Most pollution, as we generally accept it, is, in one way or another, attributed to wealthy people. In 2015, the wealthiest 1% were responsible for 15% of carbon emissions while the bottom 50% generated only 7%. In 2017, Bill Gates alone generated carbon emissions equivalent to the average yearly emissions of 105 Americans–and that’s just from flights. In 2018, Roman Abramovich’s yacht emitted a year’s worth of emissions for 4,800 cars in the US. The majority of us are not to blame for changes in the Earth’s climate, but does that mean we’re off the hook?
We might not be responsible for environmental damages on a global scale, but we are capable of making a difference at the local level. Disposing of your trash properly prevents it from blocking plant growth or injuring animals (or people, for that matter) in the area. By walking somewhere instead of driving, you aren’t exactly saving the ozone layer, but you might be sparing a wild animal who would have happened to be in the road as you were driving. The flowers you plant won’t substantially purify the atmosphere, but they can support pollinators. Supporting sustainable businesses won’t bankrupt the companies notorious for generating waste, but it can provide a foundation for those businesses to grow and spread awareness.
Next time you’re worried about your carbon footprint, stop worrying–think about how your choices affect your local ecosystem instead.