There's no silver bullet to solve the climate crisis.
Carefully constructed offsets can make a difference, but they're just one small piece of the larger puzzle.
Here's how we think about it:
Let's be honest, to address the scale and urgency of the climate crisis, we need systemic change. Our lives are deeply embedded within systems that make it impossible for any one of us to cut our individual climate impact to zero.
We think local carbon offsets that provide tangible benefits for our community are worthwhile, otherwise we wouldn't have created the Footprint Fund! But our offsets are meant to complement - not substitute for - other actions we can all take to lighten our footprints and work for systemic change. We're working towards a day when climate-smart and equitable options in every aspect of the built environment are the default, and there's no need for this fund!
Solving the climate crisis is not a choice between individual OR structural change; it's an interactive dance between them. That's why we like to think about three lanes of a climate action superhighway, all headed in the same direction: ACT, ADVOCATE, and INVEST.
Explore below for ideas about how you can be part of the larger movement toward a more equitable and climate-safe future.
We think local carbon offsets that provide tangible benefits for our community are worthwhile, otherwise we wouldn't have created the Footprint Fund! But our offsets are meant to complement - not substitute for - other actions we can all take to lighten our footprints and work for systemic change. We're working towards a day when climate-smart and equitable options in every aspect of the built environment are the default, and there's no need for this fund!
Solving the climate crisis is not a choice between individual OR structural change; it's an interactive dance between them. That's why we like to think about three lanes of a climate action superhighway, all headed in the same direction: ACT, ADVOCATE, and INVEST.
Explore below for ideas about how you can be part of the larger movement toward a more equitable and climate-safe future.
Actstep it up in at hoem or work
Take steps to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business. Can you go all-electric? Consider going solar, Use more active and sustainable transportation. Rethink consumption
Buy less and buy used when possible. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, THEN Recycle. Reduce wasted food: set up home composting or subscribe for local pickup via Missoula Compost Collection or Soil Cycle! Transition to a more plant-centric diet. Build community resiliency
Get to know your neighbors! A connected community is a more resilient community. Learn about the Climate Ready Missoula plan and take actions that build community resiliency for all. lead in your context
Help bring climate into the conversation at your workplace, your place of worship, and your professional and personal networks. Thought it's high, don't be shy. Together let's make commitments to do more! |
AdvocateBe a citizen - Engage in the Political process
Organize and speak out in support of climate justice at the local, state, and federal levels. Hold elected officials accountable and support local leaders willing to take action on climate (business, non-profit, education, elected officials, agencies, etc.) Support and organize for candidates that prioritize climate action - and vote out those that don't! Tell your story
Talk about climate with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues! Numbers and statistics don't move people, but stories do. Share why you care personally, and what you are doing to create change. Be part of the global climate storytelling project DearTomorrow. Write your letter to a loved one today! Connect with Climate Advocacy Groups
No need to reinvent the wheel -get involved with existing organizations that work on climate advocacy (like us!). Sign up for our email list to stay connected. Find your niche with a group that fits your interests, and build a community of support. Lend your expertise
Lend your own or your business's expertise to the climate movement. Do you have particular skills or assets that could support local efforts? Share climate action and carbon footprint reduction strategies that work for your organization or family with others. It's the ripple effect. |
INVESTtell others about the footprint fund
Do you work for a business or organization that might be interested in purchasing offsets? Or know friends or family? Help us spread the word! The Footprint Fund is one way we can "pay it forward" and assist others while working to address climate change and inequality. decarbonize your money
There's an accelerating movement to ensure our personal investments - from retirements or more - are not invested in fossil fuels. Or that businesses and other entities have divested of fossil fuels. We highly recommend this webinar from Families for Livable Climate. Get after it! contribute financially
If you have the means, donate to climate organizations like us, and many others worthy of support. We cannot do it all - some work directly at the state legislature, others at the federal level. Even small donations can make a huge difference for groups who are embedded in the communities where they work and will put your dollars to the best use. |
