Ava perfectly captured how I feel about saving the planet:

I can only speak for myself, but adjusting my consumer behavior to my values as much as is possible for me in my position isn’t misdirecting me, it’s keeping me focused, actually. It’s making me aware again and again of what world I want, what I stand for, what I personally fund and my impact. I hold governments and industries accountable as much as is possible for me through recycling, veganism, not having a car, not flying, etc. and demand systemic change to the options given to me (voting and money, which are not enough, but hey). That doesn’t mean I am never frustrated or feeling hopeless or like it’s all for nothing, of course.

Her words highlight a crucial point: we need both systemic change and personal action. More regulation is necessary to force corporations to protect the planet, but where possible, individual choices matter too.

Just because we are free to do almost anything doesn’t mean we should. I have the freedom to eat meat every day, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice. The government won’t ban me from overconsuming it, but if I do, I’m not just harming my health – I’m also contributing, in my own small way, to environmental destruction.

Interactions & Comments