1. JOIN A GROUP that is working on some aspect of climate change — whether renewable energy or stopping nuclear or cryptocurrency mining. Individuals can help, but it is going to take collective political action to transition off fossil fuels, eliminate energy waste, and move to carbon free energy sources like renewables. Here are few groups in WNY specifically working on climate:
Advocating for Renewable Energy to Replace Fossil Fuels:
- Sierra Club Niagara Group Energy Committee (email us to learn more)
- Clean Air Coalition WNY
Water issues:
Land issues:
Sustainability issues:
Other Environmental Groups in NYS
- Adirondack Mountain Club
- NY League of Conservation Voters
- The Nature Conservancy
- Citizens Campaign for the Environment
- Environmental Advocates New York
2. ADVOCATE: CALL OFFICIALS, SIGN PETITIONS, JOIN DEMONSTRATIONS
Online petitions:
Adding your name to an online or in-person petition adds to a show of a larger communal support for an issue, but reaching out to the decision maker makes more of a lasting impact. You don’t have to be a public relations expert to speak to your elected officials. The effort you make to write or call stands out more than a hundred or even a thousand online signatures.
Contact your elected officials on issues that you are interested in. If you have a want to have action taken on something that affects you directly, hear a news story that would affect a larger group, or want to weigh in on pending legislation, your representatives are willing to hear from you directly – YOUR VOICE MAY BE THE ONE THAT DECIDES THEIR VOTE! Your voice matters at every level of government. If you do not know who your elected officials are, check out the following links:
City/town/village – check the website for your local municipality
- State Assembly Look Up
- State Senate Look Up
- US House of Representatives Look Up
- US Senator Chuck Schumer
- US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
3. WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
It may seem trivial, but you can say a lot in 250 words. Even in an era of declining readership, decision makers scour the news media daily to get a pulse on what the public is interested in. The LTE (Letter to the Editor) is your opportunity to make your views heard in the community, no matter whether it is a small local newsletter or a regional publication like the Buffalo News. Here are some tips from Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz on how and where to submit your letters in Erie County.
4. BUY RENEWABLE ENERGY TODAY: Sign on with a local or regional community solar company and save 10% on your electric bills! NY-Sun You can also get Clean Energy by signing up to buy electricity from renewable sources (wind, water, sun) through your regular energy supplier. New York State Power to Choose is a one-stop lookup for helping you select a green energy provider that is vetted by New York State.
5. DISINVEST IN FOSSIL FUELS: Join the 350.org campaign to have colleges, universities, churches, and pension funds take their investment out of fossil fuels and nuclear and put those funds to work saving the planet. Contact your schools. Also check your own investment and pension portfolio. Are you contributing to global warming? For information on how to disinvest in your personal portfolio, check out http://gofossilfree.org/mymoney/
6. HAVE A NO-COST HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW: New Yorkers can connect with a contractor in their area through the Residential Energy Assessment Program to complete an assessment or apply to EmPower+ if they’re income-eligible to receive discounts on energy efficiency upgrades following the assessment. Get started on an energy assessment with either option below.
7. TRAVEL SMART by driving a little as possible, having a very fuel efficient car, or using alternatives. Carpooling, as well as bike route and bus info in Erie and Niagara Counties: www.goodgoingwny.com
Carpooling Long Distance: http://www.nuride.com
Bus, Rail and Park-and-Ride Lot Information: http://www.nfta.com
Go Bike Buffalo – Lots of bike-related info: http://gobikebuffalo.org/
Buffalo Car Share: http://www.buffalocarshare.org
Where to go to compare fuel economies for new or used vehicles: www.fueleconomy.gov and www.greenhybrid.com
8. THINKING ABOUT FOOD: The general rule: Eat less meat and choose vegetarian protein sources several times a week to decrease carbon emissions. (Poultry and seafood are associated with fewer emissions than those based on beef and pork.) Produce: Local is best, organic is second, for all the rest, check their record: www.climatecounts.org.
9. PLANT NATIVE PLANTS which are the foundation of the food chain in our region. Plants, insects, birds and all life will be stressed by climate change — give them the best chance possible by planting their native food and shelter. (See Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home)