For anybody working in city government or in state agencies: Go bold on climate. Large, bold investments work. You have the power to scale action in ways individuals alone will simply not be able to. And there are individuals who want you to do so. Image description: GreenHacks Encourages - Cities, State Agencies: Go Bold on Climate #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Cities #States

Reflections: These last few weeks have been a lot. As the news begins to wane, what will we do next? How will we fare? Will we forget, “move on”, and let each other down some more? I do not know. Be well and take care of each other because we’re not guaranteed anything. And lots of hashtag blessed feelings for having access to this beautiful beach and time to think. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Uvalde #Buffalo #LagunaWoods

Climate resilience: It can mean a lot of things. It helps us cope. Some ideas can include finding new ways to stay motivated to mitigate the climate crisis, developing an emergency/contingency plan, researching and implementing solutions in your own lives, helping others do so, and more. The sky’s the limit. What’s your climate resilience strategy? Image description: GreenHacks Asks - What’s Your Climate Resilience Strategy? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Resilience

Last Week Tonight and Utilities: Investor-owned utilities get a long-overdue investigative journalism moment in the spotlight. Thanks, @hbomax and @lastweektonight! 10/10 recommend. They mentioned the weakened position of public utility commissions that are supposed to regulate IOUs, the natural monopoly structure set up in generations past, and the need for performance-based regulation. A note for future segments: There was no mention of the community choice aggregator (CCA) structure nor examples of better-run publicly-owned utilities (POUs). Next time. And hopefully very soon. Image description: GreenHacks Recommends - HBO’s Last Week Tonight’s May 15, 2022 Segment on Utilities #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Utilities #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy

Scurrying to the beach or air-conditioned places like this little crab to escape the heat this weekend? Meteorologists are “almost certain” that the years from 2022 to 2026 will be the hottest on record. I think we will breach the 2.7-degree Fahrenheit threshold within the next five years. Some say there is a 48% chance of that happening in that timeframe (https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61383391) but given the world’s slow trajectory on meaningful climate action, I am going to skew negative here and say that it will not happen. What opportunities does this mindset offer us? This gives us a chance to process, accept the threat, and to enable infrastructure/processes to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. To be courageous in the face of frightening change. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Image description: A small crab on a beach during an outing in early May 2022. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Resilience #HeatResilience

May 17 primaries: If you live in these five states, that’s your date to show up and help make climate decisions to help benefit you and your community. Six days away! Primaries are important because parties can change strategies based on the outcomes they see. Let’s go vote for climate. Image description: GreenHacks Reminder - Primaries on May 17: Idaho, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #VoteForClimate

Some recent vegetarian meals in case they provide inspo: 1) Thai eggplant salad with tomatoes and fresh herbs 2) Palak Dal 3) Cauliflower steak with chimichurri and asparagus From a perspective at the nexus of climate change and public health: How can we address food deserts/mirages so fresh food is more accessible as well as address the artificial lower costs of ruminant meat like beef? Image description: Carousel of vegetarian meals #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Vegetarian

The data spoke! There is interest in having group chats on climate. Come take part in an informal virtual chat on May 26. Bring your stories or just listen. Camera off is okay. The information is in the link in bio. Given the cacophony of the world, we can use it as time to decompress as well if need be. Image description: GreenHacks Informal Virtual Chat #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateCatastrophe #ClimateChange

A recent park outing for activities: Having clean, public greenspace to enjoy is a luxury for some and a standard for others. Greenspace is often not available in historically redlined areas, thus diminishing public health in the face of a warming climate. How can we restore balance and increase access to greenspace at the local, state, and federal levels? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #PublicHealth #GreenSpace

Tackling environmental justice first: Climate advocates sometimes seem enamored with solutions that keep facilitating the hold of fossil fuels on current structures; carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of those solutions. While the climate catastrophe is an all-solutions-required sitch, GreenHacks supports solutions that prioritize the righting of historical environmental wrongs. I don’t see CCS acting in that capacity thus far. After all… “a rising tide lifts all ships.” We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. And phase out their use immediately. Image description: GreenHacks Hot Take - Tackle Environmental Justice Before Carbon Capture #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #EnvironmentalJustice #CarbonCapture

Musings over a flight: It’s fascinating and alarming seeing how landscapes are transformed over Nevada, the driest state in the US. Water infrastructure helped make it possible. We can’t control what we’re born into geographically. Or prevent previous generations from subjugating nature in ways we currently wouldn’t dare. So what can we do? Some options: Learn from past mistakes, understand, communicate, and make better climate decisions at every level. Image description: An aerial shot from within a plane over the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Drought #WaterInfrastructure

It’s Earth Day! Woohoo? Here’s to willing and relentless climate activist politicians, immediately scalable clean energy solutions, strongly climate-focused education, and enthusiastic local, state, federal, and international cooperation to immediately eliminate: - short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) like methane, hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, tropospheric ozone - CO2 - soot - SO2 - NO2 - PM 2.5 - PM 10 - ultrafine particles Sound like a pipe dream? Sure. Image Description: GreenHacks Supports - For Those Who Celebrate, Happy Earth Day! #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #EarthDay

Earth Day 2022 is tomorrow, April 22! Much excitement and anticipation. Although every day feels like Earth Day here, here’s to extra emphasis. Historical tidbit: The first Earth Day took place in 1970. (Source: @earthdaynetwork) Here’s to positive change and building political will for a livable future. Image description: Photo of a recent beach excursion in SoCal. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

Capitalism: Many rail against it, some profit from it. It helps some, and it doesn’t help others (wishy-washy description for sure). Some folx are trying to fix it. I’m not a traditional economics expert by any means, but it is a question worth exploring. It is worth understanding the history and critically examining the systems in we collectively operate and their repercussions on climate. Image Description: GreenHacks Asks - What Does Capitalism Mean to You? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Systems

Webinar amplification: Want to get a job tackling climate issues but are unsure where to start? Join the terrific team at Climate People (@climate_people_) on Tuesday 4/26 from 12-1 pm EST to learn from experienced panelists as they break down their journey getting a job in climate. Panelists include: 🌱 Peyman Mortazavi 🌱 Kira Mulshine 🌱 Nathan Wasserman ​🌱 Megan Park Register by visiting @climate_people_’s link in bio. Image description: WEBINAR: How to Get a Job in Climate #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateJobs #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

Accountability sans blame: This topic is not easy, and I will not claim to have the answers. At what point do we tell ourselves that what we are doing for climate is either enough or not enough? It’s like some never-ending climate action iteration of Schrödinger’s cat. We make up the multitudes. Simultaneously, we are responsible for ourselves. Finding the balance between personal accountability without blaming ourselves and others at every turn is a constant challenge. I would like to meet the perfect climate-accountability person. Like the proverbial Slim Shady, will you please stand up? I am encouraged and inspired by all those in the climate action movement. Whenever I feel ready to throw in the towel, I am reminded of all your work. Thank you! Image description: GreenHacks Explores - Personal Climate Accountability without the Blame #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

Thank you to all who answered the IG story poll or took the survey. It’s still up on the bio/website in case anybody else would like to answer; the sample size is not as large as I’d like, but I have some direction on how some folx are feeling. I’ll be taking some dedicated time to figure out next steps for GreenHacks and how to create, maintain, and grow capacity for climate work. Kudos to all out there with their eyes open - the angry and hopeful ones. In the meantime, here’s to how quickly this peace lily revives after some water. Image description: A peace lily before water (left) and after water (right). #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #HopeAmidstAction #PreventClimateWar

Hope: Amidst relentless updates of how profoundly terrible things are climate-wise, it can seem silly to have hope. But what alternative do we have? If giving up isn’t an option for a number of reasons, then how do we keep pressing forward? How do we continue? Or if you’ve already given up on meaningful climate action, how does that lack of hope manifest for you? Hope must be cultivated, nurtured, and protected with action. It’s not always easy. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #HopeAmidstAction

GreenHacks arose from a desire to spark personal climate action. As my understanding of the climate crisis and intersection with numerous issues grows, so does the need to review approach. A spark alone does not a life-sustaining fire make. If you have a moment, your feedback on a short Climate Story and Engagement survey would be greatly appreciated (probably less than 2 minutes). It is multiple-choice (minus optional short-answer demographic questions). The survey is both in the bio and on the website (will pop up). Thank you always <3. Please feel free to email sam@greenhacks.org with any questions or comments. Here’s to navigating the balance of individual agency with collective climate action. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

A livable future: We likely all have different definitions. For me, it means one with equitable access to all the good stuff in Maslow’s hierarchy (air, water, food, shelter, etc.). It also means an actual future where we can live (not just survive) comfortably in the climate in peace. One without fossil fuel extraction nor dependence. What does a livable future mean for you? Image Description: GreenHacks Asks - What Does a Livable Future Mean to You? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #PreventClimateWar

A metaphor for progress: The succulent (golden sedum?) from back in December is growing! Unfortunately, the recent seedlings are on the struggle bus. But that’s how it goes sometimes. We’ll keep at it - for the garden and for the climate. Image Description: A succulent in a pot. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Plants

With your vote at the polls in local, state, and federal elections. With your dollar when you choose green electricity rates. With your conversations. With your time. You have an impact. Image Description: GreenHacks Reminder - Vote in Renewable Energy Anywhere You Can #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #RenewableEnergy

Some urban gardening! Seed germination. Here’s hoping they take in a few days. Image description - eight small labeled pots for herb/vegetable seed germination #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #VictoryGardens #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

New blog post: Some short thoughts on war, aggression, and fossil fuels. Link to post in bio. Image Description: GreenHacks Blog Post - Everyone Has a Right to Safety, Peace, and a Livable Future #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #NoWar #StandWithUkraine

Grateful for food. Some fattoush from earlier in the week! Vegetarian meals are a true pleasure. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #VegetarianFood

Because government scales. The impact of government is undeniable. The full force of governments supporting climate action and removing fossil fuels will be incredible. The catch? Government is comprised of the people (at least in a number of countries). The climate crisis requires government action. And that in turn requires us. As per usual/quite evident, government isn’t perfect and never has been. But it’s what we have. Image description: GreenHacks Reminder - Why Continue to Emphasize Government? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #StandWithUkraine

Beaches and other gifts from nature are a reminder that we’re lucky to be alive and still have a future to protect. May climate anger, optimism, cynicism, and hope coexist in ways that spur climate action in every single sphere. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #PreventClimateWar

Recent invasion events in Ukraine that have captured the media, reminders of existing conflicts globally, the pandemic, and the climate crisis can leave us feeling overwhelmed (an understatement). Continuing to educate ourselves will lead to better understanding of the histories, nuances, and current dynamics. Much of the world’s geopolitical and climate ills relate back to petroleum. Education will continue to lay foundations for and strengthen informed action. Education combined with action is powerful. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

Washing clothes on cold: After calling/contacting your elected reps, have you tried using cold water to wash your clothes? This microactivity can help you save energy, water, and money. According to the initiative Cold Water Saves (@coldwatersaves) from the non-profit @americancleaninginstitute, washing 4 out of 5 loads of laundry in cold water could prevent 864 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions in a year. If you’re already doing this and contacting elected reps, big BIG cheers to you! And if you’re not, what are your thoughts about it? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

Embedding Environmental Justice: Check out the new blog post on how the Climate Reality Project (@climatereality) embeds environmental justice into their Reality Hub. Link: https://www.greenhacks.org/embedding-environmental-justice #EnvironmentalJustice #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #GreenHacks

Climate change requires a group effort. GreenHacks is happy to support and be a part of local Climate Reality chapters. Thank you to the team members at @climatereality_sfv and @climaterealitylosangeles for their tireless efforts to organize and effect change for a livable future. #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate

Have you noticed evidence of climate change in your community? Does it feel like summers start around springtime now? Are hot days really, really hot? Are winter storms more intense? These are just some basic examples. Some food for not only thought but action. We have about seven years left to limit warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius). And those degrees will be key to a livable future. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #CarbonPricing

Cadillac Desert: Learning history can be a bit of a gut punch, especially if it’s: 1) Obscured or watered down (no pun intended) or 2) Never been taught to begin with Here’s to learning, understanding more, and finding solutions after this book too. There’s no life without water. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #Water #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

Though developing policies relating from zoning and housing to sustainability and more, our City Councils demonstrate how local politics affects our day-to-day lives. Who are your City Council members? What are their backgrounds and experience? You can often find more information and contact them via your city’s website. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #CityCouncil #ClimateCatastrophe

Glad to join @citizensclimate’s national January 2022 virtual meeting today! Local chapter meetings usually follow immediately after. A couple takeaways: 1) Build Back Better isn’t dead. 2) Carbon pricing will take continued engagement. Here’s to a future. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #CarbonPricing #CitizensClimate #ClimateChange

Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water (Marc Reisner) is up next over here. What are you all reading? There are many terrific climate options in multiple genres (fiction, non-fiction, sci fi, etc.), and it’s great to hear from everyone when you can. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #Reading

GreenHacks is thrilled to collaborate with Votes for the Planet (@votesfortheplanet) on their social media campaign and make climate resolutions for 2022 to help fight climate change. We have seven years to stabilize warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 Celsius). Resolutions are not a contract. That said, they can be terrific for setting mindful intentions. Continued existence seems worthwhile. Here are our resolutions: 1) Educate myself/ourselves on historical dynamics of power, their imbalances, and how the dynamics have resulted in today’s changing global climate. 2) Accurately, clearly, and consistently communicate climate-related content with pathways for mitigation and resilience action. You can make your own too to have a chance to win $500 and unlock $15,000 in donations to climate political engagement groups. For more deets, visit @votesfortheplanet or @climaterealitylosangeles. For transparency in this age of sosh media, GreenHacks is not earning money from this collaboration. #GreenHacks #ClimateResolutions2022 #ClimateChange #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #CarbonPricing

Thanks for all you do to support this project! Small personal actions matter because they spark changes, and they will also never be enough on their own. They must be done in tandem with promoting scalable, structural improvements. But it all starts somewhere. Catch you next year! Wishing you well till then and always. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #CarbonPricing

Microactivity - the rescued succulent: Abandoned in a garbage bin in early October, some babies are coming in at last! Such joy. There aren’t always success stories with plant rescues. It’s sweet when it happens. Would this little plant have become methane in a landfill? Who knows. More care is needed! #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #Plants #WasteDiversion #MethaneReduction

Black Friday: For those who partake in the shopping, some questions: 1) Did you shop from a small business? 2) What attracts you to it? 3) Was the deal really that spectacular? 4) What are your thoughts on retail workers during this time? Include Bloody Wednesday. 5) What is the retailer doing to cut emissions from shipping and more? Hope your holidays are restful. Be well. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #BloodyWednesday

Braiding Sweetgrass: Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book is sweet, scientific, and soothing indeed. One poignant takeaway? The idea of treating the world as a gift rather than a commodity. #BraidingSweetgrass #ActOnClimate #ClimateChange #LeadOnClimate #GreenHacks #Book

Cities: The ways they provide and procure services, zone for land use, and more can provide solutions to climate change. Some examples: 1) Transitioning their city fleet over to electric vehicles. 2) Ensuring their service contracts go to contractors with decarbonization commitments. 3) Supporting mixed-use zoning to help reduce commute times. 4) Securing clean energy contracts. For starters, does your city have a visible climate adaptation plan? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #PreventClimateWar #Cities

Microactions: Butternut squash seedling growth after one week! Left: October 30 Right: November 6 Cheers to the flora that brightens up life. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #Plants

COP26: @cop26uk just kicked off yesterday 10/31. May the world emerge more united and ready to execute key ambitions in the pursuit of a future. #COP26 #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #GreenHacks #PreventClimateWar

Circular Cities Week: Some photos from the tour at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) today. It’s an inspiring, healthy, and inclusive space. Thank you @circularfashionla for arranging this and the terrific team at @laincubator for hosting us. With COP26 coming up, it was needed inspiration as we all address the climate reality and crisis. #CircularCities #LetsGetReal #COP26 #ClimateChange #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #GreenHacks

New blog post: How the First Tenet of Improv Can Help Save the Planet - Part 1 Ahead of @cop26uk, check out this exploration of the dynamics of denial and acceptance of climate solutions. Link: https://www.greenhacks.org/blog/how-the-first-tenet-of-improv-can-help-save-the-planet-part-1 It can also be found in bio. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #COP26 #PreventClimateWar

Circular Cities Week event: Happy to attend @lacitysan and @calpsc’s conversation on circular textiles and active textile recovery pilot projects. Cheers to learning about and supporting a circular economy wherever we are to address climate impacts. It will take all of us to move past the pilot stage. Free events continue this week - register at https://www.circularfashionla.com/post/join-us-for-circular-cities-week. #CircularCities #CircularEconomy #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #Textiles

Happy Circular Cities Week! Join the Los Angeles chapter of the Circular Economy Club (@circularfashionla) for some inspiring and free virtual and live events this week! Event registration can be found on @circularfashionla’s link in bio. (Thank you for your leadership!) No city left behind. #CircularCities #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange

Happy to have been part of 2021’s Cohort 2 for Climate Reality Project’s Leadership training and join their robust community - just in time for the UN’s 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26 - @cop26uk). The world will be watching COP26 (October 31 - November 12), especially after the leak of 32,000 documents to the @BBC revealing that nations such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Australia are lobbying the @unitednations to “play down the need to move rapidly away from fossil fuels.” Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58982445 #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #PreventClimateWar #COP26

Meditation and mindfulness: Both have been linked with ethical decision-making and pro-environmental behavior (Panno et al. 2017). The gargantuan nature of the climate crisis will require a mindfulness strategy for us to develop resilience, adapt, and mitigate issues as best as possible. The link to the study can be found in the Resources - Environmental Resources section of the GreenHacks website (in bio). #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #Meditation #PreventClimateWar

Mini herb garden: Cheers to these little basil babies planted a few days before Clean Air Day! They grow quickly! Left image: October 11 Right image: October 18 #GreenHacks #CleanAirDayCA #Plants #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate

Psychological distance: Our “ability to create psychological distance from risk is one of the biggest barriers to understanding why climate change matters to us.” (Katharine Hayhoe, Climate One - October 1, 2021). One solution? Beginning a conversation “from the heart rather than the head.” Dr. Hayhoe (@katharinehayhoe) is a popular climate interviewee and with good reason. She’s a compelling speaker who navigates the challenges of climate change accessibly. Link: https://www.climateone.org/audio/katharine-hayhoe-hope-and-healing (Can also be found in the Resources - Environmental Resources section on the GreenHacks website) #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #PreventClimateWar

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States: Much to learn today and every day, we have. And not a moment to lose. “How might acknowledging the reality of US history work to transform society? That is the central question this book pursues.” (Dunbar-Ortiz 2014). #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Happy California Clean Air Day! Celebrate by taking public transit for free today 10/6/2021 with Metro (@metrolosangeles), planting something outdoors, switching to a green electricity rate, and more. It’s not too late to take the pledge. Visit @cleanairday for details! #CleanAirDayCA #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #PublicHealth #PreventClimateWar

4th Annual Clean Air Day: Get excited for October 6! GreenHacks is supporting this terrific project from the Coalition for Clean Air (@cleanairca). Here are some actions we’re taking/continuing to take - thank you @cleanairday for the graphics! 1) Choose a green energy rate 2) Plant a garden 3) Eat meatless for at least one day 4) Turn off the car (not idling) Check out our California Clean Air Day pledge page for more ideas (also in bio): https://www.cleanairday.org/pledge/individual/greenhacks #CleanAirDay #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #PublicHealth #ClimateChange

Carbon pricing: A price on carbon would act as a solutions multiplier in a single policy that could combine the effects of multiple legislative and regulatory levers in various sectors (MIT Climate Interactive EN-ROADS Global Climate Action Simulator). For more information, visit Citizens’ Climate Lobby (@citizensclimate) and get involved in carbon pricing efforts locally. There are so many local chapters! #GreenHacks #CarbonPricing #PreventClimateWar #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

A trip to the Twin Cities (and Wisconsin, briefly): Nature working its magic on a hike. Let’s continue to understand, protect, and decarbonize equitably to ensure some kind of future without climate wars. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe

Utilities, again: It’s not just Big Oil companies that are complicit/responsible for the climate catastrophe. By actively lobbying against renewable energy policies, refusing to innovate, and more, utilities have contributed to the climate catastrophe (Leah Stokes, 2020). How’s yours doing? #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #Utilities

For Meatless Monday: Some vegetarian dishes from the past few days/weeks! Our meals can have positive or negative environmental impacts, depending on what we choose to eat. 1) Stir-fried gai lan (Chinese broccoli) and fried tofu 2) Stir-fried veggies 3) Saag paneer 4) Kung Pao eggplant tacos #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateChange #Vegetarian

Today (September 14) is the last day to vote in the California recall election. You may have heard that a lot is on the line. It is. Program funding for wildfire prevention, clean energy, housing and homelessness support, eviction defense, and more is on the line. For folx in Los Angeles County: You can find a Vote Center where you can either vote in-person until 8pm or drop off your mail-in ballot. The latter must be post-marked by today. #RecallElection #Vote #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate

Faith in Conservation: An insightful read that reminds us of the emotional and financial power of the different faith groups worldwide and how they have been involved in environmental protection efforts. Much to learn from others, we have! And we have not a moment to lose. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #FaithInConservation

From the California Secretary of State’s website: “Return your vote-by-mail ballot by mail with prepaid postage as long as it's postmarked by September 14, 2021 or in-person to a secure ballot drop box, to a voting location or your county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on September 14, 2021.” Link: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/2021-ca-gov-recall #RecallElection #ActOnClimate #LeadOnClimate #Vote

The Ministry for the Future: This book presents compelling ideas for “carbon quantitative easing” through developing a carbon coin and a carbon tax to ensure survival. The former is in the purview of central banks. The latter is right up Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Climate Reality’s alleys. @cclboise @cclpurdue @climatereality_sfv @climaterealitylosangeles #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #ClimateChange #CarbonTax #CarbonCoin

The Global South: “The phrase ‘Global South’ refers broadly to the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It is one of a family of terms, including ‘Third World’ and ‘Periphery,’ that denote regions outside Europe and North America, mostly (though not all) low-income and often politically or culturally marginalized.” (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1536504212436479) The Global South has had to put up with a lot of garbage, both literally and figuratively. They are positioned to experience climate disasters more strongly than European and North American counterparts. Honor them in your conversations and actions. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #ClimateChange #GlobalSouth

Meatless Monday: A carousel of some vegetarian meals from the previous week for some meat-free ideas if you’d like! Our meals have impacts. Three-pane scroll. Photos: 1) Fattoush 2) Palak Dal 3) Peperonata with eggs and paprika potatoes (potatoes are not visible) #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #VegetarianFood

Our electric utilities are important players. In 2020, “about 60% of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation was produced from fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), about 20% was from nuclear energy, and about 20% was from renewable energy sources.” (US Energy Information Administration) That final 20% should be 100%. Let’s work toward it. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #ClimateChange #Utilities

California Gubernatorial Recall Election: For the love of all - please vote “No” on Question 1. California’s made a lot of climate progress. Recalling him jeopardizes that progress (even in the form of a stalemate due to a Democratic legislature and a potentially-Republican governor). Please vote “No”. #GreenHacks #CaliforniaRecall #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow

Our first blog post is up! As the recent IPCC report fades into “old news”, we take the time to explore the inequality in our systems from a wealth and power perspective, which inevitably shows up in our climate. After screaming into the void about flipping the script, we look forward to working with folks for equitable, circular, accelerated climate solutions. Link: https://www.greenhacks.org/the-scheming-system @renee__od #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #Systems

The sixth Assessment Report (AR6) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (@ipcc) released yesterday is grim, nothing too new, and galvanizing. The climate reality can be overwhelming and lead to inaction due to analysis paralysis. To combat this, we encourage you to get involved today with your city, local Climate Reality chapter of @climatereality (for us, that’s @climaterealitylosangeles and @climatereality_sfv), or Citizens Climate Lobby (@citizensclimate). “Act locally, think globally.” #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #ClimateChange #IPCC

A trip to Seattle. Seeing urban blackberries (Himalayan blackberry - NPR story, 2016 article) at Gas Works Park was a learning experience! Due to unknown pesticide usage or contaminated ground… “Snack at your own risk.” (@the_evergrey, 2018 article). New experiences are eye-opening. Here’s to learning and understanding more, especially as those lessons intersect with climate and environmental health. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #Pesticides #EnvironmentalHealth

Work behind a computer? In a field? Dental office? Waiting tables? Entertainment? At home with family? You (yes, you) have a circle of influence, and you can utilize it for climate good - advocating for energy-efficient lighting/water heaters, recycled printing paper, climate-conscious advertising, thermostat consciousness, closing the fridge, etc. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #ClimateChange #OurActionsANDGovernment

Drought and climate change: Drove past Shasta Lake recently. It’s one thing to hear about drought in California or even see pictures. It’s another to see it in person. This picture doesn’t do it justice. Shasta Lake is at 32% capacity (Bureau of Reclamation - July 29 data). Climate change exacerbates drought (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions). While a lot of California’s water is used for agriculture (over 5.68 million acres of farmland), your impacts matter. If you’re on the front-lawn-with-grass train, consider xeriscaping to reduce your residential water usage. And as always but definitely not the only thing you should do, keep taking shorter showers. But with the understanding that bigger things are at play. For more tips, visit @ca.water.boards or @wateruseitwiselyaz. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #Drought #ClimateChange

The catastrophic effects of climate change are here now. Saving our future will entail both our personal actions and the full force of government, with far more emphasis on the latter. While 71% of emissions are caused by 100 corporations, we still have a role to play as individuals because we have far more influence on our own consumer choices (usually). So let’s use reusable mugs/straws, reduce plastic, and simultaneously show support for a federal clean energy standard implemented on utilities (said to save over 300,000 lives). We can do it! We also don’t have much of a choice. #GreenHacks #OurActionsANDGovernment #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #ClimateChange

GreenHacks is glad to endorse The Climate Center (@theclimatecenter) and the Climate-Safe California campaign for a “bold suite of policies” that accelerate climate action. For a full list of organizational endorsements, visit their page here: https://theclimatecenter.org/climate-safe-california-organizational-endorsements/ #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #GreenHacks #TheClimateCenter #ClimateChange

We’re on TikTok as well - the kids are migrating there, it seems. And we should try to meet them, as they’re inheriting this earth. Yikes. Thank you to @fatchange101 for the alert on its usefulness. If you’re on that platform, catch our first video at @greenhacks_org - it’s n00b status, but we’ll get there. And we’re not leaving IG just yet. #GreenHacks #ClimateCommunication #ActOnClimate #OurBehaviorsANDGovernment #ClimateChange

Green buildings: Back in February, I (Sam) passed my LEED Green Associate exam. It was exciting to get a good introduction to green buildings this way! Thank you to U.S. Green Building Council and Green Business Certification, Inc. for setting up a structure for a holistic introduction on green buildings and their relationship to systems thinking. Certificates aren’t everything, but they do provide a useful baseline framework for further understanding. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey! #GreenHacks #LEEDGreenAssociate #ActOnClimate #ClimateChange

As we head into the weekend, this concept is ever on our minds, with the climate catastrophe at the forefront. It is applicable to numerous (if not all) fields. With some planning, preventive care, and maintenance, we can help make disasters such as the recent tragedy at Surfside in Florida less likely to happen. The irony of preventive care is that the effects are rarely written about because they prevent the problems or tragedies from happening in the first place. But onwards we go. Wishing you well always. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #Intersectionality #ClimateChange

Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure: It’s one thing to tell people that decarbonizing transportation is necessary for that ever-elusive sustainable future. It’s another thing to make it reality. There have been some advances (especially with the electric F-150 released earlier in May 2021), but for a lot of people, EVs are still not an option due to cost, lack of charging availability, and other issues. An equitable transition must be prioritized. It was heartening to see this charging station from a popular EV infrastructure provider on a recent walk. Extra kudos to the City for the nice signage. There are also some good rebate options from the @cleanvehiclerebate program in California. One step at a time, but may those steps be faster and larger. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #EVSE #DecarbonizeTransportation

We know the stats (and are perhaps mentally over-saturated). There are a lot of good people who are working on implementing crucial climate solutions (policy, health, equity, tech, etc.) at the local, state, and federal levels. But it takes a proverbial village. Let’s keep their spirits up by continuing that conversation on social media and in real life. Who knows who will overhear. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow #ClimateChange

Have old socks with holes AND moving? Wrap your glassware/ceramics with them! But don’t limit yourself to socks - any old cloth is fair game! On a more macro note, check out the Climate Corporate Accountability Act (SB 260), which was introduced by California Senator Scott Wiener. “SB 260 would be the first law in the country to require U.S.-based companies — those doing business in California and generating over $1 billion in gross annual revenue — to disclose all of their greenhouse gas emissions and set science-based targets to reduce those emissions.” Link: https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20210128-senator-scott-wiener-introduces-climate-corporate-accountability-act Thank you, @scott_wiener! #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #SB260

A blog is on its way soon! Excitement over the little standard Internet-y things! We see it as a space to explore where GreenHacks will go next and how we evaluate the connections between climate change, public health, equity, policy, systems overall, tech, and a whole lot more. Boooooring? Maybe. Screaming into the void? No doubt. Will comments be allowed? Maybe. Probably. We’re sensitive over here! #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #PublicHealth #ClimateChange #Tech #Policy

A vista from a lovely hike on Mother’s Day! Let’s be both gentle and fierce when protecting this planet. Not unlike the ways moms are. It will take all of us. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate

Avoiding cryptocurrency: The environmental impact required to mine, process, maintain security, and more is staggering. I see the Dogecoiners and people with their eyes on the Disaster Girl-NFT. Our choices have real-world carbon impacts. Until renewable sources can power ALL electricity globally in an ethical fashion, cryptocurrency should not be on the table as a financial system. Eight-pane scroll. Sources at end. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #CryptocurrencyClimateImpacts #ClimateChange

Demand large-scale, immediate climate change mitigation actions from your governments. The era of incremental climate-related changes needs to end today. There are enough arguments against change now - too hard, too expensive, too politically unfeasible, etc. As it will be all of those things and we don’t have a choice anymore, we might as well push in every space possible. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate

Planning gifts ahead of time: With celebrations in our lives and Mother’s Day coming up soon, it’s never too late to add a little more time for planning our gifts. You can plan for a thoughtful gift, save some cash on shipping (if mailing), and incorporate circular packaging. No sources on this one - just a compilation of ideas and experiences that we’ve all likely previously been exposed to that have already been plenty sourced/described. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #MothersDay #PlanningGifts #ClimateChange

Happy Earth Day! This picture’s from a few days ago - homemade vegan blueberry scones! We’re happy to reduce the impacts of the dairy industry on emissions by reducing our demand for the ingredients in baking. That’s individual action. How can we be Pareto-optimal and tackle the massive impact of 100 companies responsible for 71% of emissions? (Thank you to @fatchange101 for the excellent reminder.) Some other simple suggestions to reduce our demand: 1) Buy secondhand clothing. 2) Switch over to your utility’s green rate or to your local community choice aggregator for electricity (not always available). 3) Don’t buy cryptocurrency, as it is environmentally costly (more to come). #ActOnClimate #GreenHacks #EarthDay #NationalJellybeanDay

Earth Day 2021 is almost here! Excitement! While we believe this celebratory day and a lot of other ones should be year-round, we won’t go off on that tangent. Let’s show our home some love by protecting it and caring for it - reducing the amount of garbage and emissions, nurturing people and places, and more. #EarthDay #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateChange

Inhaler recycling: Inhalers impact the environment due to the greenhouse gas propellants (now hydrofluoroalkanes) used to dispense the doses from the medication canister (for “well-known metered dose inhalers”). The plastic dispenser impacts are worth mentioning as well. That said, we should be mindful of missing the forest for the trees when it comes to evaluating health needs and environmental impacts. In many cases, you can recycle inhalers at your local Walgreens. To make doubly sure, check ahead of time for your location before dropping them off by using the “Medication Disposal Kiosk” filter with the Store Locator function. Link 1: https://earth911.com/home-garden/how-to-recycle-inhalers/ Link 2: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/safe-medication-disposal.jsp #GreenHacks #InhalerRecycling #ActOnClimate

Meeting our neighbors: Nurture your resilience in the face of an emergency by meeting/getting to know your neighbors. Six-pane scroll. Sources at end. #GreenHacks #Resilience #ActOnClimate #ClimateChange

If you can make it! Repost from the Mid City Neighborhood Council! GreenHacks is happy to be part of the volunteer Resiliency team under their terrific leadership. - We welcome you to our Mid City Art Contest Gala on Saturday, April 10th at 7pm! This fun online event will be a celebration of your art and your participation in the art contest. The evening will include renowned singer Frenchie Davis from American Idol and The Voice. Also, we’ll have DJ Mona Lisa spinning musical tracks. Plus, we will announce the 25 winners of the Art Contest! Spanish translation will be available. Join us! Everyone is welcome. RSVP now at www.midcityartist.com. @minclaorg

Seeing large corporations mention carbon offsets (a loose definition: the process of balancing out carbon emitted with investments in renewable energy or carbon sequestration) as part of their sustainability strategies should then trigger other questions such as: 1) How are you changing operations to reduce or remove emissions? 2) What else are you doing to reduce emissions? Carbon offsets alone are better than nothing. That said, the process is challenging to define and standardize. We must press on to ensure accountability and find a governing body for this process. #ActOnClimate #CarbonOffsets #GreenHacks #ClimateChange

As Georgia enacts voter suppression in what Stacey Abrams calls “a redux of Jim Crow”, we’re thankful to continue the letter-writing volunteer work with Vote Forward. This batch of letters is headed to Georgia. Taking voting rights anywhere (even in a liberal state like California) for granted is a mistake. Climate action at the local, state, and federal levels often takes place through the people that are in office. #ActOnClimate #GreenHacks #VoteForward

The American Public Health Association (APHA) calls racism a public health crisis. Racism’s effects are insidious and interconnected, manifesting in recent murders of people of Asian descent, police brutality on the Black community, redlining for housing, and much, much more. The list is long and sad. But it should not stay that way. As you may have seen, it is not enough to be “non-racist”. We all have biases we need to actively, constantly address in an anti-racist way. GreenHacks will unequivocally stand by racial equity movements. We may not understand every person’s experience directly, but we will listen and work to create a better world. There are resources out there - let’s educate ourselves and have some dang empathy. #EndWhiteSupremacy #EndRacism

A repost from the terrific resource @susty.eco. We are grateful that they chose to have us and spotlight our 3T framework for making better choices. In short: 1) Transparency 2) Timeline 3) Transportation There’s more info here: https://www.susty.eco/learn/3t-framework Susty is going places, and we are thankful to be along for their ride. Wishing you well always. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate

We’re taking a social media pause to rest for a skosh and will be back soon! Wishing you well always. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate

While we wait for the @treasurydept to get the Tubman $20 into circulation, we thought we’d keep going with the stamp. It’s a very-small something to atone for this country’s previous evils. Certainly not everything. Not everyone likes it. “Style and symbol rather than substance.” - Brittney Cooper But why not both? We can work to simultaneously dismantle racism both on the surface with symbols (which are important) and, far more importantly, in our structures and institutions. Thoughts welcome. #TubmanTwenty

Shifting to systems thinking: As opposed to linear thinking, systems thinking expands our capacity to see the world in more complex ways. It is a useful tool to increase resiliency. Mitigating climate change will require, among many other ideas, a systems approach. Seven-pane scroll. Sources at end. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #SystemsThinking #ClimateChange

Nature wields its magic, restorative wand once more. Thank you to @joshuatreenps for managing the park. The US is lucky to have the space and should protect it always. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate

Idle for no longer than 30 seconds: Driving a gas-powered vehicle? Vanderbilt University researchers found that "Americans idle the engines of their personal car, truck or SUV an average of 16 minutes per day — only half of which involves being stuck in traffic." According to the US Department of Energy, most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds. And remember... “idling gets [zero] miles per gallon.” Seven-pane scroll. Sources at end. #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate #ClimateChange

Using cloth napkins on the daily: You don’t need to wait for a fancy occasion to reduce your home paper waste. Invest in a few pairs of simple and inexpensive cloth napkins that you rotate through. And bonus: You can even do some cool napkin origami! (Pope hat pictured.) I’ve seen that @circularfashionla has some cloth napkins available. Or you can go to Goodwill/another thrift shop to pick some up. You got this! #GreenHacks #ActOnClimate