You want to change the system, but don’t know where to start? In this “Change The System 101” I give you a starter kit with 11 things you can do to change the system
Most of my posts are theoretical. That’s good as a basis for our vision of a better system. But in this post we are getting dirty, we are getting things done.
I hear the question a lot and I asked it myself a lot, “what can I do?”. If you ask this question on social media, you likely will get the answer, “nothing, we are doomed!!!111!!” or “do you wanna meet sexy girls?”.
But luckily you asked your question here, so you will get a real answer.
Since this is a 101 I will focus on the beginner To-dos. But I will also give a preview on the advanced steps.
1. Education is the key
The first thing, if you read any of my other posts, is easy to guess. Get educated. Inform yourself about how the system can improve. As a returning reader of my blog, you will also know that I am an advocate for tiny steps. So at first focus on the topic you’re most interested in, like climate change, sustainability, politics, education, society, etc. You don’t need to become an expert, of course you can, if you want. Having a broad overview is enough for the first step.
2. Use existing resources
Luckily, they’re already experts. Many of them did a great job and publish their information online for free. Here is a starter list. Of course, there are many more. If you know resources who should have a shoutout, please write it in the comments.
A website that presents data in a way, even I can understand it.
Who said climate science can’t be funny. Climate Town proofs the opposite.
Simon Clark
A British physicist who presents topics in an understandable way.
Don’t know what to answer to all the bullshit posted in social media? Scepticalscience.com has scientific backed answers to most of the nonsense. Just copy and paste.
This alone won’t change the system, but it may change you, and you are part of the system and the first tiny step for a better system.
Also, knowledge is the base for everything that follows.
3. Vote
Like voting. I have written a lot about democracy and voting, I won’t do it here again. Just this, it is very easy to do, but also very effective.
If you have the chance to vote, do it and vote for the party/candidate that is the best qualified to change the system.
As a step further, try to convince your peers to also use their vote for a change. And if you’re really into it, join a party or found one yourself.
4. Act locally
Get engaged in local groups that want to change the system for the better. If you are in a city, the chances are good there are several groups trying to make the world a better place.
It can be small things like planting a tree in a parking spot or a food cooperation. We can’t change the whole world at once, but in many tiny steps. The more tiny steps we successfully take, the more people will recognize it and will go the way with us.
5. Act online
If there aren’t any groups in your area, you can either found one or engage online. (Something you can also do if there are groups nearby, of course) You can post, share posts, become a member in groups and forums and if you are mentally stable answer comments in social media. This is also great for introverts. You can stay inside and do great things.
There are surely more ways you can engage online. If you know some essentials I forgot, please post them in the comments, which is a practical exercise of the information above.
6. Be creative
If you are a creative person, then use that. Make videos, pictures or paintings. Write, sing or make standup. Use any art form you are fond of to express the need for change. This is very effective.
7. Buy 0 get a better system
You may have noticed, that I didn’t recommend anything about private consumption. That’s because the effects are small. But you should absolutely care how the goods you bay are produced and what kind of materials are in use. Where you buy it, is also important. How are the working conditions, how many emissions are generated? It’s good for your conscience, and maybe you can inspire your peers.
8. Use renewable energy
What you should do, is use a renewable energy provider and ask your employer to do the same for your workplace. The best advice concerning consumption is to buy less and use the things you have longer. If you need something, buy reused. Believe me, you really do not need as much as you think or the ads make you think.
9. Make better products
If you are a manufacturer, you should make your goods long-lasting, climate friendly and provide good working conditions for your employees.
10. Make better ads
As an influencer or creator, these companies should be the only ones you take sponsorship deals, but that’s no 101 course material anymore.
11. Work better
Look for jobs that help changing the system. This could be in education, energy, communication, health care, politics and more sectors.
We do it together
I hope you got inspiration from this post. Let me know if I missed something or if you want a followup post. There are many easy things you can do to make the world a better place. What you do depends on who you are, where you are and what kind of resources you have. We are all in this together and every step counts.
My name is Ian DeBay.
I am the founder of iandebay.com. I am a content creator, blogger, podcast, YouTuber. This is my blog where I talk about system change, sustainability and other fun stuff.