Objective
To cultivate integrity and authenticity in relation to climate action, encouraging participants to align their personal values with actions that positively impact the environment.
+ Steps to take
01. Preparation
Choose a mirror in a quiet space and bring a notebook and pen. Start with a few moments of stillness, focusing on your breath, clearing your mind, and centering yourself.
02. Step 1: The Mirror reflection
Look into the mirror for two minutes. Reflect on your role in the global climate movement by asking yourself:
- Am I taking actions that reflect my commitment to a sustainable world?
- How authentic are my daily choices in relation to the values I hold about the environment?
03. Step 2: Identify your eco-values
Write down three values you believe are critical for climate action (e.g., responsibility, respect for nature, future generations).
For each value, describe a recent action or choice that aligns with it, no matter how small. Examples could be opting for reusable bags, discussing climate issues with peers, or minimizing energy use.
04. Step 3: Recognizing climate contradictions
Reflect on a moment when your actions didn’t fully align with these eco-values. For example, buying fast fashion, using single-use plastics, or not recycling.
Write down:
- The situation and why you acted that way.
- How you felt afterward and what prevented you from taking a more climate-conscious path.
- How you might approach this situation differently next time to stay true to your values.
05. Step 4: Create a climate integrity mantra
Based on your reflections, create a mantra that links your values to climate action.
Write this mantra on a sticky note or card and place it somewhere you’ll see daily.
06. Step 5: Personal climate pledge
Set a specific action goal for the coming month to align your daily choices with climate integrity. Examples could include committing to reducing waste, choosing plant-based meals, or participating in a community clean-up.
Write down how this goal reinforces your values and contributes to a
healthier planet.
07. Final Step: Weekly mirror check-in for climate action
At the end of each week, revisit your mantra and reflect on your eco- actions. Ask:
- What climate-positive actions did I take this week?
- Where did I succeed, and where can I improve?
- How did living my eco-values make me feel more authentic?
Outcome
By connecting personal integrity to climate action, this activity helps youth see environmental impact as a reflection of their values. Weekly mirror check-ins build a sense of accountability, creating a lasting link between authenticity and meaningful contributions to climate action.
Relevant links
“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown (TEDxHouston)
Further reading
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz