I keep having to remind myself that even if I were to given to my feelings of guilt and give up many of the conveniences I enjoy and cut my carbon footprint to be as small as possible, it would not have nearly the same impact as working collectively with other people to try to change the structures of capitalism.
There is no reason you can’t do both! I’ve made a lot of changes to reduce my carbon footprint that have made my personal life easier, better, and cost me less money.
For example, my wife and I decided to move to a slightly more expensive neighborhood, but it’s actually walkable and right next to the train station. Now we buy most of our daily necessities walking or biking, which is good for our health, and take public transit to many places we used to drive to. Our carbon footprint is less, we get more exercise, our travel is more convenient, and due to much less driving we actually save money even though housing cost went up a bit.
Not saying this exactly will work for you; but my point is that sometimes we can make changes that make a big difference in our individual footprint but aren’t actually giving up any convenience.
It’s good to hear that you were able to move somewhere more convenient. The main issue I have now is that I work far from where I live. I’d need to find a different job closer, which isn’t impossible, but still a big change.
Very good practical example and explanation. I would note that Obamacare unfolded the way it did because extraneous circumstances meant they only had the senators they needed for the vote for 4 months. They had a very short window to get it through at all and concessions had to be made.
Dems are far from perfect, but we shouldn’t put Republican obstructionism on their heads. That’s what has ruined our nation the past 50 years.
There are very good reasons to be good custodians and stewards of the environment personally when we can afford to do so. I got rid of my car, got a bike, and walk or take public transport wherever I can. It has definitely improved my quality of life too. It won't save the world, but keeps me healthier, and is easier on my conscience.
Although, I realise I'm privileged that I live somewhere that has almost everything I need within walking distance. In the past I've lived places it would have been impractical or even impossible to give up my car. At least without other systems around me changing substantially (which made me aware of how dysfunctional the system can be, how dangerous it is, and the need to change it).
Yes, for sure it won’t save the world on its own. But I do believe both individual and collective actions are both imperative. So whenever I see someone bummed out by either option I try to remind them it’s worth the effort :) meant this as a response to the other commenter
Thank you for writing this.
I keep having to remind myself that even if I were to given to my feelings of guilt and give up many of the conveniences I enjoy and cut my carbon footprint to be as small as possible, it would not have nearly the same impact as working collectively with other people to try to change the structures of capitalism.
There is no reason you can’t do both! I’ve made a lot of changes to reduce my carbon footprint that have made my personal life easier, better, and cost me less money.
For example, my wife and I decided to move to a slightly more expensive neighborhood, but it’s actually walkable and right next to the train station. Now we buy most of our daily necessities walking or biking, which is good for our health, and take public transit to many places we used to drive to. Our carbon footprint is less, we get more exercise, our travel is more convenient, and due to much less driving we actually save money even though housing cost went up a bit.
Not saying this exactly will work for you; but my point is that sometimes we can make changes that make a big difference in our individual footprint but aren’t actually giving up any convenience.
It’s good to hear that you were able to move somewhere more convenient. The main issue I have now is that I work far from where I live. I’d need to find a different job closer, which isn’t impossible, but still a big change.
Very good practical example and explanation. I would note that Obamacare unfolded the way it did because extraneous circumstances meant they only had the senators they needed for the vote for 4 months. They had a very short window to get it through at all and concessions had to be made.
Dems are far from perfect, but we shouldn’t put Republican obstructionism on their heads. That’s what has ruined our nation the past 50 years.
Also, fuck cars.
There are very good reasons to be good custodians and stewards of the environment personally when we can afford to do so. I got rid of my car, got a bike, and walk or take public transport wherever I can. It has definitely improved my quality of life too. It won't save the world, but keeps me healthier, and is easier on my conscience.
Although, I realise I'm privileged that I live somewhere that has almost everything I need within walking distance. In the past I've lived places it would have been impractical or even impossible to give up my car. At least without other systems around me changing substantially (which made me aware of how dysfunctional the system can be, how dangerous it is, and the need to change it).
Yes, for sure it won’t save the world on its own. But I do believe both individual and collective actions are both imperative. So whenever I see someone bummed out by either option I try to remind them it’s worth the effort :) meant this as a response to the other commenter