The IPCC’s special report on Global Warming warns that we have just 12 years or less to limit global temperature increase to 1.5C. The report also paints an alarming picture of our world if we allow the world to warm by 2.0C.

This seemingly small increase in the world’s average temperature will have a massive impact on our climate & natural world. We will see more extreme weather, droughts, flooding, sea level rises, ice sheet melting, species habitat loss & permafrost thawing.

But, can I make a difference? Are the actions of one person enough to change our future?

No, but if we all act together to change our lifestyles and advocate for a cleaner, greener world then WE can make a difference.

What have I discovered in the last few months?

• Most days it's not too difficult to find one thing that improves the health of our environment & my home.

• I enjoy shifting my habits towards less waste, better sustainability & more conscious consuming.

• By documenting & sharing my daily attempts it holds me more accountable.

• By delving deeper into WHY we should shift a particular habit, I have learned so many things I never thought of before.

• EVERYTHING we do has an impact- positive or negative.

• Most of these shifts in habits:

  • COST LESS or SAVE MONEY

  • Are easy to do

  • Create community

  • Are already part of my daily routine

  • Compel me to think about more than just my needs

  • Allow me to be more creative

  • Can sometimes be uncomfortable, but necessary

  • Hopefully will become lifelong habits

• There are some themes I see in my efforts. I am attempting to:

  • RETHINK my choices

  • REFUSE single use

  • REDUCE consumption

  • REUSE everything

  • REPAIR items

  • REPURPOSE gifts

  • RECYCLE as a last option

• I see the challenge to make these shifts as a gift, rather than a struggle.

• I have grown & learned so much & can't wait to see what else I can discover.

• I am distressed by the lack of response/interest from others. But then I remember this is a journey I have chosen for myself. If I inspire one other person, that is a bonus.

• I have come to the realization that I am an activist! (Someone who, inside their life, family or community, sees something that needs to change & ACTS ON IT.)

• Believe in yourself & your ability to change habits & mindsets.

It is so much better to do somethings imperfectly, than to do nothing at all.

Please join me in making small steps towards positive change.