Way of Being

If you're upset about politics, don't forget that ALL change starts local, and then builds into tipping points. 80% of America's emissions lie in the hands of state, local, and individual people - not the federal government. To effect change on a big scale, you must first master change on a small scale (and yes, literally in your own backyard). Most people don't speak up or get involved in local advocacy for their apartment buildings, streets, or neighborhoods. We need to change that. It's only by knowing how to change things in the hyper-local sphere you can start to see how it might scale up. Why do we need "individual change" when what we really need is "systems change"? Systems change always starts by growing up, like grass, not down. It's like moving up the belts in Karate. LEVEL 1: We all start with our own home and habits. Figure out what it takes to make an emissions-free home. Measure everything. Go zero waste. Compost. Grow tomatoes. Buy nothing new. Embrace the learning curve. LEVEL 2: What about your apartment building or gated community? If you have one, speak to the HOA and the building manager. Ask for an EV charger, solar, a vegetable garden, electrification, bike parking, or a green roof. Get the residents together. Make a WhatsApp group or Slack channel. LEVEL 3: Your street. Is there a bike lane or enough street trees? Could you advocate for EV chargers, parklets, or traffic calming? Who in your local office looks after streets? LEVEL 4: Your neighborhood: parks, intersections, playgrounds, schools. What can be improved? How can you get involved? And then: LEVEL 5: Your City. LEVEL 6: Your State. LEVEL 7: Your Country. If you can make ONE physical real change happen like a bike path, community garden, EV charger in your community, you've outdone what 99% of other climate-concerned people can achieve. Grassroots, local, and tangible projects are what push the upward spiral UP to the next level. Let me know - which "levels" have you been most active? Which have you avoided? Which levels do you want to do more of? Enjoy this? ?? Share and follow Katie Patrick ?? and the Hello World Labs School of Action Design for daily tips on how to build a movement of change. Get a detailed tutorial on how to understand the “systems change vs individual action” in my free climate action design tutorials at ?? helloworlde.com/actiontips

Small Business Spotlight: Meet Alex Gamboa Grand of Way of Being and Vajra of Monochromatic This holiday season, we’re proud to highlight our incredible Willamette Week's Give!Guide retail partners—local, women-owned businesses making an impact in our community! Alex Gamboa Grand, co-founder of Way of Being, runs a low-waste shop in SE Portland offering sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials. Alex and her co-founder built their business to empower individuals who want to tackle big challenges, like the climate crisis, through thoughtful, sustainable choices. Vajra, owner of Monochromatic, leads a boutique in NE Portland committed to pronoun-inclusive, ethically made clothing with a playful workwear vibe. More than a shop, Monochromatic is a space of inclusivity and empowerment, celebrating humans in all their uniqueness. By shopping local this holiday season, you’re not just finding thoughtful gifts—you’re supporting small businesses and helping these entrepreneurs continue to inspire and create meaningful change. Keep an eye out for our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring handpicked gifts from our retail business partners. It goes live on Black Friday, just in time to make your holiday shopping both intentional and impactful.