So im a very typical American. Cars, big lawn, etc. I do the best I can with a garden, fixing my own cars instead of buying new, and trying not to buy things packaged in plastic. I also want to make most of my lawn clovers and wildflowers etc because I hate the boringness of grass and want biodiversity.
Now I think the solarpunk movement is awesome, but I feel like im just a poser. Obviously I can’t leave my house and go live in a grass hut. Im also one of those people with a million hobbies, so im always doing things (and by extension, purchasing things, though usually used). I’ve also always been a car guy, which kind of goes against the whole eco thing. Though I do pretty much only drive smaller cars. I wont buy electric until they are analog and disconnected from any sort of internet.
I feel like there’s many out there like me who just feel they wont make any difference anyways so they don’t get as involved. But what other things can someone like me do? I’ve thought about some panels on the house to potentially run small servers off of, but that’s pretty much it
There’s lots of different ways to contribute, some big some small, but all matter. I used to be a bit of a car enthusiast as well, but honestly, I’ve found e-bikes to be more fun nowadays simply due to how relaxed you can be while riding around. As for an analog EV, the newly announced Slate has stated that there will be no wifi or tracking ability in their mini-truck/SUV, which makes it quite a unique potential offering in the modern day, something to consider.
As for other ways you can bring a bit more solarpunk to your life, here’s a few ideas:
- Look for a local group to engage in mutual aid with, not only can you meet some cool like-minded folk to befriend, you’d be making a pretty big impact in your local community.
- Perhaps there’s a place that would benefit from a community fridge? That could be a cool project to do together with your friends or mutual aid buddies :D
- If you’re not in an HOA, maybe turning your front yard into a community garden that your friends or neighbors can participate in with you could be another fun project, and a potential source of extra food for that community fridge
- If you have a good relationship with your coworkers and you think they’d be down for it, the IWW could help you unionize your workplace and form a grassroots worker-led union! Alternatively, you could print out their pamphlets and hand them out to people who you think might be interested to help spread the word.
- If there isn’t one nearby (and you have no HOA and your neighborhood is conducive to it), a little free library out front could be another cool way to connect with your neighbors, and could be partially stocked with zines that you think would be appealing
- If you live close enough to a store and have the means, consider getting a used ebike off craigslist, slapping some saddle bags on it, and doing grocery runs with it! Great way to have an excuse to exercise too.
A little free library came to my mind too—you could even build a platform on the side to share produce from your garden, finding free home-grown veggies people are sharing always fills me with joy
You’re not a poser. You’re starting somewhere. And starting anywhere is better than not starting at all.
To supplement what you’re already doing: I strongly believe the most important thing you can do to create change is talk about it.
https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-most-impactful-climate-actions?triedRedirect=true
So when you grow a native lawn, you could let people know what you’re growing and why - talk to your neighbors, put up signs next to your flowers with QR codes linking to species identification, etc. If you’re deciding what to buy based on packaging, tell friends and family why you buy what you buy - you could even write to companies thanking them for using less/no plastic or whatever, you’d be surprised how few people contact companies and how big an impact a single letter can have. Etc.
Your individual action may not have much of an impact, but collective action starts with individual action - with one person inspiring another, and then they go on to inspire more, and more, and more. Be the change you want to see in the world 😆
Well, it’s not a bad start. Maybe turn some part of you yard into a tree nursery and plant them somewhere?
Or if you know how to fix older cars try to help others with that and see how such community efforts evolve?
As poVoq suggested, start a tree nursery and plant trees around. Also grow your own food. These two things can be the same thing.
I wont buy electric until they are analog and disconnected from any sort of internet.
I have this one:
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_i_MiEV_-_Peugeot_iOn_-_Citroën_C-ZERO
As analog as you will get. Bought second hand for cheap. Only about 100 km range though so not for every use.
I’m of similar temperament but not into cars. I think I deserve street creds for dropping and rebuilding my 72 VW bus pancake engine many years ago, but that was mainly to save money - I never felt like a greasemonkey. More of a woodworking guy and DIY remodeling junkie with lots of sit-down hobbies. But I totally get that you can’t live in a hut and have a ton of hobbies and interests - we need clean dry places to work, and room for our tools and endless stuff, right? My house has been fully solar for 5 years and I’ve had an electric car since 2014. I don’t think you’re a poser at all. What I’m wondering about is your comment about EVs. They predate the internet by a long shot, but I srsly doubt they’ll ever get away from modern digital controls and battery management. And you’re using the internet right now, so what’s the deal with that? Just wondering.
Modern cars are nightmares for privacy, which unfortunately includes 99% of EV’s, with the only possible exception being the Slate, which has stated that they will not include any data harvesting tech in the car (hopefully they actually follow through on that claim).
I’ve personally avoided new cars for this very reason.
Thats funny, I am terrible at woodworking and can’t get into it! But yeah i probabky do have too mucb stuff also. I try to donate what is useable. As far as cars, I want less tech in all cars. Computers are fine because I can control it. Propriitary car technology is evil and garbage. And yes while now all cars have it bad, electric cars are among the worst offenders. The only thing a car needs is efi, maybe abs but not necessary for a daily. I’d be fine with a carb since they are just as efficient when tuned right and cheaper and easier to repair and not proprietary. I should have stated unneccessary electronics are what I hate. I don’t need a screen, electric mirrors and windows and seats, gross.
The fact that youre the typical American with all the typical possesions is enough because of the fact that youre adopting the habits needed in a solarpunk world.
There are plenty of valid reasons why you should still drive a gas car, if you need it then you need it. Bottom line is, evs arent practical for many people/areas atm but until the situation changes, youre good
Continue adapting and youll soon realize how far youve come.
