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submitted 6 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

So im a very typical American. Cars, big lawn, etc. I do the best I can with a garden, fixing my own cars instead of buying new, and trying not to buy things packaged in plastic. I also want to make most of my lawn clovers and wildflowers etc because I hate the boringness of grass and want biodiversity.

Now I think the solarpunk movement is awesome, but I feel like im just a poser. Obviously I can't leave my house and go live in a grass hut. Im also one of those people with a million hobbies, so im always doing things (and by extension, purchasing things, though usually used). I've also always been a car guy, which kind of goes against the whole eco thing. Though I do pretty much only drive smaller cars. I wont buy electric until they are analog and disconnected from any sort of internet.

I feel like there's many out there like me who just feel they wont make any difference anyways so they don't get as involved. But what other things can someone like me do? I've thought about some panels on the house to potentially run small servers off of, but that's pretty much it

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[-] [email protected] 40 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

There's lots of different ways to contribute, some big some small, but all matter. I used to be a bit of a car enthusiast as well, but honestly, I've found e-bikes to be more fun nowadays simply due to how relaxed you can be while riding around. As for an analog EV, the newly announced Slate has stated that there will be no wifi or tracking ability in their mini-truck/SUV, which makes it quite a unique potential offering in the modern day, something to consider.

As for other ways you can bring a bit more solarpunk to your life, here's a few ideas:

  • Look for a local group to engage in mutual aid with, not only can you meet some cool like-minded folk to befriend, you'd be making a pretty big impact in your local community.
  • Perhaps there's a place that would benefit from a community fridge? That could be a cool project to do together with your friends or mutual aid buddies :D
  • If you're not in an HOA, maybe turning your front yard into a community garden that your friends or neighbors can participate in with you could be another fun project, and a potential source of extra food for that community fridge
  • If you have a good relationship with your coworkers and you think they'd be down for it, the IWW could help you unionize your workplace and form a grassroots worker-led union! Alternatively, you could print out their pamphlets and hand them out to people who you think might be interested to help spread the word.
  • If there isn't one nearby (and you have no HOA and your neighborhood is conducive to it), a little free library out front could be another cool way to connect with your neighbors, and could be partially stocked with zines that you think would be appealing
  • If you live close enough to a store and have the means, consider getting a used ebike off craigslist, slapping some saddle bags on it, and doing grocery runs with it! Great way to have an excuse to exercise too.
[-] [email protected] 8 points 5 days ago

If you are in an HOA, organize with neighbors to take over the HOA and then do the above

[-] [email protected] 2 points 5 days ago

An excellent suggestion!

[-] [email protected] 10 points 5 days ago

A little free library came to my mind too—you could even build a platform on the side to share produce from your garden, finding free home-grown veggies people are sharing always fills me with joy

this post was submitted on 25 May 2025
90 points (96.9% liked)

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