Clean Air & Climate Advocacy for Busy People

Most of us have very full busy lives and multiple competing obligations. I've struggled to fit advocacy into my life. In this episode, I share some ways I have found that work for me.

It includes the following:

- Climate Change and Air Pollution 101

- How to engage in advocacy in the community you already have

- Start by starting

- Whatever you can do is enough

Advocacy is an individual journey- bring your whole self to it and also remember to put your own oxygen mask on. You don’t have to do everything, but you can do something. ---

To Do:

Pick one below per week or month if possible, or just pick one! Whatever works for you!

1- Find out who represents you at the city council, county, state and federal level. Send them an e-mail and introduce yourself- remember to connect on values. Lead with stories about how you see clean air and climate change affecting you and your loved ones. Ask to meet with someone on at least one of those levels whether virtually or in person. 

2- Reflect on your current community and relationships- what are you already doing that could meld easily with climate and clean air advocacy?

a. Working on planting (non-pollen generating) trees in parks and in historically red-lined areas? b. Solar panels, EV chargers, more in work/school/community 

c. Joining a church or workplace green committee or starting one? 

d. Look at the supply chain in your work- is there a big target that could be greener? Can you talk to that business about what steps they are taking to improve? 

e. Greening your next meeting or get together- low methane menu options, energy efficiency, water bottle fill stations, etc

3- Scroll Air Health Our Health podcast episodes for topics of interest to you – each one has some action items and resources in the show notes and references in the associated blog link.

 a. Hate noise/pollution and climate impact of leaf blowers? look into ordinances to help replace/retire them with an eye on avoiding negative impact to vulnerable communities. Listen to the “Yards on Fire” episode from Season Three.

b. Passionate about EVs? Learn how the American Lung Association can help you calculate how many asthma exacerbations can be avoided and money saved in your community with the clean energy transition for transportation! Listen to the “Road to Clean Air” episode from Season One to learn more.

c. Concerned about racial inequities? Learn about the history of redlining in your community, and learn how you can clean up the legacy of unhealthy air. Listen to the “Hidden in Plain Sight” episode from last season to learn more.

 d. Worried about wildfires? Learn what you can do to make your community more resilient and prepare yourself and your family. There are a host of wildfire episodes from which to choose, but you can start with the “Our Health in Widlfire Season” episode from Season 2 or the “Fighting Fire with Fire” episode from season 3 to learn more.

 4- Find national organizations working on clean air and a stable climate. Of course, I am fond of the American Lung Association. For parents, Moms Clean Air force is also an option in addition to many more.

5- Consider a donation to the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund to help those affected by the wildfire in Lahaina, which was spurred on by drought and hurricane force winds- both exacerbated by climate change. You can also learn about other ways to donate to address climate change here.

6- Finally, please consider leaving this podcast a 5 star review wherever you listen. I have been informed that it helps people find the podcast. Please also share an episode with friends if you find one that is helpful. If you have concerns and don’t think you can leave a 5 star review, email those concerns to me at airhealthourhealth@gmail.com. 

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For references - go to airhealthourhealth.org/busyadvocacy

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