Positive Change without Politics: Advocacy that Doesn’t Depend on Election Outcomes
Positive Change without Politics:
Advocacy that Doesn’t Depend on
Election Outcomes
Sustain Initiative
There’s very little quite like a high-stakes election to make you feel powerless. You can vote, you can phone bank or door to door canvas or donate to a campaign, but at the end of the day the outcome depends on roughly 240 million individuals you have no control over.
So here’s a gentle reminder of some things you can control, that have nothing to do with politics:
You can vote with your dollars.
Or, in other words, shop like you care (even a little). Support small businesses this holiday season. Buy from “mom and pop” bookstores, eco-friendly online vendors, or BIPOC-owned businesses. And when you make the conscious decision not to purchase from a retailer— whether that’s to challenge unsafe/unfair labor standards or damaging environmental practices— reach out to let them know why.
You can push industry leaders to do better.
Even companies that seek to do good can always do better. Reach out to voice your support for their existing practices, while calling out green-washing or other deceptive marketing and suggesting more sustainable changes. You can start a dialogue via email, or take your request to social media. Here’s a few templates to help if you aren’t sure where to start.
You can control your own lifestyle choices.
I may not be able to control the White House, but I can control my house.
Sustain initiative
Small changes can add up to big impact, from switching to renewable energy providers, reducing individual waste, and purchasing second-hand or sustainably produced goods. Maybe, like me, you’ll channel your election angst into a frenzy of homemade-yogurt and pickle-making. Or, take this time to pursue new zero-waste recipes, eliminate single use plastic from your home, or start a backyard compost bin. (Here’s some tips for getting your loved ones on board).
Real and tangible social change rarely starts from the “top down.” So as we endure the (possibly excruciating) next few days, don’t forget that you have the ability to make positive change no matter the election outcome. Also, there’s no shame in binge-eating chocolate chip cookies while we wait.
