How Can You Fight Climate Change Without Spending a Lot of Money?

With the increasing urgency of addressing climate change, many are wondering what they personally can do without substantial financial investment. While large-scale policy changes and significant funds are crucial, there are tangible actions you can take to contribute positively. This guide explores simple yet effective ways to fight climate change, emphasizing the role of soil carbon in mitigating global heating.

Political Engagement: Voting for Climate-Friendly Policies

If you’re an American, your vote matters more than ever. Voting for Democrats and against Republicans at all levels is a crucial step in combating global heating. The fossil fuel industry has a long history of purchasing Republican support, and as a result, they have a significant influence on policy. By electing politicians who support climate change initiatives, you can help reduce the fossil fuel industry's political power and encourage action towards a more sustainable future.

Consumer Choices and Soil Carbon

A sustainable lifestyle also starts with what you buy. By making environmentally conscious choices, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Food production, particularly the impact of soil erosion and carbon emissions, plays a vital role in global heating. Soil erosion alone is alarming, with an average of 10 tonnes of carbon-rich topsoil lost for every 0.5 tonnes of human food crops harvested, equivalent to the amount a person eats in a year.

The soil itself holds twice the amount of carbon found in all living trees, creatures, and the atmosphere combined. Thus, focusing on regenerating soils can have a profound impact on carbon absorption. Consider adopting regenerative agriculture practices, which not only increase soil carbon stores but also reduce erosion. Choosing your food from regenerative farms that use perennial grasses to prevent erosion and manage dung beetles to bury grass underground, turning it into enriching organic matter, significantly reduces your environmental impact.

Direct Actions for Soil Carbon Enhancement

If you’re looking for hands-on ways to increase soil carbon, consider adopting regenerative practices in your own backyard. One effective method is to participate in projects that involve burying renewable biomass, such as renewably sourced BBQ charcoal, into the soil. This practice is not only carbon-negative but also lasts for around 1000 years, even if part of the charcoal eventually decomposes. Burying the charcoal in your neighborhood and encouraging friends to do the same can make a tangible and long-lasting impact on atmospheric carbon levels.

Additionally, using renewable electricity sources and reducing car driving can significantly lower your carbon footprint. However, the impact of your food choices should not be underestimated. Even small changes in how you source and prepare your food can have a substantial effect on the environment. For instance, consuming beef from cattle raised on regenerative farms, which use perennial grasses and manage dung beetles, can have a far greater environmental benefit compared to consuming bacon from pigs raised in large warehouses. The latter practice leads to significant soil erosion and loss of carbon-rich organic matter, while regenerative farming practices help sequester carbon and prevent erosion.

Conclusion

Fighting climate change doesn’t always require a large financial investment. By supporting political candidates who prioritize environmental policies, making informed consumer choices, and adopting regenerative agricultural practices, you can play a significant role in reducing your carbon footprint. Whether it’s through direct actions like burying renewable charcoal or supporting policies that protect the planet, every effort counts in the fight against global heating.