Photos of the west coast sky are terrifying examples of climate change in action. The prevalence and intensity of wildfires are now visible in a visceral way. If you saw those photos and feared for your life and your children's lives, you're not alone. 

As business owners, we're in unique positions to enact broader change than we can as individuals. We have a platform to share ideas with employees, suppliers, customers and countless others. We can use our pulpit to make choices that support our beliefs. Manufacturing, product, employee and supplier choices all link back to our values. 

And if one of your values is saving the planet, your choices as a business owner should reflect that. Here's what you can do today if those photos made you stop in your tracks.

Vote

Vote! Make a plan to vote, spread the word about voting and give employees the day off to vote. President Obama put it best, "vote like your life depends on it-because it does."  

Businesses can only do so much to enact change. And it isn't easy without government alignment. The policies made at a local, federal, and global level are our best hope for our planet's future. If you saw those photos and wanted change, vote the politicians who feel the same way. 

Talk to employees

Share your concerns, fears and thoughts with employees. They're probably worried too. Ask their opinions and how they make changes in their personal lives to help the planet. Ask for their input on what your company should be doing to support employees' values, and then take their advice. 

Align values with your work

How can you adjust your work life so that you're incorporating the planet into your daily actions and routines? Consider the environment in manufacturing and product choices. Join organizations like 1% for the Planet or look into B Corp certification. There are many options and steps you can take. The first step is considering employee values and then looking at your business actions.

Don't bury your head 

It's easy to look at photos, move along to the next crisis and forget about climate change. But if you're living in San Francisco or anywhere under that orange sky, it's more difficult to ignore or look away. One way to stay engaged is to start thinking about your impact and any changes you can make. Make a plan or timeline to talk to employees, consider your values and start taking action.

I'd love to hear how you align your values as a business owner and the steps you're taking toward change.

This was originally posted on LinkedIn on September 10, 2020.