Joanna Macy describes three means towards a thriving planet:

Partner with Rainforest Communities

I. Without the rainforests of the world, civilization will not survive - even if we stop all fossil fuel emissions. Rainforest communities have the capacity to gift back to the world not only magnificent beauty, but also the protection of half the world’s biodiversity, essential creation of rainfall, a future with less atmospheric carbon dioxide as the forests draw down carbon, and the prevention of the release of catastrophic amounts of carbon if the forests are logged or burned. However, these communities have had resources stolen from them for hundreds of years, and now those who can, must gift back to these communities the resources they need to protect these forests. They know the solutions, we just have to trust them and enact those solutions.

• Visit healthinharmony.org

Learn about Intersectional Environmentalism

I. Racism and colonialism are key pillars of the environmental crisis and without addressing them, we cannot bring about a thriving future for all. Extractive and polluting industries are almost always situated in communities of color who bear the brunt of the damage and have less power to refuse this destruction. Addressing equity and social justice is foundational for bringing about a thriving future for our planet and part and parcel of the change that must happen in the world.

• Study the amazing website: Intersectional Environmentalist to learn more.

• Check out the Online Course: Climate in Colour: The History of Climate

• Read The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and it’s Solutions by Jason Hickel

Divest from Fossil Fuels and Donate Profits from Extractive Industries:

I. If you are privileged enough to have a retirement account, be aware of how those funds are invested. They are likely supporting industries that are actually destroying our future, and therefore may very well be working against the thriving retirement you desire. If others are managing the money, you can ask to have your funds divested from fossil fuels. If you are managing your own funds, you can move the money to an account where you can invest in fossil fuel free indices such as SPYX or ETHO. Note that large cap indices are likely to still have money in large mines such as Newmont and Freeport. With these funds, consider working out the profit from these investments and donating those back to Indigenous communities who have been harmed by mining companies, or to the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition (see below).

Switch from the Big Banks

(especially Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo)

I. These big banks are heavily invested in fossil fuels and / or funding pipelines and deforestation. Switching to Community Banks for Credit Unions makes a huge difference and may give you unexpected energy as your money aligns with your values. It did for me.

II. Many travel cards or company cards are supported by Chase so look on the back of your credit card.

Support the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition

I. Crazily, the Doctrine of Discovery is a Papal Bull from the 1400s, which says that land is considered empty if not “owned” by a Christian power. It is still cited and used as the basis of laws that take land from Indigenous peoples.

• Read: The Land is Not Empty by Sarah Augustine.

• Listen: Doctrine of Discovery: In the Name of Christ Podcast.

• Visit: https:/dofdmenno.org

Organize

I. Join and / or support intersectional movements for justice: Fridays for the Future, Sunrise Movement, 350.org, Extinction Rebellion, Vote Forward, and Fair Fight (see intersectional environmentalism above).

Eat responsibly

I. Eat less meat. If / when you do eat some small amount, choose meat that is sustainably and respectfully raised. This is healthier for you and for the planet. It also saves water, allows our planet to feed more people, and honors the animals with whom we share our world.

II. If you can afford organic foods, choose these. Organic foods are healthier for you. They also ensure that fewer pesticides and herbicides poison the environment; they facilitate more carbon capture in healthy soils; and they offer a better, healthier life for farmers. In addition, the more people who choose them, the more affordable they become. Even better: buy from farmers you know though a Farmer’s Market or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

• Watch: The Biggest Little Farm, Forks Over Knives, and The Game Changers.

Work on Trauma Healing

I. We all carry intergenerational trauma as both oppressors and survivors. Without healing these wounds, a truly thriving future is not possible.

• Read: My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem

• Watch: The Wisdom of Trauma movie.

• I’m also a huge fan of the book The Language of Emotions by Karla Mclaren.

Align your Life with your Values

I. Are you spending your time in ways that bring about a thriving future for our planet? Your life situation may mean that you have few choices. However, we often have more choices than we think we do. Are there ways that you can devote time to things you are passionate about and which also help heal our earth in all the ways that must happen: personal, historical, community-wide, and planetarily? I truly believe that every single one of us has a piece of the puzzle to offer. And there is so much to do.

II. These are some of the things my friends do that are bringing about that positive future: making reparations, creating art, reviving Indigenous languages, organizing, researching planetary health, advocating for more just economic systems, building things to last or be repaired, organizing for water protection, organic farming, supporting refugees, healing people, gardening, teaching those with resources to see environmentalism through a social justice lens, researching lynchings, advocating for housing for unhoused people, leading or attending meditation retreats, and even brewing herbal organic alcohol and donating a percentage of the profits -- to name just a few! Where does your passion meet the world’s thriving?

Learn More

Here are some books that I have particularly loved that you may also find useful, including those I referenced above.

I. Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer on the importance of Indigenous knowledge

II. Earth In Human Hands - David Grinspoon on what needs to happen on the broadest scale

III. The Land is Not Empty - Sarah Augustine on the Doctrine of Discovery and dismantling it

IV. My Grandmother’s Hands - Resmaa Menakem on healing trauma

V. Active Hope - Joana Macy on The Great Turning

VI. From What Is to What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want – Rob Hopkins on the power of collective imagination

VII. The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and it’s Solutions & Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World - Jason Hickel on the history of colonialism and its global impact on people and the environment, and problematic aspects of capitalism

VIII. Lighting Flowers - Katherine Standefer a memoir about the very personal nature of extractive industries when they create the medical gear that keep us alive

IX. The Language of Emotions - Karla McLaren

X. Non-Violent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg