How to talk to people about climate change & Sustainability 🌎

They say you only need 25% of a population involved in change to make a movement matter. But sometimes activating that 25% is a really difficult task. If we all know the devastating impacts of climate change, why don’t more people listen? Why, so many years on, are we still preaching about the same facts? Why don’t people listen……..? It’s a tough question.

If you find yourself asking this with your friends, in the office, to the TV, on the street, it’s time to change the way we talk about climate change. It can be frustrating, tiring and deeply upsetting to see something you care about being ignored, so hear is how to get that 25% on board.

• Be a good listener – All social movements face a barrier when ignorance turns into fear, then hate. For many, a misunderstanding or confusion can easily turn into a negative opinion when people become defensive. Defensiveness will kill your opportunity to talk, so avoid taking this approach. Try not to preach to people, or talk down to them, but involve them in the conversation. Ask questions that challenge their opinions, but without making them feel inferior. And listen to their replies instead of auto-filling in your own head – maybe there is something you can help them understand or work out that they didn’t get before. 🗨
• Actions speak louder than words – Find yourself explaining to same points to people without them ever changing? Use public transport, eat less meat, etc……….. Well do you do all these things yourself? We are all a work in progress, especially on our sustainability journey, but if you can show how you are still thriving in a planet-friendly way, more people may be inspired to join you. Maybe your bus commute gives you more time to read more books, or your style has evolved through second-hand finds or even just an aesthetic lunch using beeswax wraps – show ’em how it’s done! Know that by changing yourself that is one more person taking a positive step and joining the 25%, and let the others come to you.
• Communicate in your own way – Struggle to express how you are feeling when talking to others? Spread awareness of climate change in your own way – a film, artwork, social media, dance, poem… and get it to as many people as possible. This year I pushed myself and started a blog ( this being the 52nd post and therefore completing a year’s worth of sustainability content – Happy 1 year anniversary! 🥳), where I could use words to share with people far and wide practical sustainable steps. Mid way through the year I added the Ginger Leaf Living Tiktok page, with short videos of practical advice and sustainability content, as I tried to reach as many people as possible. Who knew a year ago that I would be involved in online content creation and be public on the internet? But this has been my way of spreading my ideas from my tiny corner of the planet, and hopefully you will take something from reading this and express it in your own way.

• Focus on the positive steps – In conversation, focus on the positive steps you or someone else are taking, instead of what they could be doing better. You never truly know what is going on in someone’s head or behind closed doors, and maybe they are facing challenges of their own. But if you support the steps they are taking, they may be more inclined to continue.
• Praise eco-friendly news stories or events – If such a situation should come up in conversation, praise the sustainable actions. While others may have jumped to make fun of environmentalists etc to keep up social standards, hearing you remain positive may empower others with the confidence to praise environmental actions too.
• Offer advice – …But without telling someone how to live their life. If someone you are talking to seems willing to engage with sustainability, offer some guidance on how to get started. Whether it’s a tip that worked for you, a website with great tips (stop I’m blushing ☺) or even some practical recommendations, help them with any queries so they can start their own discovery of the sustainable lifestyle.

Communication is key to strong relationships, so let’s not let the planet suffer as a result of our differences. Open up, let others be heard and work out problems together so no one gets left behind.