It may not always be easy to find ways we as individuals can help lessen the negative effects of Climate Change in our community. A warming winter brings us flooding along the river valleys and the lack of snow has taken away the pleasure of winter activities. However, our role as consumers may give us a power in our pocketbooks that might be overlooked, but that can be very influential.

Even without being a shareholder, customers of the third biggest retail company in the US like Costco can influence whether their profits are being used to support green industry or not. In 45 events in 14 states it was pointed out lately to consumers that Costco’s credit card partnership with CitiBank is funding new oil and gas development despite Costco’s claim to be “climate friendly.” Shoppers can use the power of their purchases to tell Costco to drop this unhealthy partnership with CitiBank that is climate hurtful. By showing companies like Costco we are paying attention to where the money goes, we can have a positive influence on what happens in the board rooms.