40. Share The Load
How shared effort on climate solutions, and smashing the patriarchy, can lead to greater outcomes for us all, and a healthier environment.
We want to preface this post by noting that it is not explicitly directed at the 90% of our readers, who are women. There is an imbalance that exists around the implementation of climate solutions and we posit that men, in general, can do much more to contribute than they presently do. So, if you are a woman and don’t feel this applies to you, please feel free to share and direct this post particularly to men whom you reckon should read it.
It is apparent that not all action on climate has been carried out equally, especially in the home, where environmentally-friendly actions are disproportionately implemented by women. It remains common for women to be the ones to impart skills that provide local resilience, such as learning to cook, clean, shop and/or act in ways that are considerate of the environment. There are exceptions, but the pattern is clear. There are also strong links between patriarchal systems and waste. For example, processed, packaged foods, originally were (and are still?) designed and marketed for women to prepare meals for their household whilst also keeping all their other balls in the air (e.g. parenting, work etc.). And commonly, eco-friendly products are marketed to women. Also, patriarchal systems have normalised roles for women in households to take on increased educating and care of children at home, reducing capacity to do other work. It seems (unnecessarily) normalised for women to take on the mental load for environmental issues, too.
We hear about the importance of ‘collective action’ on climate. But collective action should not be limited to mostly women. That’s why for this weeks’ #52climatesolutions, we ask men (and capable children) to share the load. Can your household members make a pact to take steps to reduce their ecological footprint? A great way to act is to work with one’s strengths and establish clear roles for each other. A big part is in being honest and open about your aims for climate action and seeking support to meet them. Collective action might mean supporting each other to allow others time to take certain environmental actions. Co-supported, collective action amongst household members can be a very powerful climate solution.
But what do I do if my partner still won’t get on board?
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