Love this Sara! I have a birthday this weekend and I’ve been thinking about how I want to show up … I might borrow a few of your ideas. I definitely want to be more intentional and connective with (most of) what I read. And I’m going to give myself that beautiful hardcover edition of What If We Get It Right for more ideas. Thank you!
I've mentioned before that I spent 15+ years in the environmental/sustainability sector (still consult, though on a much smaller scale) so I have thoughts and resources. I'm happy to talk any time you want - hit me up for a zoom. But for now, here are some thoughts.
1. Your instinct to reduct consumption is absolutely correct, both from an environmental and political perspective. "The Story of Stuff" is an animated short documentary that's a bit old by now, but does a great job of going through the links between consumption and the capitalist system. The oligarch wouldn't have as much power as they do if we didn't buy their stuff over and over. Another interesting resource is "No Impact Man" by Colin Beavan. Also a bit old at this point, and he's an acknowledged priviliged urban white guy, but he goes *hard* on an experiment to reduce his impact. Like, he lives without a refrigerator to see if he can, that kind of thing. At the end of the year, he does some interesting analysis about what actions he'll keep doing (spoiler, he returns to having a refrigerator) but keeps doing some of the rest.
2. I burned out on my last sustainability role, at least in part because my day-to-day work was stuff that I was good at but that didn't come naturally to me and that I didn't really like. The Venn Diagram is so smart - I would regularly coach students I worked with to lean in to the things that they liked and enjoyed. All movements have room for a ton of different skills.
3. In the overlap of reducing consumption and getting involved in the local community, keep an eye out for buy-nothing groups, tool libraries, toy libraries, repair cafes, that kind of thing. I regularly worked with students to help them see the connections between the break down in trust/ lack of community and overconsumption. We don't share things very well anymore, and anything you can do to engage in the sharing economy helps rebuild those connections.
Oh my gosh, I'm such a huge Ayana Elizabeth Johnson fan. I was so sad when spotify cancelled her podcast - they gave great action items every show. If anyone liked the AEJ resources shared above, highly recommend checking out the archived eps! https://gimletmedia.com/shows/howtosaveaplanet/episodes
I love this. I’ve also been feeling revulsion toward my own overconsumption habits, or at least those that I accept as normal from society, and I hope to be more intentional about both that and …everything else. Creating more space for the good things!!
Excellent projects to take on, Sara. Your last point is something that's come up for me over the last couple of years, where I want to help but have a lot going on in terms of family/work. This is not about climate change exactly, but related in an activism sort of way--in a community meeting last year with local Moms Demand Action chapter I was enlightened to how I could help in my free time with database updating/collecting. I'm not part of the representatives that go to the legislature or man sign-up tables, but I'm able to do a small part of the whole that uses my skills and works around time issues. (Also - yay for small presses, lit theory, and reading slowly!)
That is so cool! I think there are so many ways to use our skills that we're unaware with until we tap into community. Looking forward to finding something like this for myself!
Yessssss. I was just in another forum where we were committing to our 2025 Projects, and it feels very grounding. I love how you're noticing how you're showing up and experimenting with what feels best to you, the place and the moment. Looking forward to more book (and beyond) discussions that get my heart rate up!
Tethering to my in-person community and nature has been increasingly my project for myself for a few years now, and the election just underscores that direction for me.
I love this Sara. I'm finding your intentions very motivating and, as Sharon McMahon says, hope comes from our individual or small actions (my paraphrasing). My friend Ashlee Piper is a sustainability expert and has developed a challenge called No New Things. She's on IG, if you're interested and has written a book. You're inspiring me to do her 30 day challenge, which I've always been meaning to do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have worked hard the last couple of years to create my own version of a "capsule wardrobe" and I feel good about what I have done. As for #8, I have recently been critical of myself not processing audiobooks like some seem to do but ...I have really gotten a lot out of each book I have read; that is fulfilling! I try to commit to word expansion via my Commonplace journal.
Love this Sara. I have a Big Birthday next year and so really want to use that as motivation to be intentional about my goals for all aspects of my life - not just reading - next year.
That's so cool, Stacey! You have been practicing such aspirational intentional reading I have no doubt you'll succeed in apply that to other aspects of your life!!
What a gift, this roadmap for moving forward. It inspires me to craft my own, which would include areas of overlap. I'm shopping less and less, which frees up mental real estate. Regarding #s 4, 6, and 8, you might enjoy The Miró Worm and the Mysteries of Writing by Sven Birkerts, published by Arrowsmith Press, a chocolate box of delicious, thought-provoking essays. Thank you, Sara!
Thank you so much for this. I have been feeling directonless since last Tuesday, and this is just what I needed to read. I think that being in community with people in person is very helpful. I went to a meeting on Wednesday, and I felt better then I had in days. I want to do more of this as well! Also, I am going to donate to the Mangrove Project now. Thanks for being here, Sara!
Love this Sara! I have a birthday this weekend and I’ve been thinking about how I want to show up … I might borrow a few of your ideas. I definitely want to be more intentional and connective with (most of) what I read. And I’m going to give myself that beautiful hardcover edition of What If We Get It Right for more ideas. Thank you!
Borrow as many as you like, Mary! And definitely treat yourself to the book...I think you'll enjoy it. And most importantly, happy birthday!!
I've mentioned before that I spent 15+ years in the environmental/sustainability sector (still consult, though on a much smaller scale) so I have thoughts and resources. I'm happy to talk any time you want - hit me up for a zoom. But for now, here are some thoughts.
1. Your instinct to reduct consumption is absolutely correct, both from an environmental and political perspective. "The Story of Stuff" is an animated short documentary that's a bit old by now, but does a great job of going through the links between consumption and the capitalist system. The oligarch wouldn't have as much power as they do if we didn't buy their stuff over and over. Another interesting resource is "No Impact Man" by Colin Beavan. Also a bit old at this point, and he's an acknowledged priviliged urban white guy, but he goes *hard* on an experiment to reduce his impact. Like, he lives without a refrigerator to see if he can, that kind of thing. At the end of the year, he does some interesting analysis about what actions he'll keep doing (spoiler, he returns to having a refrigerator) but keeps doing some of the rest.
2. I burned out on my last sustainability role, at least in part because my day-to-day work was stuff that I was good at but that didn't come naturally to me and that I didn't really like. The Venn Diagram is so smart - I would regularly coach students I worked with to lean in to the things that they liked and enjoyed. All movements have room for a ton of different skills.
3. In the overlap of reducing consumption and getting involved in the local community, keep an eye out for buy-nothing groups, tool libraries, toy libraries, repair cafes, that kind of thing. I regularly worked with students to help them see the connections between the break down in trust/ lack of community and overconsumption. We don't share things very well anymore, and anything you can do to engage in the sharing economy helps rebuild those connections.
Amy, thank you so much! This is all so helpful. You gave me--and I'm sure others--some fantastic ideas and places to start!
Can you share more about the small press subscription services? Thanks!
Yes! I will do a roundup in an upcoming newsletter!
Oh my gosh, I'm such a huge Ayana Elizabeth Johnson fan. I was so sad when spotify cancelled her podcast - they gave great action items every show. If anyone liked the AEJ resources shared above, highly recommend checking out the archived eps! https://gimletmedia.com/shows/howtosaveaplanet/episodes
Thanks, Erin! I will!
I love this. I’ve also been feeling revulsion toward my own overconsumption habits, or at least those that I accept as normal from society, and I hope to be more intentional about both that and …everything else. Creating more space for the good things!!
Excellent projects to take on, Sara. Your last point is something that's come up for me over the last couple of years, where I want to help but have a lot going on in terms of family/work. This is not about climate change exactly, but related in an activism sort of way--in a community meeting last year with local Moms Demand Action chapter I was enlightened to how I could help in my free time with database updating/collecting. I'm not part of the representatives that go to the legislature or man sign-up tables, but I'm able to do a small part of the whole that uses my skills and works around time issues. (Also - yay for small presses, lit theory, and reading slowly!)
That is so cool! I think there are so many ways to use our skills that we're unaware with until we tap into community. Looking forward to finding something like this for myself!
Yessssss. I was just in another forum where we were committing to our 2025 Projects, and it feels very grounding. I love how you're noticing how you're showing up and experimenting with what feels best to you, the place and the moment. Looking forward to more book (and beyond) discussions that get my heart rate up!
Tethering to my in-person community and nature has been increasingly my project for myself for a few years now, and the election just underscores that direction for me.
Since it crosses several of your items, sharing a book rec! https://mitpress.mit.edu/9781635900385/breathing/
Thanks for the rec!!
I love this Sara. I'm finding your intentions very motivating and, as Sharon McMahon says, hope comes from our individual or small actions (my paraphrasing). My friend Ashlee Piper is a sustainability expert and has developed a challenge called No New Things. She's on IG, if you're interested and has written a book. You're inspiring me to do her 30 day challenge, which I've always been meaning to do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you, Catherine! I'll have to check out Ashlee's Instagram!
This is so inspiring! After several days of shocked numbness after the election, I'm ready to take action. I'm starting my own project list today!
Hooray! Can't wait to hear about your projects!
I have worked hard the last couple of years to create my own version of a "capsule wardrobe" and I feel good about what I have done. As for #8, I have recently been critical of myself not processing audiobooks like some seem to do but ...I have really gotten a lot out of each book I have read; that is fulfilling! I try to commit to word expansion via my Commonplace journal.
Love all of this, Kim!
Love this Sara. I have a Big Birthday next year and so really want to use that as motivation to be intentional about my goals for all aspects of my life - not just reading - next year.
That's so cool, Stacey! You have been practicing such aspirational intentional reading I have no doubt you'll succeed in apply that to other aspects of your life!!
What a gift, this roadmap for moving forward. It inspires me to craft my own, which would include areas of overlap. I'm shopping less and less, which frees up mental real estate. Regarding #s 4, 6, and 8, you might enjoy The Miró Worm and the Mysteries of Writing by Sven Birkerts, published by Arrowsmith Press, a chocolate box of delicious, thought-provoking essays. Thank you, Sara!
Thank you for the recommendation, Tess! I'll definitely check that out!
I love these goals. So good.
This is beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing this and compelling me to think about my own Project 2025 ✨
Thank you so much for this. I have been feeling directonless since last Tuesday, and this is just what I needed to read. I think that being in community with people in person is very helpful. I went to a meeting on Wednesday, and I felt better then I had in days. I want to do more of this as well! Also, I am going to donate to the Mangrove Project now. Thanks for being here, Sara!
It's great to hear that your Wednesday meeting helped so much! Love that we're all in this together and hooray for mangroves!