced in the great depression. These tips are resurfacing and getting a 21st-century facelift by the current crop of zero-wasters. And it's not lost on me that many low-income families are already living this lifestyle without the fancy lingo and curated Instagram posts ;)
Producing less waste also means getting more use out of your items, like mending your clothes, buying second-hand and creative reuse of items. Going to a refill store isn't the only way to participate in the low-waste movement!
NTB: Amen! These are such salient points. I have just resolved to buy only vintage (especially for the kids) or from the few brands I admire (like Everlane). Once a year I try to do a big batch of tie dye. To re-up old onesies or get another year out of old t-shirts. Here is my favorite DIY Shibori tutorial, which includes a link to the indigo die I use:
NTB: In researching this piece, I kept uncovering articles about people who are consciously not having children because of the environmental impact. As a parent who is equally concerned with the future of our planet, I don’t know how to resolve my thoughts on this position. How would you (or do you) respond to this position on climate change?
LM: That's a super tough question!! I absolutely admire those who take that stance, but for me, having kids was not a question. Whether or not to have a family, or try to have a family, is such a personal decision I wouldn't ever say that someone should or shouldn't do it. What I will say, is that as the global population balloons, we have to live differently, making sacrifices to not overburden our planet (too late for that?).
NTB: Yes, I feel the same way. It’s a relief to hear your voice on this. Thank you Laura for sharing your wisdom!
I dragged those bags of wrapping paper out of the house because I am scared and trying to figure out how to make an impact and I wanted that action to be seen. My daily rituals of eating less red meat and repurposing old items bring me peace of mind when I desperately need to feel like I am making some progress. That is worth a lot to me. So my plan is this, to continue doing those things that make me feel good and hopefully will contribute in some small way to this larger movement as well as getting involved with my Climate Citizens Lobby and voting responsibly.
We need to be working hard towards change, but maybe it’s ok to preserve some of our own sanity as well.
The original tree huggers: They were over 300 villagers from the Bishnois branch of Hinduism who clung to the trees in their village that were to be cut down to be used to build a palace. The villagers were eventually slaughtered but their revolt inspired a movement.