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We are all about action at Home ReSource, and figuring out the things – large and small – each of us can do every day that collectively add up to the big changes we want to see.
Every time we use that recycling bin, every time we pass up a straw, bring our own grocery bags, compost an egg shell or choose to fix a wobbly chair, we are casting our vote for waste reduction, land and resource conservation, climate action and energy efficiency – things we need for a sustainable future.
It’s easy to think our individual actions don’t matter. But. They. Do. Sustainability is not a thing that happens when we’re looking the other way. It’s what we – every single one of us – make happen with every choice we make. Every. Single. Day.
And guess what? Sustainability and democracy have a lot in common. The little actions – truly! – make all the difference. Individual actions matter; greater participation has a greater impact.
Just like sustainability doesn’t work without your participation, the census doesn’t work unless everyone gets counted, and democracy doesn’t work without your vote.
And please note: That ballot that’s headed your way? With the crazy colored assortment of envelopes in it? Those safeguard the democratic process. As your unofficial Zero Waste auditors, you’ve got our permission to use all that paper exactly how the instructions tell you to. Every. Single. Piece. We really don’t want to see any ballots in the recycling box.
Voting’s not the only thing. Like sustainability, there are lots of different ways to get involved -- like making sure you and everyone you know has taken the census. Below are a few actions you can take NOW -- and every single one matters!
- Register to vote, check your registration, then VOTE!
- Fill out your census
- Think more federal money for critical services like healthcare, education, and highways would be nice? Then be sure to get counted! For each person counted, Montana gets nearly $2,000 each year in federal funding -- and that’s for 10 years! That, too, adds up to A LOT. But you have to get counted so get ‘er done now!
- Volunteer for a campaign or grassroots organizations
- Excited about a candidate or an issue? Volunteer! You can turn your one vote for your favorite candidate into many. We know you can! So go out and get that voting ball rolling…
- Sign up to be a poll worker
- Need a little money? Get paid to help mitigate the risks of this pandemic by signing up to staff a local polling place! Poll workers help voters get their ballots safely counted on election day.
- Research all the candidates and ballot measures
- Yes, we each get one ballot, but there are a whole lot of votes on that one piece of paper, and probably lots of people you don’t know. Don’t worry! Check out a sample ballot and get to know the candidates before you vote.
- Want to get started now? Search for voter guides from your preferred local advocacy group and research the 2020 ballot issues.
- Talk to your family and friends
- Hate talking politics? Now is the time to overcome that fear! Talking about tough issues with those you love can be daunting, but even if no one changes their minds, dialogue helps us all figure out what matters, and seeing an issue from a new perspective can be powerfully good.
- Get outside and clear your head!
- What a year of challenges. Do your best to breathe – the air is clear! That is something! Head outside, go for a walk or work on a funky reuse project in your backyard. Need supplies? We got you covered.
Stay safe, breathe deep and get out and vote! And remember, the county elections office is right across Russell from Home ReSource 😉
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