Embrace the Planet: Fresh Ideas and Inspired Action
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the second edition of our monthly newsletter!
Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery, action, and connection as we explore the many ways each of us can engage with our planet and inspire change.
From simple, impactful steps you can take at home to stories of resilience and innovation, I hope this month’s edition sparks new ideas and conversations.
👩💼 Leadership in Action: Pioneers of the Possible
Our new event series, Pioneers of the Possible, begins January 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST.
Join us live on YouTube for a conversation with Gemita Samarra, a synchronized swimmer, stuntwoman, and storyteller who has worked on 007’s Spectre and Game of Thrones. Gemita shares how adventure, resilience, and storytelling can inspire us all. Join Live on YouTube
Sunniva has had the privilege of meeting extraordinary visionaries who are infinitely curious—scientists, adventurers, artists, writers, innovators, and activists—whose work is shaping the future of our planet.
With Pioneers of the Possible, Sunniva aims to bring these inspiring individuals into classrooms and communities across Canada and the U.S.
Each monthly episode will feature engaging conversations with people who have dared to think differently, overcome extraordinary challenges, and forged new paths in science, exploration, Film, conservation, social justice, and more.
💡 Fresh Air & Fresh Ideas
Electrify Your Home Small changes can make a big difference in your home’s carbon footprint. Start by electrifying your appliances, heating, and cooling systems. Rewiring America’s Personal Electrification Planner is a great resource for homeowners and renters alike.
Simple Online Action Switch your search engine to Ecosia. Every 45 searches plants one tree—a simple step to create a big impact!
Prepare for Extreme Weather Weather events are becoming increasingly unpredictable. We are especially thinking of all of those battling the blazes in Southern California. Take steps to prepare your home and community for hurricanes, wildfires, or other climate-fueled disasters.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – Wildfire Safety:
Tips for creating defensible space around your home and evacuating safely during wildfires.
Visit NFPA Wildfire Safety Page
ReadyForWildfire.org (California):
Offers wildfire preparedness guides and tools for protecting homes and property.
📖 Stories From the Edge
🎶 What’s Music Got to Do With It? In 2021, Coldplay committed to cutting their touring carbon footprint by 50%. Two years in, they’ve exceeded their goal with a 59% reduction. Using creative solutions like kinetic dance floors that generate electricity and planting over 7 million saplings, Coldplay demonstrates how innovation and action can inspire global change.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ggj56wzg1o
Balancing Power and Love Terry Patten reminds us that “wholeness is transmuted at the heart into care, strength, and courage.” Let’s ask ourselves: How can we integrate power with love to create impactful, compassionate change in our communities and the world?
✅ Action Items You’ll Love
🌍 Neighborhood Action:
Join a local organization or neighborhood group to advocate for reduced plastic use, food waste, and better recycling practices. Use the Climate Herald Tool to find one near you!
🏫 School Advocacy:
Advocate for sustainable energy systems in schools. Take inspiration from students in California who replaced their school’s gas boiler with a heat pump.
Top Individual Actions to Catalyze Change
Start conversations about climate change and why it matters.
Join a climate action group to amplify your voice.
Align your finances (banks, credit cards, investments) with sustainability.
Advocate for climate-friendly change in workplaces, schools, or churches.
Hold politicians accountable by voting and participating in town halls.
Reduce your footprint and inspire others by sharing your actions.
Thank you for being part of this community. Let’s continue to embrace the planet, one step at a time. If you have stories to share, questions to ask, or ideas to contribute, I’d love to hear from you.
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." – Desmond Tutu
