Divest

Divest your money

Ethical investing is gaining momentum and boy are we ever happy to jump on this bandwagon. Many big banks and investment portfolios support or finance the huge fossil fuel projects like pipelines and offshore drilling projects. These investments not only end up perpetuating our dependence on fossil fuels by creating more expensive infrastructure, but they also are inevitable sources of environmental pollution when leaks happen. You can choose to not finance these projects by moving your personal finances and investments out of fossil fuels by using a credit union or developing an ethical investment portfolio. When you’re closing your accounts, don’t be afraid to tell your banker why. Moving your money to an institution that aligns with your values will help show consumer demand for clean energy and put less money in the pockets of big oil companies. When fossil fuels are not profitable, change will come.

Move Well

Use group & public transportation

Drive less, carpool more. So many individuals drive the same routes using their own cars (& gas) to get to the same place. This not only is taxing on the environment, but it’s also taxing on your wallet (maintenance costs, anyone?). Public transportation can also be a great option that reduces fossil fuel usage and let’s you reclaim your commute time for whatever reading, work, or communications you need to catch up on.

Choose active transportation

Active transportation methods like walking, biking, e-scootering, and more are not only good for the planet, but they’re also good for your health. Choosing physical activities helps make sure you get your exercise in and elevates your mental health through exposure to the outdoors and elevated serotonin levels. Treat yourself right while doing right by Mama Earth.

Travel Well

Explore more locally

Opt out from one of your long-distance flights to explore your own backyard. Long-haul flights carry huge carbon footprints and are expensive. Creating a staycation that allows you to become a tourist in your own town will let you experience your home in a new way and connect you more deeply to your local offerings (sights, sounds, and tastes included).

Off-set your carbon footprint

When you fly or drive, there are a number of organizations that you can use estimate the impact of your travel and offer different ways to off-set your impact, like planting trees or sequestering carbon.

Go Solar

Use renewables

Choosing options like solar provides more energy with less impact. Many governments (both local and national) provide tax credits or energy buy-back programs for residential renewables, too. Not in a position to do this? Try leveraging our civic engagement tools to support larger-scale transitions to renewables!