Day 25

Vote

How can your voice shape a better future?

Introduction: The Power of Voting in Climate Action

Throughout Project Green Challenge, you have engaged with your friends, family, school, and the global online community for climate justice and education. But one of the most crucial relationships you can leverage is with your government.

Lobbying your representatives to reduce carbon emissions is a powerful way to influence climate policy. Every country plays a role in phasing out fossil fuels, but international agreements are complex. Events like the United Nations Climate Change Conference debate each country’s obligations, balancing the historical emissions of wealthier nations with the development needs of emerging economies.

The Kyoto Protocol established a carbon market and emission reduction goals, while the Paris Agreement committed nearly every nation to limit global warming to below 2°C. Despite these efforts, progress requires continuous action. Seeing countries come together to make these commitments shows that global cooperation is possible.

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The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.
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John Lewis, civil rights activist and member of the US House of Representatives
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Turning Agreements into Action

While international agreements are valuable, they are ultimately unenforceable. Real change depends on individual countries’ political will. Costa Rica, for example, leads the way with its National Plan for Electric Transportation and commitment to renewable energy. By demonstrating that strong environmental policies can also boost economic growth, Costa Rica shows the potential of decarbonization plans.

When public support is mobilized, political systems can enact significant changes. In the U.S., the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act allocated $370 billion for green energy initiatives, marking the largest climate legislation in American history. This progress highlights the power of voter engagement in passing impactful climate policies.

Engaging Young and Diverse Voters

Empowering young and diverse voters is essential to enacting policies that prioritize climate and environmental justice. Voting in local elections can be particularly impactful, as it provides the chance to meet representatives and influence policies directly affecting communities. Local actions can also inspire national changes, as seen with the 2019 chlorpyrifos ban in California, which led to a nationwide ban.

Using Your Voice for Collective Impact

Not everyone has the opportunity to vote, but those who do can create ripples of change. By advocating for policies that benefit all people—regardless of citizenship, race, nationality, gender, or identity—you can make a difference on behalf of others. Together, we can demonstrate the true power of our collective will.

Our partners, Green America and Citizens Climate Lobby, emphasize that everyone, including businesses, can drive change. Companies have significant influence, so support those that align with your values. Vote for the future you want, campaign for issues that matter, support sustainable policies, and use your voice to be the change!

PARTNERS

The Story of Stuff Project
The Story of Stuff Project

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Voting and Advocacy Resources

Empower yourself with the tools you need to influence climate policy and engage in meaningful advocacy. These resources provide guidance on lobbying, voting, and partnering with organizations that drive sustainable change. Explore these to amplify your impact and support the future you want to see.

CHALLENGES

Green

20 POINTS

THINK

Young voters are among the least likely to turn out globally. In the U.S. 2020 presidential election, only 51.2% of young voters participated. In Japan’s 2021 House of Representatives election, less than half of those aged 18 to 29 voted. France saw just 13% of young voters participate in their 2021 municipal elections. And, in South Africa’s 2019 National Elections, only 18% of those aged 18 to 19 were registered to vote.

Despite the low turnout, the young vote is incredibly important. Millennials and Gen Z (roughly ages 18 to 40) make up large voting blocs worldwide. Young people are most impacted by climate, economic, and social policies, represent the most diverse age group, and have the potential to sway election outcomes. Elections have real consequences, and every vote matters!


CHALLENGE

(U.S. Citizens)

      1. Identify an Upcoming Election
        Choose an election happening in your community. It can be national or local and may be scheduled for this year or in the future.
      2. Research a Candidate and Key Issue
        Select a candidate running in this election and research their stance on an issue you care about. Write a brief summary (200 words or less) explaining how the candidate plans to address that issue.
      3. Share Your Statement on Instagram
        Create a simple, clear, and impactful statement or visual about why you will vote (or why voting matters if you are underage). Post it on Instagram, tagging @TurningGreenOrg and using #PGC2024, #vote, and any relevant hashtags to raise awareness or connect with movements related to the election.

(Non-U.S. Citizens)

      1. Research Voting in Your Country
        Tell us about the voting process in your country. Consider these questions:
        • Are you able to vote?
        • Who is eligible to vote?
        • How do you vote?
        • When is your next election?
        • Why is voting important to you?

        Write your response in 200 words or less.

      2. Share Your Statement on Instagram
        Create a clear and impactful statement or visual about why voting matters. Post it on Instagram, tagging @TurningGreenOrg and using #PGC2024, #vote, and any relevant hashtags to raise awareness or connect with movements in your country.


SUBMIT YOUR WORK:

    1. Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
    2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
      eg: kasie_jones_day25_green_2024.pdf
      Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
    3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
    4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
    5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
    6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page
    7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
    8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greener

40 POINTS

THINK

Politics can often feel overwhelming and out of reach. With countless issues, complex language, and varying party affiliations, staying informed and engaged can be challenging. But imagine for a moment—what would your town, state, or country look like if you were the one making decisions?


CHALLENGE

  1. Identify Your Key Issues
    Choose 4 to 5 topics you are passionate about for your platform. These issues could include environmental justice, water rights, sustainable farming, plastic reduction, or anything else important to you.
  2. Create Your Political Platform
    Present your platform creatively using any medium you prefer—an essay, video, podcast, infographic, or another format of your choice. Be sure to articulate your stance and the changes you’d want to see.
  3. Find a Like-Minded Leader
    Search for a politician or leader, from any government around the world, whose beliefs align with yours. Write 3-4 sentences explaining how their views resonate with you and why you would support them.


SUBMIT YOUR WORK

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    eg: kasie_jones_day25_greener_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greenest

60 POINTS

THINK

Every election is crucial for both people and the planet. Regardless of age, anyone can influence who votes and how they vote. Today, we encourage YOU to motivate others to get to the polls so that more voices are heard.


CHALLENGE

  1. Embrace the Power of Art
    Our generation has the power to shape the future by learning about climate legislation, supporting progressive candidates, and voting. Today, use music or poetry as a tool for activism to promote progressive climate policies!
  2. Find Inspiration
    Watch March March by The Chicks for motivation. Reflect on what you have learned throughout PGC and draw inspiration from any artistic source. Then, create a song or poem that emphasizes the importance of voting and government action on climate change. Options include:
    • Rewriting the lyrics of a song that motivates you
    • Composing your own original song
    • Writing a poem to perform as spoken word

    3. Focus on using powerful, action-oriented language to inspire your audience to organize, mobilize, educate, and vote!

  3. Record Your Performance
    Practice your piece and record it on video. Feel free to include instruments or background tracks. The top ten submissions will earn 100 bonus points each!
  4. Share Your Message
    Upload your video to Instagram, tagging @TurningGreenOrg and using #PGC2024. Include other relevant hashtags or accounts to amplify your message. You can also share it on YouTube or as an Instagram Reel. Encourage your friends and followers to register and commit to vote!

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    eg: kasie_jones_day25_greenest_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

PRIZES

Up to 10 Greener and 10 Greenest outstanding submissions will be selected as winners.

Each Greener Winner will receive: 

  • A 16.9 oz. TK Pro Thermos and Camp Mug from our partner, Klean Kanteen, a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp committed to sustainability and to making high-quality, durable, reusable stainless steel insulated water bottles, mugs, cups, tumblers, food containers and steel straws.
  • A Self-Care Sampler tea box from Numi Organic Tea, a Fair Trade Certified™ and Climate Neutral Certified B Corp committed to reducing carbon footprints through plant-based tea wrappers and promoting environmental change one organic tea bag at a time.

Each Greenest Winner will receive: 

  • A 20 oz. Insulated Water Bottle and Meal Box Set from our partner, Klean Kanteen, a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp committed to sustainability and to making high-quality, durable, reusable stainless steel insulated water bottles, mugs, cups, tumblers, food containers and steel straws.
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