[INFORMATIVE] Lobbying for Sustainable Policies

Lobbying for Sustainable Policies

By Alexandros Theodossis

What is lobbying?
Lobbying is the attempt by individuals or private interest groups to influence the government's decisions. For example, an individual who strongly believes all food regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) should strictly contain organic ingredients instead of non-organic ingredients could search the internet for their regional House of Representatives member, and send notecards writing about their issue. In the U.S., the House of Representatives was created solely for the government to listen to the constituents, or the people living in America. By lobbying, people give the United States government an idea of what the people want. Without such divisions, our nation would be unable to execute decisions based on what the people want, which is why lobbying exists. Lobbying is important, especially if you have a pressing issue and want to address it. Even if one letter is sent to a politician, that still sends a message. Similarly, suppose 10,000 people send letters on the issue of climate change to multiple members of the House of Representatives. In that case, the issue of climate change will be heard, leading policymakers to suggest sustainable policies and give people what they want.

Who can lobby?
When facing the question of who specifically can lobby, anyone can! If a 1st grader does not like the way their Dino Nuggies taste in school, they can send a well-composed email/letter to the department in charge of serving public school lunch, suggesting that their Dino Nuggies’s formula should be revised. Similarly, if someone is part of a lobbying group/organization that focuses on enacting certain policies, they can meet the representative on a video call to lobby for their policies! Virtually anyone who seeks change in their community can lobby politicians to enact policies regarding such issues.

Why are sustainable policies significant?
Sustainability is significant in that future generations will be affected by such practices enacted now. Enacting sensible policies now can impact generations. For example, a federal law prohibits the use of organizations burning fossil fuels after a given time. Without this law, which applies to millions of U.S. factories, we can only imagine how much carbon would be released into the atmosphere in the next century. Climate change is an existential crisis that demands action now, and sustainable practices play a huge role in mitigating the effects of climate change. Additionally, our planet’s resources are finite, and their rapid depletion poses significant climate challenges. Sustainability encourages the responsible use of natural resources, like water, energy, and raw materials. By enacting such eco-friendly habits, like reducing waste, recycling, and choosing products made from sustainable materials, consumers can help preserve recourses for future generations without having to lobby.

How can you lobby?
When lobbying for any policy, you should join an organization that specializes in the scope. For example, a person who wishes to enact environmental policies may want to join the Citizens Climate Lobby, an organization that lobbies policymakers to enact sustainable policies. By associating with an organization, your voice will be amplified, as you can propose ways to lobby and partake in events, such as sending postcards lobbying for a certain bill or policy to be enacted. When lobbying, you should make sure to appeal to the representative’s interests, and why enacting this policy shall benefit them, which can be to show nonpartisanship in the House of Representatives. In this current realm, where technology exists everywhere, a person can simply sign up with an organization to lobby for what they believe is right in their country or community, depending on the issue at hand.


Works Cited:
Encyclopedia Britannica. “Lobbying | Definition & Facts.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 27 Sept. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/lobbying. Accessed 8 August 2024.

‌“Why Is Sustainability Important? - Clean the World.” Https://Cleantheworld.org/, cleantheworld.org/blog/why-is-sustainability-important/. Accessed 8 August 2024.

“Lobbying FAQ.” Center for Public Integrity, publicintegrity.org/politics/lobby-watch/lobbying-faq/. Accessed 8 August 2024.