Completely unrelated to the above, I want to thank you for your responses on what I wrote about Ugly Christmas sweaters, which has been nothing but supportive. And, great news, the school has agreed to collect the sweaters after winterbreak, so we can sell them towards the end of the year for a good cause.
I’m absolutely thrilled about this and that’s not just because we’re saving bunch of sweaters. I’ve learned something about climate action that changes the way I want to approach this. I’m starting to understand there are a million ways to fight for climate justice and you have to find your own voice if you don’t want to burn yourself out.
This is what works for me:
Don’t doubt people’s intentions, start with the positive.
Do speak up and explain why a certain thing is a problem.
Remember that a spoon full of humor makes the medicine go down.
Offer solutions and be available to be part of that solution.
Share what you did with others.
I had just sent out my email last Tuesday or my son starting asking for his ugly Christmas sweater. I found a stray Christmas garland and some fairy lights, braided them together and attached them to a green sweater with safety pins. When I shared the result on Instagram, another mother messaged me that she needed a Christmas sweater last minute and was going to do the same.
This is what climate action is to me: it’s questioning what we find normal. It’s being gentle and outspoken. It’s showing there’s a different way and it doesn’t have to be dull.
With love,
