2. Live Sustainably

Human-created greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the largest contributor to climate change. Simple changes in your daily routine can help combat the climate crisis. Studies show that your sustainable lifestyle choices can influence those around you. Here are some ways to live a more climate-friendly lifestyle and create a ripple effect of action in your community:

• Choose 100% renewable energy to eliminate your electricity-related carbon footprint.
• Commute sustainably by walking, biking, taking public transportation, or switching to an electric vehicle.
• Buy food and products locally to reduce transportation emissions.
• Reduce waste by composting and buying reusable products.
• Improve the energy efficiency of your home.
• Support local businesses that run on 100% renewable energy.

3. Participate in Collective Action

To take a step beyond your personal impact, connect to collective action. Grassroots networks are a powerful tool to help achieve local and global climate and equity goals. MCE was created from local collective climate action, and as a result almost 500,000 metric tons of emissions have been eliminated since 2010. Here are ways that you can get involved in the climate action movement:

• Join one of the many local organizations working to improve the environment.
• Attend a climate march or strike to bring attention to the climate crisis.
• Attend public town halls and city council meetings and make your voice heard.
• Sign petitions calling for climate action.
• Plan a community event or start a local climate action group.
• Use social media to share climate action tips.

4. Engage in Climate Conversations

It’s important to have discussions about climate change. While 72% of Americans believe in climate change, only an estimated 35% discuss it. Talking about climate change is one of the most powerful tools to get people involved in the movement and create collective action. Here are some tips:

• Start by speaking to your family and friends or people in your community. Climate experts play a key role in spreading the word, but you have the unique ability to understand the perspectives of those around you.
• Focus on shared experiences. Approach conversations about climate change by listening to others and learning how climate issues impact them.
• Provide suggestions for how others can meaningfully get involved and make a positive impact.
• Amplify the voices of your peers and community members when they speak about climate change.

Why Your Climate Activism Matters

Climate activists of all ages across the world are rallying to create awareness, inspire hope, and call for change. As a result, over 110 countries, representing nearly 65% of the world’s emissions, have recently pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. The world’s renewable energy capacity is growing rapidly and increased by 45% in 2020 alone.

Calls to reduce emissions have also made an impact at the local level. MCE was founded by climate activists and continues to thrive thanks to the climate conscious choices of individuals across our service area. Since MCE’s inception in 2010, nearly 40 communities in the Bay Area have joined us, leading climate action for a brighter future. MCE has eliminated almost 500,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. By 2022, MCE’s standard service will be 95% GHG-free. MCE has committed over $1.6 billion to the development of California renewable projects and has developed 49 megawatts of renewable projects in our service area.

The climate is in our hands. What action will you take? The future is now.