Five Ways to Fight Climate Change Today!
By Shyla Kachwaha
Published in Northampton Living | September 2025
Hearing the words “climate change” can feel overwhelming. We all know it’s a problem, and that something has to be done. But when an issue is this big and complex, it’s hard to understand what you can actually do. After all, you're just one person… right?
But what if every single person did something? That would mean everyone is contributing.
Every small action counts—literally. Each effort adds seconds, minutes, even years to the time we have to mitigate the effects of climate change. So, what can you do? Here are five things you can start today:
CLIMATE CONSCIOUS EATING
Your diet plays a huge impact on the environment. Meat and dairy production release some of the highest levels of carbon dioxide. By cutting your consumption in half—or more—you can help reduce those emissions significantly. You don’t need to be vegan or vegetarian to make a difference. By just eating less meat and dairy you are taking a powerful step in the right direction.
REFRAIN FROM CONSUMERISM
Consumerism leads to overproduction and waste. Instead of constantly buying new items, consider shopping second-hand. Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, local “Buy Nothing” groups, and tag sales are all great places to find what you need without contributing to more waste. The fact is, anything you want probably already exists. You just have to find it.
PLANT TREES
It may sound almost too good to be true but the solution to climate change might be right out your window: Trees. Plants, such as trees, absorb CO2, making them one of the easiest and most effective tools we have to fight against climate change. We’ve lost so many trees globally, that we need to restore what we can. There are 8 billion people and if we each planted a tree we could really make a dent.
SINGLE USE ITEMS
Sure, plastic forks and paper plates are convenient—but that convenience can come at a cost. Try switching to reusable alternatives whenever possible. Ditch single-use balloons, plastic tablecloths, and disposable party supplies. Instead, look into paper banners and reusable tablecloths that can be used year after year. It might take a little more effort up front, but it’s better for the planet and your budget in the long run.
COMPOST
Composting is an easy, eco-friendly way to reduce waste. Whether you choose to start a small compost pile in your backyard or use a local composting service, you are helping to keep organic waste out of landfills. What would have been harmful, methane-releasing, rotting food, these food scraps are transformed into rich, nutritious soil
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