This article considers the possibility that certain types of individual ecological actions have a place within the range of possible responses to the climate crisis and related issues of biodiversity loss, deforestation, desertification, mass extinction, pollution, and so on. Certain types of committed actions can be distinguished from superficial acts of “eco-piety” and green consumerism—even in a context where our eco-motivations are all too often co-opted by capitalism. This article presents specific examples to show how such actions can make a difference in terms of total grams of CO2 released, enabling one to live in integrity with one's own conscience and mobilizing resistance to the pressure to consume. Furthermore, they can educate, motivate, and inspire others to action, as a germ of collective change. This article also considers aspects of privilege and calls on those of us who live in developed world to accept the majority of the responsibility to substantively change our habits now.
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