Don't let anyone tell you they can't afford to fight climate change

"Fighting climate change is expensive - I can't afford a new EV, solar panels, I can't buy products which aren't wrapped in plastic, or clothes which don't contain plastics" I'm sure that's something you will have heard if you've raised the topic of global warming with friends or family.

The truth is that none of these things are either necessary or expensive to do - if your goal is to minimise your emissions.

You can't buy your way out of a climate crisis. So a new car, solar panels or clothes made from environmentally friendly materials are not examples of 'doing your bit' for the environment.

That new EV you've got your eye on will massively increase your emissions compared to the car you currently own - the manufacturing emissions and future battery replacement emissions are so high that you will never break even compared to keeping your current car. Financially that's a far better option too.

Solar panels are great if you can afford them, or if you're in a country where they are subsidised, however they too have a manufacturing emissions costs which has payback period. That might be a matter of months or a matter of years, depending upon the electricity generation mix of your national grid; but a better and more financially viable is to cut the amount of electricity you are using. 

The UK reported a 10% reduction in energy consumption after the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine - with proper motivation, energy usage reductions can be achieved, and there's cost to the consumer for doing so - once again this is a financial benefit to the consumer.

Like the other complaints you'll hear, the answer is always to not buy something - whether it's a green product or not - unless it is a a necessity. Once you've cut down your spending to only the things you must have, making sure that what you buy results in the fewest emissions, pollution and waste becomes much more achievable, even if it means spending a little bit more.

So far from not being able to afford to fight climate change, every one of us can and should be doing so.