With the largest snowstorm on record for several locations in the East, Winter Storm Jonas, behind us, Climate Central says some of the reason the East coast is experiencing so much snow is,
“…because it is pulling abundant moisture. As the planet warms because of excess heat trapped by human-emitted greenhouse gases, the atmosphere can hold more moisture. Scientists already expect heavy downpours to increase because of that.”
And that means more snow days! Snow days are perfect for sleeping in, sledding, pancakes, hot chocolate and…activism. There’s just something about having lots of snow on the ground that gives you permission to skip your normal routine in favor of activities you never otherwise find the time to get to.
Here are 8 ways to make a difference with Snow Day Activism:
- Write a letter/Send an email/Make a phone call — We are strong proponent of writing letters, sending emails, and calling elected officials. It’s free, direct, gives you an outlet to express your concerns, and it puts your position on record with the people who are making and enforcing the laws that are supposed to protect us and our families. Snow days are perfect for implementing Naptime Activism. Here’s a link to contact information for your U.S. Representatives and Senators.
- Sign a petition — Petitions are effective because they focus the concerns of thousands, hundreds of thousands and maybe even millions of people on politicians or corporations who need to support a law or change the way they do business. Here are a few our current petitions: put an end to methane emissions, finalize chemical safety reform and protect kids from climate pollution. Find all of Moms Clean Air Force petitions here.
- Write a check/Donate online — Sometimes even finding the time to contribute to a worthy cause or candidate is hard to do. If you’re also using your snow day to pay bills, why not make a contribution while you have your checkbook or credit card out.
- Create a poster — Do you plan to attend a rally for a cause you care about? Are you going to show up in support of a candidate you love? Is a demonstration against a candidate or company in your future? Make a poster or two now, when you have the time. Get the kids involved in, too! Check out events in your state here.
- Brush up on facts — Remember: knowledge is power! Settle down with an important book you’ve been meaning to read, or a website you’ve wanted to browse. If you haven’t yet checked out our online resources, please do. You’ll find a treasure trove of information to keep in your virtual back pocket. And by all means, print out the PDF versions of the fact sheets, either to keep on your fridge or to share with neighbors and friends (I particularly like the one on School Air Quality).
- Tweet, Pin, Post to Facebook — Schedule Tweets or post links to your Facebook network about climate change and air quality. Or, expand your Twitter network by following others whose perspective you value. You can schedule a week’s work of social media outreach, so next week, when you’re swamped, your perspective is still getting out there. If you haven’t done so already, a snow day is a good day to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter: @CleanAirMoms
- Beef up on your election knowledge — Read the current presidential candidates climate change policy. Many candidates for state and national office now have systems set up so you can log in to their computer data base from your own cell phone and get the names and phone numbers of undecided voters they’d like you to approach. You may also find a list of volunteer activities they’d like you to do to help them reach more voters.
- Watch a good movie — Sit back and watch a film that will enlighten you about climate change, pollution, toxic chemicals, plastic and other issues you care about. “The Human Experiment,” reviewed here, examines the impact that dangerous compounds can have on our ability to reproduce. The D.C. Environmental Film Festival offers a wide variety of environmental films online for free. For fun, watch a teacher’s elaborate Adele parody about snow days!
Other ideas? Let us know what you plan to do the next time you’re snowed in to make a difference!
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