Brittany Hammett
Writer
I’m a systems analyst, researcher, and doctoral student focused on sustainability, resilience, and disaster science. I’m passionate about translating complex environmental ideas into approachable, real-world actions that make sustainability feel doable for everyone. Outside of research, I love experimenting in the kitchen, exploring new ways to live more sustainably, and finding creative intersections between technology, climate, and daily life.
Articles by Brittany
A personal, practical look at why caring about cleaner air, stronger infrastructure, and community resilience does not require taking a political side. Drawing on my Idaho upbringing and a deep respect for nature, this piece shows how everyday choices can reduce emissions without activism, identity, or ideology. It reassures readers that working together and protecting what we already have is a common-sense approach anyone can support.
A calm, practical piece showing how many climate solutions naturally align with long-standing conservative values like stewardship, independence, efficiency, and safeguarding communities. Instead of politics or pressure, it highlights familiar principles people already believe in, reminding readers that they are not powerless and do not need to change their identity to support meaningful solutions. This article focuses on common-sense actions that strengthen communities, reduce risk, and protect what we have without leaning into ideology or extremes.
The common goal for climate is "Net Zero", which many interpret as eliminating all of our emissions. This can make the goal seem impossible, since there are so many smaller emissions sources that are much harder to eliminate. Its important the remember the "Net" part though - it means that the goal is reducing emissions so that they match the CO2 sinks, things like plants and algae that take CO2 out of the air. While we do need to drastically reduce emissions to get here, to around 10-20% of today, this is a significantly more achievable goal than 0%.
Actions by Brittany
Low tire pressure can have a noticeable effect on your car's fuel economy, and is one of the easiest things to address - Many tire shops will even do it for free
Watering grass is one of the biggest uses of water we don't think about, and its just creating more yard work for yourself and can actually be worse for the grass. Its ok for grass to get a little brown when its dry; it will grow back green once the weather is more amiable.
Beef is a big contributor to climate change, but its unfortunately also delicious. Fortunately, you don't have to be a vegetarian or give up beef to make an impact. Beef has 10x the footprint of poultry, so just sometimes having chicken instead is a meaningful change
If you don't already have a smart thermostat, This is probably the biggest bang for your buck for A/C related updates. Many of them learn from you and will keep you from wasting money cooling or heating the house when no one's home
Did you know that gas lawn tools are way less efficient than gas cars? Running a gas lawn mower for an hour has the same emissions as driving for 300 miles. Fortunately, upgrading your mower is a LOT cheaper than getting an EV, not to mention way quieter (and no pull starting)