Ask HN: What have you done to fight climate change?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11545667

by oolongCat • 10 years ago

10 16 10 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

roschdal• 10 years ago

Used my bike more.

fiftyacorn• 10 years ago

me too - went from one car to two, and normally only use the car on weekends

mapster• 10 years ago

I work from home, so never in car/train/bus much during work week. Other than that, living lightly and teaching my children to respect nature and be it's stewards.

I know I should be a more vocal advocate for climate issues by advocating representatives, demanding corporations change their ways, and educating the un or ill-informed.

romanr• 10 years ago

Your question inspired by articles we read every day that if we don't do something there will be irreversible damage, ocean rise in X years. But what can I do? After reading that stuff you feel powerless. Even if you die, disappear, thus stop contributing to the CO2 and waste, it would not make any difference. Your contribution is less than a drop in the ocean. All this "what you do to help climate?" Is mostly to make you feel better about your life after reading such article about climate change.

MalcolmDiggs2• 10 years ago

With attitudes like that, no social, environmental or political change would ever take place.

Sure, we all feel powerless and insignificant sometimes. But don't underestimate the power of the example you set to others. If you inspire one person, your impact has doubled, and so on. And even if you don't, there's something to be said for doing the right thing, even when you know it won't help... simply because it's the right thing to do.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

zippy786• 10 years ago

I try to keep my carbon footprint low. I don't have or want to own a vehicle. I mostly walk or take public transportation.

NumberCruncher• 10 years ago

I preach online what others should or shouldn´t do to save the earth while I drive an SUV.

BjoernKW• 10 years ago

I work remotely whenever possible. I got rid of my car some time ago. Locally, I go pretty much everywhere by public transport. For domestic travelling I try to use high-speed trains instead of going by plane (also because it's much less of a hassle with today's airport security theatre).

Though concern about climate change was a factor, I'd be lying if I said that that was the main motivation for making these decisions personally. The main reason for me is simplicity (owning a vehicle means one more thing to take care of) and making better use of my time (by being able to work on the train for example).

J_Darnley2• 10 years ago

Nothing. Screw the planet. I'm going to get all I can out of it while I'm alive. I just hope I can last long enough to see the post-apocalypse world.

kleer0012• 10 years ago

The planet is going to be just fine. It's the humans that are going to be suffering.

J_Darnley2• 10 years ago

Even better!

fatimafouda2• 10 years ago

Reminded me of George Carlin. Despite the glaringly flippant attitude, there is an argument to be made there.

kleer0012• 10 years ago

Got rid of my car in '05. I've been biking, walking, of public transporting to work since.

Decided not to have kids and got snipped. There's nothing with a larger carbon footprint than bringing in a child into the western style of life.

I try to buy more locally and in-season when I can. Some things I will need shipped from afar like complex goods or bulk goods like flour.

MalcolmDiggs2• 10 years ago

According to the numbers, the largest impact I've had on greenhouse gas emissions was deciding to go vegan a few years ago. [1].

Second in line was selling my car 6 months ago (mostly because I moved to Manhattan, and really don't need it anymore).

Third is probably the small group of everyday decisions, like throwing something in the recycling, or bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. [2]

[1] http://www.cowspiracy.com/facts/#block-fa3eea719ca49c85c182

[2] https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/climate-change-waste/

fatimafouda2• 10 years ago

Unplugged the minibar in the bedroom.

Seriously, kitchen fridge is more than enough for any household.

paulcole• 10 years ago

Never had and never will have children. The average person can't do anything to eliminate the negative environmental impact of having children.

Ask HN: What have you done to fight climate change?

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