Whether we identify as environmentalists or not, we all care about breathing clean air, drinking clean water, and preserving a livable climate. So why does it seem like Americans de-prioritize action to protect the environment?
A recent poll by the Environmental Voter Project sheds some light on why that may be the case. The poll found that while most people support climate action, only about 7% of American voters say the environment is their top priority. Even more noteworthy, respondents were unable to envision plausible ways to address climate change or to name ways that environmental issues relate to other deep-seated challenges, like housing affordability, public health, or economic vitality.
I think this disconnect exists because the environmental problems we face seem so vast and complicated that we struggle to imagine solutions, especially for individuals.
But opportunities to engage in system-oriented solutions abound!
For 2026, I’m offering three categories of climate-friendly choices you can make to upgrade your life. And bonus - these are resolutions you can stick to, even beyond January.
Make your money work for the climate
Where you put your money matters. Banks can loan out five to ten times the amount of cash they have on hand. Most major banks provide significant financing for large fossil fuel corporations, locking in decades of harmful pollution. Smaller community banks and credit unions tend to focus on things that build up communities, like home loans and small business loans.
If you put $100 in a green bank, that translates into $500-$1,000 in loans that expand clean energy and protect our planet. Even better, once those loans are paid back, your multiplier effect renews, so that over the years your $100 could result in many thousands of dollars in positive investment.
Some of my favorite local banks are Piedmont Federal Bank, Allegacy Credit Union, and Truliant Federal Credit Union. Check out bank.green to see where your bank stands.
Want to make an even bigger difference? Explore how planet-friendly retirement investing can support your values with resources like Fossil Free Funds dot org. https://fossilfreefunds.org/
Discover your inner policy wonk
You may want to ride your bike rather than drive, or to put solar panels on your roof, but if you live in a place that makes it dangerous, complicated, or expensive to do these things, it can be challenging to live your values.
Big systemic problems like climate change require policy-centered solutions. But how can one person change government policy?
When we come together as groups of citizens with shared values and vision, we can leverage a collective impact, especially on local government. At Piedmont Environmental Alliance - the local non profit organization that I work for - we help mobilize folks to attend City and County meetings, research policy ideas, and advocate for smart changes to help our community. You can join our next Environmental Action Coalition meeting or sign up to attend a public hearing at peanc.org.
You may turn out to be one of those valuable people who can distill complex policy ideas into digestible morsels for your fellow citizens. We need a lot more of these communicators to help push back against the churning climate disinformation machine that is tripping folks up.
Create messy community
People are at the center of values-based community action. When we know and trust each other, we can come together to make changes that solve many of the problems we face - from more affordable housing to increased opportunities for meaningful work to healthier transportation options.
And, though it's rewarding and powerful, real community can be messy and intimidating. This year, make it your mission to build relationships with people outside of your regular bubble. Show up to places and spaces that are new to you. Join a book club or softball team, talk with people at work or worship that you don’t agree with. Be curious and listen actively. Share your perspective and don’t expect to change minds.
Building new connections may help you discover a more expansive view of what’s possible and may lead to new opportunities for meaningful action.
I hope reading about three possible channels of climate-friendly engagement leaves you inspired and hopeful. We don’t have to do everything, but everyone can do something.