What can we do?
As individuals we can feel powerless in the face of all the huge global problems. This can lead to apathy and a sense that it is not our responsibility to act. But every positive action builds until it becomes real change. Remember - Think Globally, Act Locally. By acting, you create the momentum to make things happen! We are not powerless, we can make a difference if we make the effort.
We are all consumers as well as citizens and members of the community. As consumers, we can direct our consumption to minimise the damage it causes, and maximise any benefits. As a first step:
REDUCE don't buy stuff unless you really need it. Consume less, and reduce your environmental footprint
REUSE don't just throw things away. Many items can be passed on to others to use (even sold on)
RECYCLE instead of putting it in the bin, recycle it.
Remember, if you do have to buy new, try to source it from the most enviromentally responsible and ethical producers. For advice and help on being an ethical consumer (both environmentally and human rights-wise) :
http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/
Another thing we can all do is SHOUT!
If you feel strongly about something, don't just tell your friends and family, put your view across to those who are in positions of influence and responsibility. The people who make the decisions that count. Our elected politicians, for example, are supposed to represent us. To do that properly they need to know what we think and how we feel about important issues. There are plenty of lobby groups representing corporations, industries and vested interests who are bombarding these people with their views. We need to SHOUT (metaphorically, and politely) to be heard above the cacaphony. Together we can be louder, stronger and more influential!
And if we don't speak up, you can be sure that decisions will be influenced by those that do. So, let's start making a noise and letting those making the decisions know our views.
Here are a few ways you can usefully make yourself heard:
1. Sign plant life UK petition for road verge campaign
Protection and expansion of local biodiversity, promoting the connectivity of wildlife corridors. Plantlife is campaigning to prevent mowing of verges especially at the wrong time in the life cycle of important plants for insects.
http://plantlife.love-wildflowers.org.uk/roadvergecampaign#letter-to-your-council
2. Email Michael Gove michael.gove.mp@parliament.uk
EU farm subsidies have been the main source of income for conservation charities: Write to express support for the ending of the EU basic payments scheme which has indiscriminately rewarded large and wealthy land owners, in favour of a scheme based on the "public good". However, the lack of definition for what constitutes 'Public good' should be highlighted, as conservation projects will be dependent on these funds. Government support for the shale gas industry, for example should not be considered a public good, especially with regards to the Paris Climate Change agreement...
3. Email Clare Perry claire.perry.mp@parliament.uk
Minister of State (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) (Energy and Clean Growth). Responding to news http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44160820
that planning laws are to be relaxed to make it easier for fracking companies to fast track over local objections. According to Max Rosenberg (LHAG), mention of conflicts between this government proposal and the Paris climate change agreement is helpful here.
4. Write to the manager of your local supermarket to ask what they are doing to reduce plastic waste and express support for any option for a plastic free isle.
5. SIgn this petition on plastic free aisles
6. Sign up to these organisations to stay informed and support ongoing campaigns
Leith Hill Action group https://www.surreycommunity.info/lhag/
Fracking in Surrey http://frackfreesurrey.com/about-fracking
Voice for Leith Hill https://www.voiceforleithhill.co.uk/
Leith Hill Protection camp https://leithhillprotectioncamp.co.uk/
Surrey CC Divestment https://gofossilfree.org/uk/fuellingthefire/
Surrey Greens https://surrey.greenparty.org.uk/
CPRE (Opposing Green belt development) https://www.cpresurrey.org.uk