December Lunch & Learn Recap: Finding Joy in Climate Action

Our last Lunch & Learn of 2025 was the perfect way to kick off our sustainability goals for 2026! Home ReSource’s Executive Director Kelli Hess teamed up with the Program Director of Climate Smart Missoula, Shanti Devins. The topic? How to find joy in climate action! Both nonprofits are committed to providing education, resources, and practical insights that show how climate work supports a healthier and more resilient Missoula. Home ReSource has championed this mission for 22 years, and Climate Smart Missoula for 10 years.

Both Hess and Devins talked about some of the projects that their non-profits are working on:

• Climate Smart Missoula has taken the lead on “Electrifying Missoula,” which aims to replace fossil fuel appliances with electric one. Think switching over to induction stoves or heat pumps.
• Home ReSource’s role in Missoula’s ZERO by FIFTY plan, which aims to divert 90% of waste from the landfill. This involves moving the City’s action plan forward and taking the lead on Green Teams at major events.

Afterwards, Devins led the attendees in creating a Personal Action Plan by using Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Action Venn Diagram. It involves three different areas to think about: what brings you joy, what you’re good at, and what work needs doing?

The activity generated several great ideas. One attendee said she finds joy in sewing, so she could offer to repair clothes for friends and family. Another attendee loved reading romantasy books and suggested hosting a romantasy book swap, where participants could exchange books instead of buying them.

Whether you’re new to climate action or have been doing climate work for years, the ideas that were generated at this Lunch & Learn are sure to help everyone in the new year! What are some ways you find joy in climate action? Comment below! Thank you MCAT for filming and to Front Street Pizza for providing the lunch!