We are pleased to share an article entitled “Avocado Toast & Climate Hope ~ Let’s make action easy!“ written by Cate Sabatini.
Climate change. Just hearing the words might bring up a swirl of emotions for you, ranging from fear to powerlessness to resignation. Or you might feel hopeful but also stuck, wanting to act but unsure how. Or perhaps you have ideas but hesitate to share them, afraid of being “that person” – you know, the recycling police person who shows up for dinner and inspects everyone’s trash cans. I’ve been that person, covertly. My kids know this. I watch them watching me, watching their trash!
It’s tricky, right? I get it. Even though I’m passionate about climate action, I tread carefully. My kids have full, busy lives, and I don’t want to badger them about composting or food waste – though I really do want to badger them about composting or food waste! But I hold back. Does that sound familiar? Are you holding back, too?
WEIGHT OF INACTION
The unpredictability of the times we’re living in feeds our fears and frustrations, often leaving us frozen in inaction. Yet, deep down, we know climate change is a big deal. Like me, you probably want to make a difference for the planet and for those you love.
But where to begin? How do you channel that energy into something meaningful? It’s easy to wonder, “If no one else is doing this, does what I do even matter?” It’s a valid question. I ask it, too. The good news? The discomfort of not acting doesn’t have to linger. You can start today. Even small steps count.
FROM INSPIRATION TO ACTION
Six years ago, I was coaching a women’s group, helping them explore big questions like: What contribution do you want to make in the world? Who do you want to be next in your life? I did the work alongside them, and bam – lightning struck. I realized that I could make my best possible contribution to one of the greatest challenges of our times by coaching leaders, teams and individuals to contribute their best to solving climate challenges. It felt like I was handed my purpose.
And let me tell you, I was excited. I talked about shifting my coaching focus to climate leaders. I told my friends, my family, and anyone else who would listen. I talked. And I talked. And I talked. But I didn’t act. Five years went by. FIVE. Life happened. The pandemic hit. I stayed stuck, still talking about making a difference but not taking steps toward it. I felt like a fraud.
Yet the idea never left me. I cared too much. And I felt a deep responsibility to my kids. I’ve told them I love them and want them to thrive, yet my inaction wasn’t modeling me being true to my word. I couldn’t bear the lack of integrity. Something had to change.
THE TURNING POINT
Finally, I took my own advice – I got a coach. (Yes, a literal head slap moment.) I needed reflection, accountability, support, and someone to help me navigate my fears of really going for it (there were a lot). And I made a commitment: I would take one small action every day – or most days – to move toward making my best contribution to the climate challenge.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
It worked, and quickly. I faced my perfectionism. I found my support system and stopped working alone. I got into action. Within a few months, I pitched a climate action idea to the president of one of the largest global firms in the country, collaborated with a global sustainability organization on addressing employee burnout, signed on three pro-bono non-profit climate leaders and started hosting neighborhood gatherings to discuss local actions we can take together.
But what I’m most proud of is inspiring one of my sons. He recently told me he wants to build a sustainability-focused business “because it aligns with what mom is doing.” These are the things that happen when we stop sitting on the sidelines. Taking action – no matter how small – creates ripples of change.
WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?
In my work with clients, I’ve seen three common fears that hold people back from engaging in climate action:
1 Fear of Conflict Climate change can be a polarizing topic. It’s easy to avoid bringing it up, especially with friends, family, or colleagues who may have differing views. You might fear that the conversation will lead to tension, arguments, or even damaged relationships. This fear often keeps people from voicing their concerns or sharing ideas.
But what if conflict isn’t inevitable? What if, instead of assuming opposition, you could approach the conversation with curiosity and openness?
Reframe: Assume you can create a connection, not an adversary. Start by acknowledging shared values. For example, instead of saying, “We need to stop using single-use plastics!” try, “I’ve been thinking about ways we can reduce waste. What do you think might work for us?” By focusing on common ground, you invite collaboration rather than confrontation.
Takeaway: Yes, these conversations may be bumpy, but avoiding them guarantees no progress. Practicing empathy and asking questions can turn potential conflict into an opportunity to build understanding. Remember, most people care about the planet—they may just have different starting points or priorities.
2 Fear of Hypocrisy You might feel like you’re not “green enough” to speak up, as though your actions need to be flawless before you can make a difference. But waiting for perfection only delays your impact. What’s more inspiring than someone who admits they’re learning? Sharing your imperfect journey makes you relatable and authentic.
Reframe: Progress, not perfection, is the goal. For example, you might say, “Switching to an electric vehicle isn’t in the budget yet, but I’ve started carpooling twice a week and combining errands to drive less. Have you found ways to cut back on driving?” This acknowledges barriers while showing a tangible step forward and invites collaboration.
Takeaway: Instead of silencing yourself out of fear, embrace imperfection as part of the process. Your openness might inspire someone else to take their first step.
3 Fear of Not Knowing Enough
The climate crisis is huge, and it’s easy to feel paralyzed. Where do you start? What if your idea sounds too small, silly or impossible? What if your actions don’t make a difference?
Reframe: One idea, one action or one conversation can create momentum. You don’t need all the answers to make an impact. Nobody expects you to solve the climate crisis single-handedly! Focus on what you can do, and trust that your willingness to learn and engage is enough.
For example, I once worried that I didn’t know “enough” to pivot my coaching business to focus on climate leaders. But taking one small action – hiring a coach and sharing my ideas – helped me move past that fear.
Takeaway: Think about cultural shifts that seemed small at first: bringing pets to dinner, using oat milk, and putting avocados on everything. What spark could you ignite that makes caring for the planet fun, natural, and as easy as avocado toast?
LET’S GET STARTED! You don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect. You just need to start. Take one step, no matter how small, and see where it leads. As Edmund Burke once said, “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” Are you ready to begin?
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