Making a Local Difference in Climate Change

As we experience the effects of climate change, more people are asking what small things they might do to help the planet. The answer, according to a panel of experts is to get involved.

“You don’t have to do a lot, but you do have to do something,” said Yon Hardisty, founder of Forestr.org, a Castro Valley-based 503c non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees and restoring local lands. “You can plant a tree, start a garden, clear out debris on the roadside. Every little bit helps. You can also get involved politically. You can absolutely email and contact your local politicians and let them know you support improving our area.”

Hardisty was part of a three-person panel at the Castro Valley Library last Saturday entitled “Be the Change, Climate Change Activism Panel.” He was joined by Amos White, the founder, and Chief Planting Officer with 100K Trees for Humanity, and Jennifer Koney, a legislative analyst with 350 Bay Area Action.

It was the latest in a series of panel discussions at the library in support of this year’s Castro Valley Reads theme of climate change. About a dozen people showed up for the event.

The panel was quizzed about their passions for combating climate change and how it is connected to social justice. The audience also heard much about clearing up misinformation floating around about climate change, and what are the challenges going forward.

“I love using technology to help fight climate change,” White said holding up a small tree sapling. “This here is the most technologically advanced system in the world for fighting climate change.

White and Hardisty said they hear all the time that planting trees is a bad idea because they require so much water and if no one takes care of them, they become a fire hazard. The truth according to Hardisty is that after only a few months of care, trees tend to take care of themselves. They help lend to preventing climate change because they keep the soil in place which helps retain groundwater. Their leaves also help collect any precipitation in the air and provide natural water for plants growing nearby.

And while not everyone can pick up a shovel, the panel did identify some simple things that anyone can do to help combat climate change. These include:

·       Reduce, reuse, and recycle

·       Cut down on what you throw away

·       Choose sustainable products

·       Shop wisely

·       Use long-lasting light bulbs

·       Plant a tree

The panel was also asked what inspires them to continue to fight. All three pointed to the younger people in the audience.

“Truly what keeps us motivated are the numbers of youth that are showing up to get involved,” Hardisty said. “Earlier today, I had 10 teenagers helping maintain the Sage pocket park just outside the library.”