How Big Companies Can Really Protect Our Environment

Climate change affects our communities every day. Global temperatures rise while a third of our world's food gets wasted each year. Big companies cause most of these problems, but we can hold them accountable.

Some simple changes could make a huge difference. Instead of paying French company TotalEnergies $1 billion to not build wind farms, our government could invest that money in clean energy. Offshore wind is getting cheaper every year and helps reduce electricity bills for families.

Fashion companies destroy millions of dollars worth of clothing instead of donating it. Burberry burned $36.8 million worth of unsold clothes in 2018. Companies like Nike, H&M, and Victoria's Secret also destroy merchandise they could give to communities in need.

Oil companies spend $148.2 million each year lobbying our government. This money influences lawmakers to pass laws that help oil companies instead of protecting our environment. Some good news: 54 members of Congress have signed pledges to refuse fossil fuel money.

Train companies fired 29% of their workers over six years while making record profits. This led to disasters like the toxic chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio. When companies put profits over people and safety, our communities suffer.

We can demand better from these companies. Our voices matter when we ask corporations to stop harmful practices and invest in solutions that help our planet and our neighbors.