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Alex's Sustainability Ticklist


Alex Honnold’s Sustainability Tick List

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Alex's Sustainability Ticklist


Alex Honnold’s Sustainability Tick List

About Sustainability


About Alex Honnold’s Sustainability Tick List

About Sustainability


About Alex Honnold’s Sustainability Tick List

 

Smalls Steps Generate Big Change


 

In 2012, Alex Honnold was living in a van he couldn’t stand up in. He was a sponsored athlete, sure, and to rock climbers, he was well known—but to most of the world, Alex was still just a guy who happened to be very good at a sport not many people cared about.  That year, on the drive back from a day of climbing in Colorado’s Eldorado Canyon, he made the decision to start giving away one-third of his income to support solar energy projects. That single commitment has grown into the Honnold Foundation’s work today.

 

Alex’s journey from being a climber living in a van, to being a philanthropist and environmentalist (okay, still living in his van) was made up of small, deliberate steps.

 

In the spirit of simplicity and practicality, he rode his bike more and more. Later on, he switched to a plant-based diet. And after years of rest days reading about the climate crisis, energy policy, solar energy, and social justice, he started to focus on systemic change. 

Alex is known for keeping a dedicated log of his climbs. Every night, he records the climbing routes he completed that day in a journal that climbers call a “ticklist”. But not many people know that Alex also maintains a sustainability ticklist, tracking the personal changes he’s made over time—and it’s that journal that inspires this page, the Sustainability Ticklist.

Climate change is happening now. The time for action is now. That means individual action and systems-level change. So we’re sharing Alex’s personal recommendations for how you can make a difference in the fight for a better, brighter world. Some of those steps are personal (like changing how you eat) and some of them are systemic (like changing how you vote, or advocate for issues you care about.) All of these actions matter. For a challenge as serious as the climate crisis, it’s going to take a lot of small steps to generate a big change.

 
 
 
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Money is Power


Money Is Power

Spending and investment choices to make the world a brighter place.

Money is Power


Money Is Power

Spending and investment choices to make the world a brighter place.

 
 

 

Bank Responsibly.

 
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“Think of your bank as a person— would you loan that person money? If they’re doing terrible stuff, don’t lend them money.”

 

Your bank is spending your money when you aren’t, so you have to find a bank that reflects your values. Banks literally use your money while it sits in an account, and they can invest it in all kinds of things that you as an individual wouldn’t personally support—things like fossil fuel projects.

Banking responsibly means prioritizing local credit unions or nonprofit banks, or finding national banks that share your values. You should look into your bank the way you would evaluate a climbing partner or a life partner—do some stalking online and see if there’s anything dirty that comes up. — Alex


The Challenge

Ever wonder where your bank puts your money? Many times, when you choose a big bank, you’re opting to invest your money in the fossil fuel industry. In the past few years, the world’s six largest banks have loaned nearly a trillion dollars to fossil fuel extraction. One of the simplest ways to fight back against the fossil fuel industry is to make sure your money isn’t helping them out. 

1

Make sure your bank reflects your values

It can be intimidating to switch banks (all those auto-pays sure feel overwhelming once you add them up) so consider recruiting a friend to join you in evaluating where you bank and finding a better option, if necessary. Credit unions are a great place to start.

Sustainable Banking Network | Climate Change is Urgent, we Need to Decrease Extraction Now

2

Commit to socially responsible investing

There’s no perfect solution for responsible investing, but there are options available. Consider moving your investments to an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Fund, or review (and revise, if necessary) the list of companies in which you’re currently invested.

Guide to Socially Responsible Investment | What is ESG Investing?



 
 

 

Give What You Can.

 
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“If you’re living a comfortable lifestyle, I think you have a moral obligation to at least try to do something useful in the world, and donating to important causes is one way to do that.”

 

Donate what you can to the causes that are in line with your values and that are the most impactful. If you can’t give money, give time. — Alex

 

The Challenge

It’s never too late (or early) to build a charitable mindset. Give what you can, when you can. In 2019, Americans donated 449 billion dollars to charitable organizations—a huge amount of money, but only 2.1% of the U.S. GDP. Meanwhile, only 3% of those funds benefit environmental causes. If enough people took action to create even a fraction of a percentage increase, billions of dollars would pour into the fight against climate change.  

The Honnold Foundation started with Alex—but today, it’s powered by people like you. Helping people and the planet means addressing the climate crisis with the urgency that it demands. Whether you can give $5 or $5,000, every gift you make helps us create a brighter world for all of us.

In general, when you make gifts to nonprofits, monthly or recurring gifts are especially valued. They help nonprofits plan for the future and are a powerful way to tell the organizations you care about that you’re in it for the long haul.


1

Become a member of 1% for the Planet

The Honnold Foundation is a nonprofit member of 1% for the Planet, but individuals can join too. 1% provides great resources to support building a giving mindset, and are an incredible resource for kicking off your own philanthropic journey, at any scale.

1% for the Planet


2

Set up a recurring donation to support the Honnold Foundation

A recurring gift of any amount has a huge impact for our global solar energy partners.

Donate to the Honnold Foundation

 
 

 

Buy Local.

 
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“When you buy local, you're keeping money in your own community, which means you're investing in the place where you live.”

 

Buying local supports small farmers, keeps local restaurants open, and in general is way better for the environment. A good rule of thumb is that if two options for purchasing food or goods seems the same, you should get the one that's closer to you, because it has a lower environmental impact. — Alex



The Challenge

Nobody’s perfect, and it can be difficult to fully disengage from the large corporations that can serve big parts of our lives. You don’t have to strive for perfection. Instead, work to consume conscientiously, and spend your money in ways that reflect your values.

1

Support local businesses

When you buy locally, you support businesses that have dramatically smaller environmental impact than their corporate counterparts, and you invest in your own community. There are also great resources available to help you seek out small businesses owned by women, and BIPOC community members of all genders.

Black Business Green Book | We Buy Black | Buy Woman Owned


 

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

 
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People and the Planet


People and the Planet

Tread lightly by putting sustainability first.

People and the Planet


People and the Planet

Tread lightly by putting sustainability first.

You Are What You Eat.

 
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“Diet is the most frequent opportunity to have a positive impact on the world. If you eat 3 to 5 times a day, that’s 3 to 5 opportunities to lessen your impact. Going vegetarian or vegan is great, but dietary choices are on a spectrum.

 

The fewer animal products you consume, the lower your impact is on the environment. Aside from the environmental footprint of animal agriculture, the water and land usage involved with ranching is massive. It’s better to be able to opt out of the entire system.

But diet is also complicated. If you hunt, maybe eating that meat is a low-impact choice. But for the vast majority of us, eating less meat is better for the environment.

I always find myself going back to the classic Michael Pollan quote— eat real food, not too much, mostly plants. — Alex


The Challenge

Eating fewer animal products is better for the environment. Alex switched to a plant-based diet after realizing that he could lower his environmental impact and, as a bonus, increase his athletic performance. 

1

Eat less meat

If you eat meat on a daily basis, pick one or two days a week to eat only plants. If you already eat a mostly vegetarian diet, consider if there are any animal products you still eat that you could switch out for a plant-based alternative.

In Defense of Food l The Most Laid Back Guide to Going Vegetarian You’ll Ever Read

2

Support local farmers

Joining a Community Supported Agriculture program, or CSA, is a great way to support farmers in your community and ensure steady access to locally sourced, thoughtfully produced food.

U.S. Farmers Market Database l Local Harvest


 

 

Use What You Have.

 
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“This is one of the simplest things on the list. A core principle of life should be to eliminate waste, fix things when you can, and, in general, use what you have as long as possible.”

Don’t just buy into consumer culture. Ask, do I need this?” - Alex

 
 

The Challenge

Living simply may be a time-honored tradition for rock climbers like Alex, but let’s face it—in a modern world driven by consumerism, it’s rarely most peoples’ first reflex. We’re not advocating that you rid yourself of your worldly possessions. We’re just encouraging everyone to understand the value of what they have now. 

1

Reuse or repair what you already have

Many towns have free, nonprofit local fix-it places, or you can turn to the internet to learn how to repair your own electronics. Some outdoor clothing brands, like Patagonia, will even repair your damaged clothes or gear for free.

Clever Octopus— Salt Lake City’s Creative Reuse Center I IFixit I Patagonia Repairs

2

If you’re buying something, buy used

Increasingly, outdoor brands are offering used gear and equipment at reduced sale prices. Check out your local REI Garage Sale, or see whether the brand you’re interested in sells used products in good condition. Your local classifieds websites can also be a powerful resource.

REI Garage Sales

 

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT




 
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Catalyzing Systemic Change


Catalyze Systemic Change

Use your voice to promote systems-level change.

Catalyzing Systemic Change


Catalyze Systemic Change

Use your voice to promote systems-level change.

Vote.

 
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“Voting is how an individual can have the biggest impact on the world. Even though it’s perhaps the least personally satisfying of all the actions you can take, the possibilities of policy change are vast.”

 

We typically only think about voting every four years for presidential elections, but midterms and down ballot votes are often more important from an environmental perspective, because so much policy is decided at a local level. All the mundane details (those little policies and codes your city council is voting on) actually create the society that we live in, and have a huge impact.

Policy can lead to change on a scale that no individual effort can. For example, if the United States outlaws internal combustion cars, that’s a lot more impactful than just you buying an electric car. - Alex


The Challenge

Our rapidly changing climate is already amplifying existing inequalities, and fundamentally shifting the lives of people around the world. These changes have to be tackled at the local and national level—but when it comes to systems change, it’s often more realistic to push for radical improvements if you start close to home. 

1

Vote for a brighter world

Do you know who your city councilperson is? What about your state representatives? Take the time to learn who represents you, what they’ve accomplished during their time in office, and whether their actions mirror what you think is right for your community. Vote for candidates who reflect your values.

Find Your Representatives I Register to Vote


2

Attend a City Council meeting

Call and email your city council members to make sure that they consider your voice and your vote at upcoming budget meetings. 


3

Volunteer to support and educate other voters

Your vote counts, and your friends’ and family’s votes do too. Even if you aren’t eligible to vote, volunteering as a poll worker on election day, or with a local voting advocacy group, can be a powerful way to promote systemic change in your community.

Power the Polls

 

 

Go Solar, Go Electric.

 
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“If the world is going to meet any of its climate goals, we all have to wind down our use of fossil fuels, which means transitioning to renewable energy.”

 

When you’re buying appliances or doing home renovations, think about the usable lifespan of the thing that you’re purchasing. If you buy a natural gas water heater, you’re making a decision not to care about climate. Go electric if you can.

When you make big purchases, like a water heater or a car, you’re committing to the usable lifespan of that product and making a statement about what kind of future you want to live in. Do you want to be driving a car that runs off fossil fuels 20 years from now? - Alex


The Challenge

Solar energy and electric vehicles are both powerful ways to break away from fossil fuels. Modern solar technology guarantees that you’ll get a return on your investment, and solar panels’ lifetime environmental impact is lower than ever before. Meanwhile, the emissions impact alone makes electric vehicles the clear choice for the environmentally-conscious consumer. 

We know that buying solar and investing in EV’s can be cost-prohibitive, and ultimately is a privilege. Thankfully, there are other ways to invest in a clean energy grid.

1

Go solar at home

Whether you live in a house or a van—if you own the place where you live, you could be a good fit for a residential solar install! Many states and cities offer incentives and tax credits that make residential solar more affordable than you might expect.

Tommy Caldwell: Experiments with Solar I Amicus Solar Cooperative

2

If major purchases (like appliances or vehicles) are in your future, choose electric

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are increasingly common, and getting more affordable all the time. If you’re buying a large home appliance, consider an electric option. They can be much more economical over time— especially when combined with home solar.

3

Check if your utility offers a renewable energy opt-in

If you rent your home, you may still be able to opt into a renewable energy source. Some utilities will allow you to check a box or pay a small additional fee to support solar or wind power in your community.

 

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

 
 
 
 

It takes all of us to make the world a brighter place.

Climate change is happening now— and it will take all of us, giving whatever we can, however we can, to curb its impacts on communities around the world.

Join us.

Make a gift to the Honnold Foundation today and support solar energy worldwide.

 
 

Have you implemented some of these tips in your daily life? Do you have a suggestion for an addition, or feedback on this list so far? We’d be delighted to hear from you. Fill out the form to get in touch!