We all know that Google & Facebook are scary, one day you search for a new bicycle, then all of a sudden you are bombarded by relentless adverts from online bicycle retailers.

But here's the thing, however annoying and intrusive this is (working as a web designer I know exactly how bad this can be). This process of 'search' and then to be 'bombarded' by adverts has all of a sudden opened several doors for me.

When I embarked on my journey, to change one thing each week to go green, I wanted to research the facts on climate change, environmental impact, zero waste etc. So I got online and found out what the state of play was for our planet. 

Over the last few weeks of searching online for environmental facts, I have noticed a change in my digital landscape. I am now being 'bombarded' by adverts and information from environmentally friendly products, organisations and groups.

Although a bit overwhelming, this intrusive tailoring of my digital life has really helped open my eyes. For example, this morning I wake up to a request by WWF to sign their petition on climate change on my Facebook feed. I duly head over to their website and sign the petition... and then get thinking... and so to change number 6...

Last week I discussed the three most important things to combat a climate catastrophe.

This week I want to continue in this vein. It's another big one, lobbying governments. But what is the most effective way to do this? I have a daytime job, two young kids and a hectic life, I need to be strategic about how I approach this. How can I maximise my impact for lobbying governments? 

According to The Guardian 'There’s a reason that petitions have been around for thousands of years – they’re a simple and effective lobbying tactic' 

Now I have the vehicle for lobbying, I next wanted to set up a process in which I could maximise my impact. I don't really have time to go hunting for all the environmental petitions out there. Working as a web designer we love processes and systems so after some tinkering here's what I came up with. It's super easy, won't take too much time and I'd love you to implement it too so we can make a difference to our planet!

Let's clear the way. First unsubscribe from every single email newsletter you get that is of little relevance to you, you need to clear your communication channel of anything that could be time wasting. 

Next, and here's the big one, unsubscribe from every single email newsletter you get that tries to persuade you to buy anything, even from brands you like (except maybe green companies).

You really don't need more stuff. The aim is to free up some time to do good with your inbox and internet use, and in turn stop adding to consumerism.

You could go ahead and sign up to newsletters from as many environmental charities and groups as possible, but you may well suffer from information overload. The aim is to be strategic.

My suggestion. Go with the big boys. 

The great thing about change.org is when you go in and sign a petition you will then be served up similar petitions which you can quickly 'one touch' sign. It is very much a swipe right type of process, within about 3 minutes I had signed up to 8 other petitions. 

Finally, when presented the opportunity, share these petitions via social media.

Now you have a great system in place for lobbying governments about climate change and environmental issues from the comfort of your home / office in little time at all. At this point it's up to you, simply use this process for any charity that is close to your heart. I would suggest searching for ones that you strongly believe in. It might be zero waste, deforestation or temperature rise. Chose the top charities in that field and sign up to their newsletters. 

Happy lobbying to you all!