Change one thing - How do you get to work?
A journey of 1000 miles starts with just a single step
Climate crisis? NetZero 30? NetZero 50? Decarbonisation? Do we really use 4+ planets worth of resources? How do we feed 9Bn people? What is water security? What is energy security? Is it just too late to do anything meaningful about the projected rise in sea levels? Is there really a floating island of trash in the Pacific Ocean that is twice the size of Texas?
There are lots of things buzzing around and lots of evidence in front of our eyes every day that tell us things need to change. But with such a big wicked problem as Climate Change is, with so many variables, many of us just don’t know what to do to make a meaningful difference. How would we even know if we did? Who measures? Who knows? Who’s managing things?
Many people believe that climate change will be something that our children will inherit. A problem that they will face and to which they will need to adapt, but it is clear from the forest fires, weather events and changes to our every day expectations that the issue is being felt now, today.
So where do we begin?
Well perhaps with one [little] change. Then another. Then another. Until all the little changes made by all the people that try add up to something spectacular.
This week we launch our “Change one thing” section in the Canopy Substack. Our goal here is to prompt discussion. To ask ourselves as a community a question and see if we can all make a little change that makes a difference.
Here’s the question for today? How do you get to work?
If the answer to that is that you work from home 100% then kudos, the rest of this article is just for fun for you! But if the answer is that you drive, then read on.
In carbon terms the commuter driver is one of the worst contributors to climate change. Commutes like this also lead to decreased air quality in cities. So what changes could you make?
Well it seems the ideal change is to ditch the car in preference to walking or cycling. Active travel it’s called and this is the most awesome change any of us could make. It reduces carbon emissions. Improves air quality. Changes congestion patterns and helps us keep healthy. Win! Is it realistic for everyone? Does it lead to longer commuters and soggier socks? Is it realist for every day? Is this the change you’d like to make?
So the next best is to make an active travel day once a week. More realistic? Not the big win, but a win. Is this the change you’d like to make?
A degree of separation again is to use public transport. Bus, train or even Uber. Its a better mix and a bit more active. There are benefits on the carbon side and air quality and congestion patterns. The physical getting to / from / on / off also is more active for us as a species. Is this the change you’d like to make?
Then there is car sharing. Buddy up. Take one car out of play. Get to know a friend or colleague a bit better too. A win! Is this the change you’d like to make?
How about changing to an electric car, from a traditional internal combustion one. That’s a win? There’s a question mark or two over the batteries and the carbon it takes to make a new car. There’s also a question over the way the electricity might be produced that goes to charge the car, but from an air quality perspective this is definitely a win. Is this the change you’d like to make?
Turn that commuter day into a work from home day? That’s a big win too. Perhaps leads to a few less steps for you in the week, but the air quality and carbon reduction benefits are clear. Is this the change you’d like to make?
New habits are hard to form. They begin by beginning. They continue by continuing. They depend on the will to do so. They are triggered by the awareness that they are needed and they are adjusted and refined to become the right fit for your life.
Maybe change isn’t right for you now? Where do we get to if none of change anything?
This week, why not make one change?
Leave a comment on what you try and how it goes for you. We’d love to hear from you and it will help to inspire others to do more of the same.
S.