1. Visit 5 parks you haven’t been to.
There are so many incredible parks in California, from local ones in your neighborhood to regional, state, and national parks boasting some of the most gorgeous views and pristine wilderness in the world. Take advantage of the beauty of nature around us (and the exercise doesn’t hurt). Nature walks and other outdoor activities are especially great during the holiday season if you are looking for something healthy and screen-free to do with your family during downtime or to burn off some of those excess calories you gained from a holiday treat. (Check out EnviroVoters’ recommendations for hidden outdoor gems.)
2. Commit to volunteering for an issue close to your heart.
You don’t have to wait until election season to volunteer. No matter the issue, it’s important to build power all year every year to lay the groundwork for creating change for what’s important to you. And it’s a great way to find a community of like-minded people who will inspire you with passion and optimism. So find some time in 2023 to give back. (Sign up to learn about volunteer opportunities with us!)
3. Get involved in politics.
Part of being a good climate ally is simply knowing what’s going on, both in your neighborhood and across the state and world. Attend a city council or school board meeting, then invite your neighbors over so you can share what you learned and keep an open conversation going about climate. There are so many easy ways to take action too. Make a public comment at that local meeting. Call or email your representative to make sure they’re representing your interests. (We’ll be rolling out our annual Environmental Scorecard in January where you can see just how your state legislators voted on climate in 2022!)
4. Support small, local businesses.
Small businesses’ products are often handmade or produced locally. Shopping locally reduces reliance on manufacturers that must ship their products for thousands of miles to get to your community, meaning less fuel waste and less pollution. Plus, by visiting local shops by foot, bike, or public transportation, you can limit your own commute and pollution emissions.
5. Do a little extra.
We at EnviroVoters know that the weight of climate responsibility should not burden individuals; the onus should be on corporations and governments. Still, we can try to do a little extra next year. Get that compost bin you’ve been thinking about. Stay away from plastic in favor of using your reusable water bottle and canvas shopping bags. Try to walk or use public transportation more than driving in a car – you wouldn’t believe how much pollution you save. If you’re a homeowner, replace your gas stove. A recent study found that gas stoves can cause unhealthy emissions even when the oven and burners are off. So the only sure way to avoid the risk is to go electric. If you’re a homeowner, look into upgrading to a greener stove in 2023.
6. Give back.
It’s never not a good time to give back and support causes close to your heart. Of course, we’re a little biased at California Environmental Voters — we’d be honored if you gave us a monthly donation for 2023.
7. Avoid climate doomism.
Yes, it’s a crisis, but it’s one we can solve. We have the solutions to address climate catastrophe by the 2030 deadline, and we’re finally seeing politicians in California treat the climate crisis with the urgency it requires. So quell that pessimism, avoid that apathy, and foster hope within your soul. We can solve this, if we work together.
