People often ask, “How can one individual make an impact on the environment?”
Followed by “my changes won’t matter.”
When I think about individual impact, I see a circular graphic.
There is depth to each layer.
They build on one another.
The Center – Mindset
At the core is a shift in mindset where suddenly the planet enters as something we care about.
This shift can start gradually as you read and learn about human actions impacting our environment.
You can also shift quickly through a significant event – health, natural disaster, etc.
Ring 1 – Home
Once our mindset shifts the first change we tend to make is at home.
Replacing products, understanding energy use, recycling, the list goes on.
Changes at home start small and as we learn more, our changes become larger and start to add up.
Ring 2 – Venturing Out
As we gain confidence, we venture outside the home.
We take what we learn into our workplaces, our schools, and our communities.
Sometimes we take on projects where we know a more sustainable solution.
Other times, we don’t have a solution, but we lean in to be a catalyst for change.
To solve our climate issues, we need big, systemic change.
Companies and communities aren’t a thing. They are made up of people just like us.
We need to be a part of the change.
Ring 3 – Sharing Progress
As we mature through the rings, we start to share.
We tell friends about the new laundry detergent we discovered.
We post on social media a change made at our workplace.
We reach out to a neighboring community to share a new program our community put in place.
Summary
The rings are all in play at once.
You can be venturing out and sharing progress while still adjusting at home.
Reminding me of a great quote that is very fitting here:
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Helen Keller
Alone we can’t make the impact needed.
Being involved in all the rings – together – we can do so much.
Progress over perfection…. each day…. One Shade Greener.