Small actions add up

Learn how to reduce your personal waste:
Start by observing the trash you create, seeing what you might be able to change (using reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and bags are a good start), taking stock of what resources you currently have, and then make changes accordingly.
Some other ideas:
- replace paper napkins with cloth napkins
- replace paper towels with normal towels
- buy products without packaging/ in paper packaging when possible
- turn off lights when not in use
- fix leaky faucets
- take 10 minute showers (or shower every other day)
- carpool, walk, bike, or take public transportation when possible
- don't litter
- shop in second hand stores
- refuse straws/ use reusable straws
- compost and recycle when you can
- consider on eating foods with a lower carbon footprint, or local foods.
Reuse and Borrow when possible:
One of the instincts many people have with low waste and zero waste movements is to buy “supplies” to have a zero waste lifestyle. Instead, focus on reusing what you already own. Clean out jars from sauces/ peanut butter/ pickles. Mend your clothing. Borrow books, tools, baking pans from your friends or your library when possible.
Voice your concerns :
Call your representatives, senators, and your state and local officials to advocate for legislation that holds corporations and industries to higher environmental standards, promotes clean energy and environmental health, and protect parks and monuments. Check the “Political Actions” tab for more resources.

Learn More

Climate Change:
This is an article from NASA that explains the largest impacts of climate change, such as drought, rising sea level, stronger hurricanes, and more.
"Climate Change 101" staring Bill Nye, (4 min)
"Climate Change" SciShow (11 min)
"A History of Earth's Climate" to help understand the larger picture SciShow (11 min)
"The Last Time the Globe Warmed" PBS Eons (11 min)

Personal Practices to help the Environment
Zero Waste Movement: Lauren Singer is one of the prominent faces of this movement & how I learned about it, so I've linked one of her videos and her website.
Low Impact Movement: A response to the Zero Waste movement that suggests that the burden of lessening waste should be on companies rather than just the individual, but it is very similar to the zero waste movement in many, many ways. Sustainably Vegan (on YoutTube) started this movement and conversation. Her video on this topic is here.
Or Try the Things Listed Above!

THIS IS JUST A STARTING POINT! Google! Learn More! Learn about how sea level rise will affect coastal cities and islands. Learn about invasive species and what impacts they've had. Learn about the food that you're eating. Learn how climate change will affect countries other than your own. Learn how impacts of climate change (drought, wildfires, sea level rise, change in precipitation patterns) will affect marginalized communities in your area/ country. Learn how to recycle, cut down on waste, thrift shop, and compost. Learn how you can help.

Donate

Flint Water Fund and Flint Child Health and Development Fund- Michigan has been working to correct issues of unsafe water in Flint, but many residents still rely on bottled water. These two charities are helping residents and kids to get clean water.
Little Miss Flint Clean Water Fund- Mari Copeny, commonly known as Little Miss Flint, is an advocate for communities to have clean, safe drinking water. She organized this fundraiser to provide bottled water to residents in other communities that do not have access to safe, clean drinking water.
The Water Project- among other causes, the water project is aiding South Africa as its water crisis is getting increasingly worse.
Puerto Rico- linked is a NY Times article with a list of charities helping Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Some of these charities, like the Hispanic Federation, also include environmental specific goals.
10:10- a uk based charity that runs community level projects to tackle climate change. Some examples include installing solar panels on schools, planting trees in flood zones, challenging the British government on issues like onshore wind power, and more.
Environmental Defense Fund- a nonprofit organization that addresses the most urgent environmental challenges, such as reducing pollution, expanding sustainable fishing globally, and protecting wildlife.
Union of Concerned Scientists- a United States nonprofit that “combines technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.”
Earthjustice- a nonprofit group that uses environmental law to fight for public health, wildlife, and clean energy among other issues.