Local Eco Action Collective: Online Focus Groups - 1st Tuesdays

Join us for an engaging and solution-focused virtual event hosted on our Local Eco-Action Collective & Peer Support Discord server. These interactive sessions are designed to bring together diverse perspectives, build a collective statement representing everyone's perspectives, and seek to tackle pressing climate, environmental, and sustainability challenges while identifying actionable solutions to drive local grassroots movements forward.

• Introductions: Connect with equally concerned individuals and share interests and passions for creating local change.
• Short Video: Watch a short informative video to add to the discussion.
• Breakout Groups: Group into smaller, focused discussions to explore key aspects of the topic, including: Where We Are Now: Assess the current state of the issue., Worst Case Scenarios: Discuss what could happen if no action is taken., Best Possible Outcomes: Envision the positive impact of collective action., Strategies for Action: Brainstorm practical strategies and actions to achieve the best outcomes., Beliefs and Behaviors: Reflect on the mindset and habits needed to foster meaningful change.
• Everyone's perspectives will be collected in a document to bring inputs together to create a collective statement that includes all perspectives. The collective statements that are crafted will be available to use in your local community to bring about change as needed. The process of building consensus can be the start of bringing stakeholders together to help facilitate actionable solutions.

This is more than just a discussion—it's an opportunity to build a collective statement with equally concerned individuals, to gather multiple perspectives on the issues, and to generate actionable ideas. This collective statement can be used in our local communities as a starting point to turn impossibilities into possibilities!

Reserve your spot today and be part of sparking change!

Schedule of topics throughout the year:

FEBRUARY: Environmental Justice: Building Resources for Resilient Communities

Environmental justice addresses the unequal burden of environmental harm faced by marginalized communities, where factors like pollution, lack of resources, and climate impacts disproportionately affect community health and well-being.

We'll discuss advocating for fair access to clean air, water, green spaces, and the resources communities need to thrive. We'll explore ideas on how to bring about equitable access to tools, knowledge, and funding to address environmental challenges with sharing networks, tool libraries, and community-led initiatives.

MARCH: Plastic pollution

Plastic pollution affects ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, with microplastics infiltrating air, water, and food systems.

Address the crisis by reducing single-use plastics, supporting refill and reuse programs, and advocating for extended producer responsibility (EPR) to hold manufacturers accountable for plastic waste.

APRIL: Biodiversity and Species Protection: Restoring Balance and Strengthening Connections

Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change are driving species to extinction at an alarming rate, threatening the balance of nature and our future.

Protecting biodiversity by restoring habitats, planting native species, and supporting pollinators. Native plants and pollinators sustain ecosystems, while habitat restoration rebuilds the balance of nature for a sustainable future.

MAY: Climate change and global warming

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels threaten ecosystems and human communities worldwide.

Explore local solutions like renewable energy adoption, carbon reduction strategies, and community-led climate resilience efforts (e.g., local clean energy co-ops, reforestation projects).

JUNE: Ocean conservation

Protecting oceans and coastal ecosystems is vital for global biodiversity and climate stability.

Let's explore how local communities, even inland, can support ocean health through sustainable practices, coral reef protection, and promoting sustainable seafood.

JULY: Air and water pollution

Pollution is linked to public health issues and environmental justice, with emerging threats like PFAS or "forever chemicals."

We’ll examine local and global actions to reduce pollution and safeguard air and water quality, especially in our vulnerable communities. We'll also discuss emerging pollutants like PFAS

AUGUST: Food quality - GMOs, pesticides, and additives

The health of our food systems impacts soil, pollinators, and human well-being.

We’ll discuss healthier choices by reading labels, supporting local farms, and taking action through gardening and sustainable food practices.

SEPTEMBER: Local and sustainable food systems

Regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty are key to building sustainable food systems.

We’ll explore how connecting with local farmers, co-ops, and urban agriculture projects can create a resilient food future for communities.

OCTOBER: Land and water management

Desertification, wetland conservation, and rewilding are critical for ecosystem restoration.

We’ll discuss success stories and how land and water management practices can protect and restore vital natural resources.

NOVEMBER: Sustainable fashion industry

The fashion industry’s has large environmental impact and calls for conscious consumer choices.

We’ll explore local sustainable solutions and advocacy (supporting brands with eco-certifications) with actionable habits like thrift shopping, repair, and clothing swaps.

DECEMBER: Waste management and reuse

Waste is a growing global crisis, with millions of tons of material ending up in landfills and oceans each year.

We'll discuss moving toward a circular economy involves designing systems for reuse, repair, and recycling. We’ll also discuss some local action initiatives like zero-waste stores, repair cafes, and tool libraries.

Event Venue

Online