3 Non-Protest Activism Methods

When the political situation is difficult, including when the people in power seem to want to do nothing related to the climate crisis, one of the best things to do for your mental well-being is to go to a protest. If all goes well, you'll meet other like-minded people, raise awareness for your cause, and hopefully find solidarity.

However, while symbolic actions like protests are great for discovering unity, and may help create change when they serve a specific purpose (such as a protest outside a board of supervisors' office that specifically targets a decision they will soon vote on), they don't do anything on their own. Because of this, we've assembled a short list of activism items other than protesting, to give you other ideas of how to create change.

Boycott

In this world, money very often equates to power. Therefore, by choosing how you spend your money, you can make an impact. If there is a company you know of that doesn't do a very good job protecting the environment, you can stop doing business with it. However, since this company can probably afford to lose one customer, it helps to spread the word, whether through word of mouth or through social media or another platform you might have. Explain that you're boycotting the company and why, and encourage other people to join you. With luck, the company will notice and change its policies.

Write to a newspaper

If there is an ecological issue in your town, city, or state that needs attention brought to it, you can write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. These letters, which might be published online as well as in print, will be read by people in the area, and, perhaps by the lawmakers who have the power to do something about the issue. This can be a very effective way to make your voice heard.

Or write to your representatives

There are people at every level of government who are given the task of representing you and other people in your area. You can write to any of these people and ask them to consider the climate crisis when they make their decisions. This is especially powerful when there is a specific ecological issue that they will have to vote on. If you live in the United States, this website will give you the names and contact information of your federal and state senators and representatives: https://www.270towin.com/elected-officials/.