In Portage, Michigan (my hometown) the first snow fell in October. Here in Córdoba, I don’t think there has been a day below 50℉. It’s funny to see the trees with all of their leaves, still green and soaking up the late November sun. It feels more like spring than fall or winter, and yet everyone is bundled up in fluffy coats as if it were in the negatives. To me the temperature is still pleasant, but I enjoy putting on a jacket and pretending like I’m cold too. 

It’s interesting, because even though my host mom is freezing during this time of year, along with the rest of the Spaniards, there’s no central heating system in our apartment complex. Houses have small portable heaters, but nothing more. That’s partially due to the fact that it doesn’t get dangerously cold here, but also because people are very conscious about the environment and don’t want to waste energy. It’s the same during the summer heat (which can get dangerously high). They only turn on the air conditioning sometimes, generally at midday when it is very, very hot. But they are willing to be uncomfortable temperature-wise for much of the time, so that they don’t waste energy. 

It got me thinking about the worth of individual contributions in the fight against climate change. I used to be more of the opinion that wide scale changes were more important than small ones, but after coming to Spain it’s become obvious that national-level action depends on the participation of every individual. So, I’m going to be more mindful of the choices I make, of the showers I take and how long they are, especially. Because normally, in the US, I like to take very long showers. Now I’m more conscious of the need to save water and I’ve realized that I play an integral part in a larger effort to take care of the planet. 

If I’ve learned something in Spain, it’s this: My contribution means something.