Creating a Resolution? Take Local Action for our future climate

Are you looking for a meaningful New Year’s Resolution? Something that can improve your life, your community and the planet at the same time? Something more lasting and impactful than cleaning the garage? Yeah… the garage will be there next year. This year, we at the SLO Climate Coalition are going back to our roots: we’re focusing on taking local climate action. With national leadership on climate action likely to go in the wrong direction under the new administration, the power to drive positive change is more than ever at the local level.

Why Local Action Matters

When national climate policies stall or regress, local efforts become a vital source of momentum. Cities, counties, and communities like ours are where real, meaningful progress begins. Whether it’s advocating for better governmental policy, electrifying our lives, or building community resilience, the solutions are right at our fingertips… not, for now, in Washington.

Take the City of San Luis Obispo as an example—we have a bold carbon reduction goal, an ambitious climate action plan, and continue to lead by example to address carbon emissions. We’ve seen firsthand the impact of local leadership, volunteer action, and community support. Now, it’s up to all of us to build on that momentum, advocate for change, and inspire others in nearby communities to take their own bold action!

When the SLO Climate Coalition was created in 2012, we had a vision of community directed clean energy for our power grid. The answer was Community Choice Energy, a state sanctioned framework for putting the power (literally and figuratively) back in the hands of the people buying it. We pushed hard to join a nonprofit then known as Monterey Bay Community Power (later renamed Central Coast Community Energy, 3CE) so that our residents would have a choice to get more renewable power and local control than ever before… and we succeeded! It took 6 more years but in 2018 the City of SLO, Morro Bay and soon many others, joined the program… and the carbon footprint of our region has forever been improved because of it!

The County of SLO was the slowest to get on board, but as of Jan 1, 2025, all county residents can now also choose the cleaner, more accountable energy policies of 3CE, as well as take advantage of their many excellent rebates for getting off fossil fuels. The cleaner grid, the rebates for doing the right thing and the added influence we have over the policies of the entity who buys our power, are HUGE benefits of our advocacy and proof that local action makes a difference! 

We think this year can be a tipping point towards a more climate conscious county government and we will be advocating for the new majority to make Climate a top priority across the many departments in the organization, like the City has done so successfully. We need your help to make that vision a reality, so join us to make your new year’s resolution the most meaningful one yet!

Volunteerism: Giving Back and Building Community

One of the most impactful resolutions you can set this year is to volunteer your time to support our ambitious plan for local climate action. Volunteering creates a ripple effect—it benefits the planet, builds our community, and gives you a sense of purpose and connection.

Here are a few ways to volunteer locally:

• Join cleanup events to protect our parks, beaches, and open spaces.
• Get involved with organizations like the SLO Climate Coalition, where volunteers play an essential role in driving our projects forward, like Earth Day.
• Support community gardens like City Farm SLO or food recovery programs like SLO Food Bank that reduce waste and improve food access for those in need.
• Give some time to local energy efficiency initiatives, like our new concierge program: eHome Assist, to help neighbors electrify their homes.

Volunteering doesn’t just help the cause; it builds relationships with like-minded individuals, strengthens community ties, and inspires others to get involved.

Start Conversations That Matter

Sustainability thrives on shared action and ideas. This year, resolve to talk about climate solutions with those around you—your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. These conversations don’t have to be formal or intimidating; they can start with simple, practical tips:

• Share ways to reduce waste, like composting or shopping locally.
• Discuss the benefits of electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy like solar and batteries in the home.
• Inspire others to reduce their carbon footprint by e-biking or switching to an electric car.
• Encourage participation in community events and support for local sustainability policies.

Small, everyday conversations are powerful. They normalize sustainable choices, motivate action, and spread hope.

Practical Local Actions for 2024

Here are simple, actionable steps you can take locally to make a difference this year:

1. Shop and Eat Locally
   Support local farmers, artisans, and businesses to strengthen our economy and reduce the carbon emissions of transporting goods. Visit farmers’ markets, choose seasonal produce, and opt for sustainable products.
2. Electrify Your Home
   Consider upgrading your gas appliances to energy-efficient electric alternatives like heat pumps or induction stoves. Programs in California, like TECH Clean California and 3CE’s generous rebates, offer rebates to make these changes affordable.
3. Volunteer with Local Organizations like us
   Dedicate time to groups working on sustainability, climate resilience, and community support.
4. Advocate for Local Climate Policies
   Attend SLO county meetings and speak up for making climate action and resiliency a priority in all departments of government.
5. Host Sustainability Gatherings
   Share sustainable practices by hosting a clothing swap, a plant-based dinner, or a workshop on composting. Make it fun while encouraging others to act.
6. Support Renewable Energy
   Look into programs like Central Coast Community Energy. They probably already power your home with clean, renewable energy. Learn what they have to offer!
7. Reduce Waste
   Commit to composting, reducing single-use plastics, and finding creative ways to reuse or recycle items.

2025: A Year to Act Locally and Inspire Change

We can’t always rely on national leadership to prioritize climate solutions, but we can rely on the power of local action. By volunteering, advocating for change, and sharing sustainability with others, we take ownership of the future we want to see.

This year, let’s commit to resolutions that have a lasting impact: supporting our neighbors, protecting our environment, and building a thriving, resilient community right here in San Luis Obispo County.

Change starts with us, and together, our collective efforts can inspire a greener, more sustainable year ahead.

Are you ready to make local climate action your resolution for 2025? Let’s get started, together! 🌍