What do we want? Climate Action! When do we want it? Now!

We’re inspired by climate activism at our house. See where it’s leading us.

On Friday, September 27 we took part in Halifax’s climate march. I was so proud of the girls - and their friends - who were so into it. I was proud of our city too. It was a day for awareness and education, to raise our collective voice and send a message for change. The crowd was an estimated 10,000 people, all out in support of the same cause. One that affects us all. Youth led the charge, and how powerful was it for all of us, especially the littlest, to see so many passionate individuals peacefully come together in the same place?

I know for sure it sparked ideas and got the wheels turning in more than one little mind that day. Our girls marched the entire route around the city without complaint, chanting all along the way. It was so inspiring! And after participating in the march, they understand a bit more and are eager to help do their part to help the environment too. 

Little activists in the making

At our house, we’ve also been inspired by climate activist Greta Thunberg, who started the Friday for our Future climate protests in Sweden last year. The girls know who she is, what she stands for, what she is doing, and why. I know one day we’ll see a Greta Thunberg version of the influential women in history-style books we already know and love (stories of Jane Goodall, Amelia Earhart, Viola Desmond, and other women who have changed history).  We’ll be able to read all about her story and what she’s done to make change, and talk about how she’s inspired us directly to make change too. 

On the day of the march Anna made her own poster, all by herself. She sat down to get to work and asks “How do you spell government?” I taught her the abbreviated version and she came up with “Gov’s need to do better” with a picture of an angry sun. At age six, she already gets it. We all need to do our part. Reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, less plastic, less waste, less meat, this list goes on. But there also needs to be systemic change in a big way. She’s right. Corporations (and governments) need to do better. 

“How do you spell governments?” -Anna, age six

We’re inspired by climate activism at our house. See where it’s leading us…

It can be difficult for the average consumer to change their habits. But if the options presented to us change, then so will the habits! If the rules changed, most of us would abide by them. If LEGO can strive to ban plastic blocks by 2030 (they want to build their toys from plant-based or recycled materials, without changing the style or function) then just think of what else can be accomplished. Don’t you think that’s a big deal? 

IKEA has made a commitment to eliminate all single-use plastic products from its home furnishing range by January 1, 2020. This includes straws, plates, cups, freezer bags, garbage bags and plastic-coated paper plates and cups. Think of all that waste diverted from landfills. That’s huge! These are just a couple examples of the systemic changes that need to happen. Most families aren’t going to stop buying Lego or shopping at Ikea. But if the company practices and products become more sustainable, so do our actions.

Collectively, small efforts will bring big change too

While it might feel like what you do as one person or one family doesn’t make a very big difference, it does. Look at Greta. She started the school strikes for climate change all alone, and now thousands and thousands of people have joined her at rallies around the world. Had she thought, ‘I’m just one person, I can’t make a difference’ she’d never be out their inspiring the rest of us. 

Change is contagious. If you can instil certain values in your children, hopefully they’ll grow up to do the same. Share your ideas and practices with others, so they can learn how to do the same. Learn from what others in your life are doing. Collectively, it will make a dent. Small things can bring big change.

In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket. ~David Suzuki