You’ve noticed by now the name of our organization, “Let’s Own This!”, or “LOT” for short. It’s a catchy title, but more importantly, captures the spirit of our movement. It encourages us–individuals, families, and households–to take responsibility for the environmental degradation that surrounds us.
Believe it or not, this admonition is somewhat controversial. Is it really my responsibility that CO2 parts per million have doubled since the beginning of the industrial revolution? I wasn’t even alive then! This can’t possibly be pinned on me, or other individuals, can it?
On the other hand, we can certainly pin environmental degradation on our ancestors, and we can pin it on the organizations and institutions that serve us today, like the food supply chain, the government, auto manufacturers, the coal extraction industry, electric utility companies, and the list goes on. In short, someone else has robbed us of a pristine environment!
Not so fast! Who built those companies and institutions? Who buys stuff from them? Who creates a market for them? Certainly the answer is you and me, if not individually, at least collectively. These institutions are kept afloat by people like me, who consume their goods and services.
This is all to say, who should be held responsible is complicated. We’re all in this together. I’ll also say, it’s not perfectly important to determine whose fault it is. The relevant question is what each of us can do about it. That’s what will ultimately make a difference.
Governments and companies have proven the inability to move any faster than glaciers (but glaciers are moving faster in the age of global warming, amiright?). The public watch them pass resolutions with no teeth, and we feel powerless. If only we could do something collectively and individually, beyond making noise in the street.
I think LOT, and others like us, are a good start. By giving individuals information and tools, we can help them make the best carbon budget decisions for themselves and their families. We also give them ways to understand how their seemingly small efforts add up to more substantial efforts, across families, households, regions, and the globe.
Perhaps most valuable; the information and tools help individuals know where and how to most effectively apply pressure. This past week I understood for the first time how devastating my carbon footprint from electricity is. This has inspired me to think about my behavior, but more importantly, where and how to lean on my electric utility provider. As my neighbors come to understand the same, we can change our own behavior, and also influence the direction of the institution that serves us.
The same can be true for you. As you invest in understanding your carbon footprint and gain consciousness about the carbon cost of your actions, you will be similarly inspired to change your own behaviors. And, don’t forget, you’ll unite with your neighbors to lean more heavily on your institutions too.
