Hello, friends and potatoes!!!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our final three months of the year (\ud83d\ude31), we\u2019re focusing on how to talk to people about the environment. This month, we\u2019ll start with conversations with friends, family, acquaintances, strangers, and all other potatoes of the world. The environment can be difficult to discuss, and while there are always people who refuse to listen, there are many skills that can help conversations to be productive and enlightening and not devolve into unpotatoishness. We hope you\u2019ll find time to have these important (if sometimes unpleasant or perilous) conversations with people in your lives, especially with family during the upcoming holiday season. It can be scary, but we believe in you!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our communication sales pitch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication holds such power (mwahahahaha). This is your chance to convey the importance of the environment and sustainability, what individuals and societies can and should do, and so much more \u2014 simply by taking an idea from your brain and placing it in someone else\u2019s!!! \ud83e\udde0 And even if the goal is not to change someone\u2019s mind, it\u2019s important to challenge people\u2019s (including your own) mindset, because how else could we evolve and change?! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternative ways to let your voice be heard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But really, do not underestimate your voice. There are so many ways to share information and your ideas and experiences about the environment! We know that talking to people can be stressful and terrifying for many, and while we believe in you to brave that peril, we\u2019re not going to force you. But! There are many more ways to advocate and spread the word, including writing to decision-makers, blogging\/social-media influencing, casually talking to people, attending meetings, making art, and so much more, which we\u2019ll be covering in the upcoming emails! \ud83d\udcf1\ud83c\udfa8\ud83d\udcd6\ud83d\ude4b\ud83d\udce3 Also, here\u2019s a blog post<\/a> about friendly ways to educate people about the environment, including living by example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When having a debate or trying to persuade someone, it\u2019s most effective if you give clear reasons, even if taking care of the environment seems like common sense to you personally. Effective debating skills also help to prevent misunderstanding and keep the conversation civil. And don\u2019t worry \u2014 it\u2019s a learned skill! You can practice with your friends and family, but even if you don\u2019t, these will become easier and more habitual with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As important as it is to have a strong argument and accurate information, it\u2019s also important to hear the other person out and communicate respectfully. You may not want to go into the conversation to change someone\u2019s mind, but rather to understand their point of view, be inspired by ideas you hadn\u2019t thought of, or convey your perspective. Even just talking about the environment more is helpful to keep it in our consciousness. It may or may not change anything \u2014 and that\u2019s okay! It will probably be thought-provoking for each of you, at the very least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Steps to keep in mind when disagreeing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tips for talking with others about the environment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And yet, sometimes there are people who are unwilling to listen, to believe science, or to change their opinion, no matter how compelling your argument is or how well you deliver it. And that\u2019s not your fault! That is their choice, and you can at least be content that you did your part. Maybe it will still have some impact along the way! \ud83c\udf31<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking care of yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Conversations and conflicts can be very challenging to navigate; being respectful, dealing with emotions, and articulating what you want to say are all tricky. But it can be an opportunity for mutual growth, and discomfort is actually what makes our brains grow most! But those conversations could potentially come with costs. If it will be unhealthy for a relationship, or a bad choice for your mental\/physical health or safety, you should always consider when to continue. And when conflict shifts into arguments, it is best to pause them and respectfully check in about continuing. Nothing will be productive if you\u2019re being triggered or in panic mode, and it\u2019s always okay to say you need to pause. It\u2019s best to be direct and let the person know why you need to leave, but if you need an excuse, you can say you need to go to the bathroom or make a call. Some people might interpret your leaving a conversation as anger or frustration, so try to clarify that you are leaving so the conversation doesn\u2019t devolve. If you\u2019re able to, you can then come back to it when you\u2019re in a better frame of mind and less overwhelmed by your emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, it\u2019s important to know how to set boundaries for yourself, to say you need a break, or to avoid the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our goal for this month: Try one new way to spread the message about the environment to those around you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope this was helpful, and that it inspires you! We think the world can improve if we learn to understand each other and work together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, we are the core \/ Of the change we\u2019ve been waiting for! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 WhateverPotato \u2602\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be a potatooooo and happy fall!! \ud83c\udf41\ud83c\udf83<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hello, friends and potatoes!!!!! In our final three months of the year (\ud83d\ude31), we\u2019re focusing on how to talk to people about the environment. 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