Two recent Meaningful Movies events focused on the urgency of the climate crisis, as well as actions we can take to address the crisis.
An April 22 virtual event focused on the film The Story of Plastics and highlighted suggestions from speakers (including from Zero Waste Washington) about everyday actions to increase recycling efforts and reduce plastic use.
The May 1 Meaningful Movies at First Church virtual event featured the Climate Solutions 101 video series by Project Drawdown and speakers Reverend Jenny Phillips, Senior Technical Advisor for the United Methodist Church Board of Global Ministries, and Shemona Moreno, Deputy Director of 350 Seattle.
While many of us struggle with feelings of grief and helplessness over environmental crises, both events provided hope and numerous concrete actions we can take, including advocacy for policy and political change as well as everyday individual practices. Check out the resources below, which were shared with attendees following the events.
–Zero Waste Washington focuses on advocacy and projects to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, save natural resources, and prevent pollution. Sign up for the newsletter to support advocacy and legislative efforts, and learn about individual ways to reduce consumption and waste: https://zerowastewashington.org/join-us/be-part-of-the-zero-waste-movement/. Get involved with a local branch, such as Seattle Zero Waste https://www.seattlezerowaste.com/.
–350 Seattle is mobilizing people in multiple ways, from policy and legislative advocacy to direct action, to fight for climate justice and a livable planet. Action opportunities include advocacy for a Green New Deal in the Seattle Parks Levy, campaigns to stop the flow of investment in fossil fuels, and legislative advocacy at the state level with the 350WA Civic Action Team. To join and support the 350 Seattle movement, go to 350.org.
–350WA Civic Action Team (CAT). All 12 350.org local affiliates in Washington State are collaborating to ensure our state legislators hear from as many voices as possible, urging them to act for climate justice and an equitable society. This is a great place to track climate-related legislation and make connections with other Washington citizens who care about climate. 350WA is gearing up for the 2023 legislative session. Sign up for notices at https://www.350wa.org/cat.
–Stop the Money Pipeline (STMP) is a coalition of more than 200 organizations demanding that banks, asset managers, insurance companies, and institutional investors stop funding, insuring, and investing in fossil fuels and climate destruction. STMP’s Customers for Climate Justice campaign https://stopthemoneypipeline.com/customers/ – focuses on what customers can do to influence the top banks to stop financing fossil fuels and deforestation.
Other resources and opportunities for ACTION
–Climate Solutions champions policies and market-based innovations to accelerate clean energy solutions to the climate crisis. Climate Solutions focuses on the Pacific Northwest, a region positioned to make globally significant progress toward 100% clean energy. Go to Take Action | Climate Solutions.
–Extinction Rebellion is a decentralized, international, and politically non-partisan movement using non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly on the climate and ecological emergency. See https://rebellion.global/about-us/ and the Seattle chapter website https://www.seattlerebellion.earth/#/.
From the Church & Society Social Justice Committee