Put a climate sign in your yard

Photo by Markus Spiske

Description

Communication helps keep climate change part of everyday life and can gradually shift our culture. A yard or window sign can share a climate message with people in your neighborhood, or with many more people if it faces a busy street or is displayed at a workplace.

The choices people see around them can influence their own through a process called behavioral contagion. For example, research has found that new solar installations increase the likelihood of additional installations nearby. Randomized field experiments have also found that political lawn signs can increase a candidate’s vote share. A climate sign makes your concern visible and may encourage neighbors to share their own messages.

Let your yard or window do some talking! Choose a message, put your climate values on display, spark conversations, and help climate action spread through your community, one sign at a time.

Tips

• Choose a Visible Location: Place your sign where pedestrians and people passing by can easily read it, without blocking sidewalks or sightlines. If you do not have a yard, a window is a great option.

• Make or Find a Sign: Create your own sign and reuse materials when possible. Search online for a slogan or message that resonates with you.

• Keep It Fresh: Change or rotate your sign from time to time so people continue to notice it. One study of interpretive signs found that first-time visitors scored higher on a knowledge assessment than repeat visitors, suggesting familiar signs may receive less attention.

• Secure It: Anchor the sign firmly so it will not blow away or be pulled out easily.

• Want to think bigger? Climate messages can go almost anywhere, including T-shirts, climate-stripe leggings, coffee mugs, and even earrings.