{"id":176756,"date":"2022-03-31T10:14:18","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T17:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=176756"},"modified":"2025-11-21T09:44:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T17:44:04","slug":"how-to-take-climate-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/stewardship\/how-to-take-climate-action","title":{"rendered":"How to Take Climate Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all have a role to play in reducing our impact on the environment, but taking action against climate change can feel overwhelming. After all, it\u2019s such a huge problem. Where do you start? What does it look like to make changes on an individual level? And does individual action really make a difference? Research<\/a> suggests the answer may be yes: Your actions can inspire others to make little changes, too, and all that change adds up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we\u2019ve got more than two dozen ideas for how you can make a difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Volunteer in your community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are dozens of ways to get involved in conservation in your local neighborhood: Plant trees, host a cleanup, or work in a community garden. While you\u2019re helping to keep your local environment healthy, you\u2019ll also log positive mental health effects<\/a> of volunteering, like higher life satisfaction and self-esteem. Visit DoSomething.org<\/a> for ideas and a way to track your volunteer hours. Or find an REI stewardship class or event<\/a> near you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Raise your voice to protect and share life outdoors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most effective actions you can take is to contact your local representatives and members of Congress on environmental issues. Many politicians make decisions based on feedback from people living in their region. Every call and email matters! The REI Cooperative Action Network<\/a> includes many ways to act. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, join members of your co-op community to tell Congress to pass the TREES (Trees for Residential Energy and Economic Savings) Act<\/a>. The bipartisan bill<\/a> aims to create a program at the Department of Energy to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in neighborhoods where they\u2019re needed most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trees have many benefits. They provide shade and cool neighborhoods while helping to reduce energy consumption; absorb pollutants; offer food and shelter for birds; and more. Or use this tool<\/a> to find your local representative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Trail<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Cut down on individually packaged snacks <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Single-use plastics<\/a> like bags and wraps are derived from fossil fuels and are energy-intensive to produce. They’re also hard to recycle and decompose slowly in landfills. Instead of individually packaged snacks on your next adventure, consider making your own trail snacks (think: Crispy Nut Butter Bars or protein-based cookies!) as one REI member<\/a> did. Store them in a reusable food container<\/a> and stash them in your pack for a quick waste-free nosh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stasher<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Consider your impact the next time you camp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be easier than you\u2019d expect to leave a big environmental footprint while camping. Approach your next camp out with the environment in mind: Pack out your trash and compost, plan DIY snacks and meals (without single-use plastics), buy organic food and ingredients, opt for biodegradable soap<\/a> and follow Leave No Trace Principles<\/a>. Read more tips on How to Have a More Eco-Conscious Camping Trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Buy used gear or trade in your gear <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before your next outdoor adventure, consider shopping or trading in used gear<\/a>. Overall, a used product has a lesser environmental impact compared to a new one because there\u2019s no need to produce or process raw materials or wash or dye fabrics (both of which use up a lot of energy and resources). But used is only a better choice if you\u2019re purchasing something you really need. To read more tips on how to buy used outdoor gear and clothing<\/a> or how to retire your gear<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Bike or walk more<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2019, passenger cars produced 762.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, making them the most polluting public transportation mode that year. (Just one vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of C02<\/sub> equivalent every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency). If you can walk or pedal to work or while running errands, you\u2019ll log a workout, feel better and make a small but important dent in environmental pollution!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Try a zero-waste backpacking trip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The goal: Produce zero landfill-directed waste while you\u2019re out on the trails. That means no single-use plastic wrappers, composting when possible, bringing bulk foods and beyond. Watch Miranda in the Wild try out a zero-waste trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n