Environmental Stewardship in the Fight Against Climate Change

When you think of a steward, the image of a flight attendant probably comes to mind. But stewards can be more than the friendly people on a plane, they can be you and me, and our planet needs us to be its stewards more than ever.

What is Environmental Stewardship?

We start improving the relationship to our planet by practicing stewardship as a way to combat climate change.

To steward is to look after or care for; thus, the practice of environmental stewardship means taking steps to care for or advocate for the planet. Stewardship looks different for everyone, but the unifying principle is the understanding that the resources on our planet are sacred and we must protect them.

Why Should We Be Environmental Stewards?

Humans are voracious consumers, and the number one victim of our appetite has been our planet. Centuries of unfettered use of natural resources and the production of pollutants have led to the onset of climate change. Several governments, companies, and individuals have taken steps to curb the acceleration of the climate crisis, but we need to make a collective cultural shift to reap tangible results.

If we look back into our history enough, we will find an ancestor who coexisted with the land. It could be your parents or as far back as an ancestor in a foreign land. At a point in history, someone in our lineage farmed, hunted, or gathered.

Modernization and development have had a significant impact on how we interact with the planet and its services. Urban cities and suburban sprawl have all but eliminated open spaces from parts of the country. Produce that was once only available seasonally or from your plot is not lining the store shelves. Most people don't know how the fish on their dinner plate was caught. The divide between us and nature has been an ever-growing chasm.

How Can We Be Environmental Stewards?

Closing the gap between us and nature can start with simple day-to-day choices or go about involvement with organizations and campaigns. Here are some ways we can take action and become better climate stewards:

1. Education: Knowing the environmental issues that affect your community is one of the first steps you can take in figuring out how to make an impact. Visit your local park or forest and see how the natural spaces in your community are managed. Each neighborhood faces different problems and will require distinct solutions.
2. Volunteering: Local environmental organizations often have several volunteer opportunities available for people to come and help out on more than just Earth Day. Find local groups that need help with trash pickups, conservation projects, educational materials, and more.
3. Grow Your Food or Buy Locally Grown Produce: Agriculture has significant impacts on the environment, with fertilizer runoff contributing to water pollution and fossil fuels to transport produce worldwide. Buying produce from your local farmers' market or growing your ingredients in your yard or on your balcony can make an impact.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: the 3 Rs are essential in reducing our carbon footprint. Reducing our use of single-use plastics and plastic containers keeps trash out of our landfills and water sources. Reusing goods and thrifting extends the life of already existing products and keeps them from becoming waste. Recycling allows us to continue using resources in different ways.
5. Drive Less, or Go Electric: Finding alternatives to driving a car helps keep down fossil fuel emissions and saves money on gas and car maintenance. Try walking or riding a bike or scooter to local destinations. If a more extended trip is necessary, consider carpooling or taking public transportation. If making a vehicle change is within your means, look into an electric vehicle instead of a gas guzzler. Several companies now have a wide range of electric-powered cars.
6. Get Solar Panels: If you have an electric car, you should have a clean energy source to power it. Energy use in homes can be high and pricy, especially during harsh weather months. If getting solar panels fitted on your roof is within your means, you should take advantage of the perks that solar provides. Several programs are available to help offset the cost of panels or provide users rebates for the energy they produce.