42: RECYCLED - Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start Here.

This episode originally aired in the very first month of Sustainable in the Suburbs. I’m revisiting it now because this idea remains one of the clearest ways to find your place in climate action — and sometimes returning to the foundation is exactly what helps us feel re-energized.Climate change feels HUGE — and it is. The problem is urgent and complex. And when you start looking for solutions, it can seem like there’s an endless list of things you should be doing. All of them are important, and that can feel completely overwhelming.But meaningful climate action doesn’t happen because one person does everything. It happens when many people each find their place — in their homes, their neighbourhoods, and their communities.In this episode, I’m sharing a simple framework I often come back to refocus my efforts: the Climate Action Venn Diagram from Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. We’ll talk about how your skills, your joys, and the needs of the world can come together to help you find your own personal starting point — one that feels meaningful, realistic, and sustainable for the long haul.TakeawaysThe Climate Venn Diagram helps identify a meaningful starting point for climate action by looking at what brings you joy, what you’re good at, and what the world needs.Sustainable living isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing something that feels right for you.Joy is a powerful motivator in climate work and there are countless ways to contribute your skills.Climate action often happens at the community level — through local advocacy, shared resources, and collective resilience.Building habits that feel good and fit your life helps make climate action sustainable for the long term.One Small ShiftDownload a copy of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Venn Diagram worksheet, grab a pencil, and just see what comes up. You might be surprised by how much clarity this one little exercise can bring.ResourcesHow to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate ActionClimate Action Venn DiagramHow to Find Joy in Climate Action (TED Talk)What If We Get It Right? (website)All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson (book)What If We Get It Right - Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (book)Buy Nothing ProjectRelated EpiosdesSupport the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.