Can we actually reverse climate change?

While the rates of acceleration and general outlook doesn’t look exactly spectacular for those of us concerned with global warming, it’s important to remember that not only is there still hope: There’s hope right in your own backyard.

While walking the earth’s temperature back to the pre-industrial era may be a big hunk of pie in the sky, efforts to slow global warming are well within reason, and if we found a magical way to halt ALL carbon emissions starting today, the earth would have a fighting chance at very gradually stabilizing its own temperature over time.

Feel… big?

That’s because it is big. When the fate of the planet hangs in the balance, it’s easy to get lost in the fast facts and hyperlinks. That sort of mega-analysis mega-paralysis is what makes it so difficult to take the first step in doing your part to slow climate change’s role.

So where to start?

We began not one, not two, but THREE endeavors with this exact problem in mind.

Crown Town Landscapes utilizes native design techniques to care for your lawn in the most environmentally responsible ways possible. We reformulate lawns to make low maintenance, highly efficient spaces that attract pollinators, improve their natural beauty and/or reduce the stress on the environment. All without pesticides. 

Crown Town Compost turns composting from one of those far-off, if-only-I-could activities into a simple, reliable and consistent method of reducing your carbon footprint. You fill the bin, we pick it up and you get the nutrient-rich soil in return. The landfills get some relief and you get the benefit of knowing you’re a part of the solution.

Crown Town Farm is growing fresh, local produce for local homes and businesses. Our CSA boxes, self-cut flowers and regular events are all geared to help Charlotteans grab a stronger hold on where their food comes from, and close the distance between producer and consumer.

What about right this second?

Short of an overnight decoupling of carbon emissions and economic growth, it doesn’t seem all that feasible to reverse global warming from the warm glow of your laptop. But perhaps the issue is better reframed: There are things you can do right this second to contribute to the health of the planet. And at the end of the day, we’re strong believers that the best you can do is the best you can do. 

• Reduce your red meat intake

• Start biking, running, walking or taking public transit

• Start buying used

• Eat local, fresh and in-season

• Plant a tree

You probably know the rest of the list, or have read it somewhere in the past. The oldies are the goodies, and there’s no reason a few habit changes like these—for those of us lucky enough to have the option—should be out of scope. 

So while you, today, this second, may not be able to reverse climate change. You, today, this second, absolutely can contribute to its remedy.

So why not?