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Here’s a question, and a challenge, for #EarthDay.

What could we accomplish if everyone spent part of their week working for the Earth?

Think of all the ideas, skills, and experience we could use to respond to the climate emergency. I’m calling this a “time tithe”.

  • It could be the first or last hour of each day, daily(ish).
  • Or one coffee break or lunch hour, weekly(ish).
  • Or half a day per week, 10% of your work week.

The concept of “tithing” is usually associated with religion and money – giving a portion of your income to support the work of an organization. What if we re-envisioned the concept – giving a portion of our work time to the planet?

A time tithe for the Earth may look different for each of us. For me, as a self-employed, late-career person, I’m pledging Fridays as my time tithe – think Fridays for the Future meets mid-life career crisis.

  • Maybe this will be unsustainable, and I’ll need to pledge 10% instead.
  • Maybe it will become an ingrained part of my work practice.
  • Maybe it will lead to a career shift into working for the Earth full-time.

I had this idea a few years ago. It took a while to germinate. And it took a while to get my head around the idea that it didn’t have to be “ready”, I could just do it. So, I’m starting climate education initiatives of my own and doing some volunteer work using my professional skills. I’m also open to “pay-what-you-can” climate projects for adult learners.

There are great organizations where talented people are working for the Earth full-time. I’d love to join them, but starting now is better than waiting for the right role to appear (and to suddenly turn into an extraordinary networker that has the right connection at the right time!) This is something I can do now, that builds on who I am, and the skills and expertise I have to offer. Watch this space to find out what happens!