Sustainability Tips I Learned at the EMA IMPACT Summit
The climate crisis is daunting, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. But the truth is, each of us has the power to make a meaningful difference–often right from the comfort of your own home or community. At the recent Environmental Media Association (EMA) Impact Summit, changemakers across various industries shared practical tips that can help us reduce our environmental impact and support a more sustainable future.
Go Electric at Home
Switching to electric appliances in your home isn’t just an eco-friendly move—it’s often more cost-effective, too. Electric heating, cooling, and cooking systems not only reduce carbon emissions, they are often cheaper to install and maintain, and they provide a healthier indoor environment by eliminating pollutants associated with gas and oil heating. When your electricity comes from renewable sources, you’re directly reducing your carbon footprint.
Choose Conscious Brands
Every purchase we make is an opportunity to support the future we want to see. Conscious brands like Impact Summit panelists Rodney Strong Winery—the first carbon-neutral winery, which champions eco-friendly initiatives such as wildlife corridors—and BaYou with Love—which upcycles gold from electronics—show that businesses can thrive while prioritizing the environment. By choosing products from companies that value sustainability, you're contributing to an economy that benefits both people and the planet. Whether it's food, fashion, or beauty, take a moment to check that brands align with your values. For example, one simple change you can make is ensuring your beauty products use plant-sourced squalane instead of sourcing it from sharks (a helpful tip shared by EMA board member Eli Roth!).
Express Gratitude for the Earth
Building a reciprocal relationship with nature starts with gratitude. Each time you step outside, take a moment to acknowledge the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make life possible. Consider ways to actively foster your connection with the earth, whether that’s by gardening, participating in conservation efforts, or simply going for mindful walks. As EMA panelist Sosie Bacon wisely shared, “When we respect the earth and animals, they will respect us back!”
Engage in Public Media Advocacy
Public media platforms like NPR and PBS are facing unprecedented threats, and right now, they need our support more than ever. The right to connect with the natural world should be universal, and public media provides that access, especially for those who may not be able to experience the environment in person. One simple way you can help is by visiting protectmypublicmedia.org to quickly contact your congressperson and advocate for the protection of public media. This small action can ensure that vital environmental content continues to reach those who need it most—and helps ensure that public media remains a tool for sustainability education for everyone.
Use Your Local Health Board for Climate-Related Health Information
Climate change affects not only the environment, but also human health. When we understand how rising temperatures or worsening air quality can impact our well-being, we’re better equipped to make informed decisions. Your local health board is the best resource for staying updated on health risks related to climate change. In Los Angeles, for instance, the County of Los Angeles Public Health website provides science-backed information that doctors use in their medical practices. When we take the time to educate ourselves about these risks, we better protect ourselves and our communities.
The 3 Ts: Give Your Time, Treasure, or Talents
EMA Young Hollywood Board Member Elizabeth Turner shared a helpful mnemonic during her panel: one of the most effective ways to support communities recovering from climate change-driven disasters is by giving your time, treasure, or talents. Making a difference doesn’t always require monetary donations—volunteering your time or offering your skills can have a profound impact. For example, Elizabeth recalled a volunteer event after the recent LA fires, where a photographer generously offered to take family portraits for those who had lost their homes. Small acts of kindness and service, whether through time or talent, can help foster a more connected and resilient community.
Keep Learning and Share What You Know
A message often shared throughout the Summit was that people usually want to make a difference, but may not know how. As the climate crisis intensifies, education becomes essential to empower individuals to act. When people are educated, they feel motivated to contribute to a sustainable future. When we learn more about how our choices impact the planet, we can make informed decisions and inspire others to do the same. Whether it’s a show like Mission Unstoppable, which educates young people about the ways they can pursue STEM careers and solve environmental challenges, or a film producer encouraging the use of reusable water bottles on sets to reduce waste, education is the tool that empowers change at every level. Educating ourselves and sharing what we know creates a ripple effect that drives broader action. As we continue to learn how we can make a positive impact, we pass that knowledge forward, creating a collective movement for change.
Written by Leigh West
Made possible by the EMA Content Fund