Finding Our Way

when the world seems overwhelming

The delicious vegan french toast my son and husband made for Mother’s Day

I had the incredible opportunity of seeing Dr. Katharine K. Wilkinson speak at the Bedford Playhouse last week. The topic was finding our way when the path seems uncertain. This video and her new book, Climate Wayfinding, provide some comfort and inspiration.

We sometimes feel overwhelmed - eco-diversity collapse, energy wasted, pollution de-regulated, water running out - it seems there is too much to do! But, I’ve heard, “many hands make light work.” It may not be the universal solution - nothing is - but we can do something. Everyone has their own superpower. Connecting to each other and sharing our unique strength - in the way a mycelial network supports the giant redwoods - is both a comfort and an amplifier.

Sir David Frederick Attenborough turned 100 last week. After attending a lecture by Canadian conservationist Grey Owl (Archibald Stansfeld Belaney) at the age of ten, this man has made it his life’s mission to connect with and protect the natural world. Very few people have done more to save the planet than David Attenborough, yet I can recall all the criticism he received for not being vegan.

Food is a very personal thing, based on nutrition, culture, upbringing and more. Attenborough has shared that he rarely eats red meat and follows a more flexitarian-style plant predominant diet, while still occasionally consuming fish, cheese, and dairy. This may not be good enough for animal rights advocates, but I believe that moving the majority of the population toward this style of eating would do more for animal welfare (and public health) than convincing one person to become vegan.

Creating compassion for animals is David Attenborough’s superpower. If you have any doubt about that, watch A Gorilla Story. What actions we take in our eating patterns as a result is up to us.

Billie Eilish expressed a different opinion, stating “Sorry — you can eat meat - go for it. You can love animals, but you can’t do both.” What she really means to say is you can’t claim to love all animals and still eat meat. I think that makes sense. Her statements created an uproar (most people don’t want to believe they’re hurting animals). The average American consumed 225 lbs. of meat and poultry in 2025 (we know a small subset of the population consumes a lot more than that). The truth is we just can’t raise enough cattle, pigs and chickens in free range, “humane” conditions to support that.

Which brings me back to wayfinding. Going full-on plant-based may seem too challenging [for some], but trying out a vegan meal might seem more manageable…dare I say “enjoyable”?

Looking for a way to take climate action? I’m biased, of course, but I think moving toward a plant based diet is something most people can do. Replacing meat with beans, using soy curls in place of chicken - these are easy things that might even make your food taste better and will definitely improve your food budget.

As for the connection, use your new skills or interests in meat-free cooking to share a meal with your friends or family. Sign up for No Meat May for resources and support. Many hands make progress and encouragement.

Let me know who you think has got it right, David or Billie, or someone else? And what’s your climate superpower?