It’s hard not to think about getting outside, especially during the new norm of virtual everything. The trouble is, the outdoor spaces that we love are still in jeopardy even while the only commutes people make are within their own houses. Though it might seem like the protection of our climate and environment is in the hands of politicians and powerful organizations, don’t underestimate the power that you hold to advocate for our environment from the couch. 

I had the chance to talk with Corey Cronin, the Policy and Civic Engagement Coordinator of Protect Our Winters (a climate activist organization based in Boulder) about how people who are stuck in their houses can get involved in the fight against climate change. These were his suggestions for homebound climate advocates:

1. Contact Your Elected Officials

“Anybody can be a climate activist, even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Cronin. Writing an email or a letter to your mayor, a representative in the state legislature or a Congressperson lets them know you and your community stand against climate change. All that just by licking a stamp or clicking the “send” button!

2. Share Your Outdoor Experience

Bringing a climate skeptic or a person who is unsure how to feel about climate change to a favorite outdoor spot not only allows you to build a relationship with that person, but also reminds them of the beautiful spaces that need protection. “Take them for a walk, or a hike, or a [mountain bike] ride,” Cronin suggested, adding that creating a connection between potential climate activists and the land they’ll fight to protect is key to giving them a “sense of purpose in protecting the places that we all love.”

3. VOTE!

Gather some friends virtually to have a Zoom party and talk about plans to vote and watch an environmentally active movie (Cronin suggests Purple Mountains, a short film by Jeremy Jones, POW’s founder). The grassroots climate activism that Boulder loves to promote is only as effective as its voter turnout. Groups who “make a plan to vote, register to vote and cast their ballots on November 3rd” are the people who create real change, said Cronin.

4. Become an Imperfect Advocate

Get involved in pro-climate organizations like POW, whose platforms amplify the voices of climate activists across the world. In-person advocacy might not be the safest course of action at the moment, but virtual support and participation in these organizations will help represent the voices of the climate activist community. “Sharing out links or movie screenings or films that we’re going to be participating in” on social media networks all will increase awareness around the work POW and others are doing to protect our environment, Cronin said. “Getting people involved and excited about climate activism [is our goal],” he added.

5. Tune In To Athlete’s Platforms

Athletes whose sports depend on the preservation of the climate are heavily involved with POW and other pro-climate organizations. Their influence reaches beyond what local movements can achieve, and paying attention to and sharing their climate advocacy work will help grow the push for the protection of our outdoor spaces. “I could talk to you about how awesome electric vehicles are, but you probably wouldn’t listen to me compared to somebody like [famous climber] Tommy Caldwell,” said Cronin. “Using the platforms they have to push out tools, to push out calls to action, to really build grassroots momentum on these important issues is what we [at POW] specialize in and that’s what we’re excited to continue to do moving forward.”

Using your voice to call for the protection of a sustainable relationship between the environment and those who find joy in the outdoors is hugely important, even if you’re doing it from home. Fortunately, members of POW like Cronin are fighting the good fight alongside us and will continue to do so. If you’re looking to become more involved in the fight against climate change, visit POW’s website to get your home-advocacy on.