University of Oxford
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Why do we need to Pledge for our Future?
So many of us care about our natural world and are heartbroken to see it so damaged. We understand that we need a healthy world if we and future generations are to thrive. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent natural disasters, we must change our relationship with our planet. We must each make a Pledge for our Future.
As individuals, we all need to play our part, by significantly reducing our consumption and adopting more sustainable ways of living. But individual action alone is not enough. Governments and institutions need to make sustainable, long-term choices that protect nature and improve human wellbeing in our wider societies. We can use our power as consumers, as members of communities and workers in businesses, as voters, as parents and children, as students and teachers, to urge those in power to make the change.
What can I do?
Individual action can involve three main things: changing your lifestyle to address individual impacts, influencing those around you, and making your voice heard. To have the most influence you can combine all three types of action. Take gardening as an example:
- Stop using chemicals in your garden and leave some wild places to reduce your individual impact on nature.
- Talk to your neighbours & friends about your actions and encourage them to do the same, influencing those around you.
- To make your voice heard on a larger scale, campaign for your local government to reduce intense management of green spaces, and for businesses to increase the nature around their buildings.
We recognise that everyone comes from diverse life situations, but we know everyone has the power to make a difference in their own way. If you want ideas on how to get started, see our Green Hacks and Resources below.
What are green hacks?
Our Green Hacks are designed to serve as inspiration for changes that individuals can make in their everyday lives to improve their relationship with nature. Although every Green Hack may not be applicable to you, there are plenty of changes across the six categories that we’d love to see people try out. Small changes add up, and these hacks can help us make a big impact as a community!