SOLUTIONS
Ableism in general:
Do your research.
Click here for the site’s resource page!
Researching topics that you are unfamiliar with is an extremely important part of truly understanding what needs to change and why.
Ask questions
If you don’t know any disabled people who are comfortable answering questions, try to ask people on forums like https://www.reddit.com/r/disability/
If you do, remember to avoid invasive or offensive questions. Asking questions is a great effort you can make to understand the lives of individual disabled people!
Push for accessibility.
Have you noticed that a restaurant isn't accessible? Are there no ramps or designated parking for disabled people? This is where you can step in!
Asking place owners directly or your local council can call attention to any accommodations that aren't in place where they can be.
Creating petitions can back up your request. Asking around the community and disabled people will spread the word to them too.
Avoid ableist language
Click here for some examples!
Call out others.
Asking others not to make jokes about, mock or belittle disabled people offers a learning opportunity. Sharing resources with friends and family can back up your reasons for asking them to use alternative language.
Seek out blogs, social medias and websites of activists
Bonus points if the activist is disabled themself!
Learning from individuals is a helpful way to avoid grouping all disabled people and their opinions together.
Educate children, and encourage them to learn how they can treat disabled people kindly
Click here to find the site’s resources page!
Medical waste:
Sorting hazardous waste from recyclable waste will lessen the amount of recyclable materials from being recycled.
According to practicegreenhealth.org, hospital beds can produce over 13kg per bed every day. But 85% of this waste contains materials like cardboard, food, glass and plastic- which are recyclable! If hospitals sorted this portion from the 15% of hazardous waste, the medical industry could reduce the footprint they leave on the earth.
Sign petitions encouraging change.
Click here for the site’s resources list and look for the petitions list!
Donate
Click here for the site’s resources list and look for the donations list!
Green guilt:
Do what you can. Biting off more than you can chew can be discouraging. Set achievable goals and tasks that you are capable of. Don’t make other people's standards your own. Everyone is different! Positive self-talk and self-affirmations . Remember that you do not have to be perfect to make a difference. Be kind to yourself! Here is a list of positive affirmations you can use in general- not just when you’re feeling green guilt. Surround yourself with support. Try to make friends with people who build you up, not make you feel inferior. Don’t spread green guilt yourself. Encourage others for what they are doing, not what they could be. Focus on what you are doing, and try not to compare yourself to others. Remember that not everyone is capable of living sustainably.
Other things you may be able to do:
Recycle properly.
Check out your council’s list of recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
Volunteer.
Volunteering to clean up your local area, create community gardens and hosting or attending workshops surrounding sustainability are good ways you can contribute if you can.
Properly dispose of hazardous materials.
Check out your council’s requirements for handling needles, IVs and other potentially hazardous materials properly.
Choose public transport over a car
Sharing your emissions with others will lessen them greatly.
Use reusable shopping bags
Reusable bags are available in most shops, but if yours don’t, you can buy them here or even make them yourself!
If you have any other ideas or recommendations, you can submit them here!
