This episode of *Change Hampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time* features writer and activist **Bill McKibben**, discussing his memoir *The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon*. McKibben reflects on his suburban childhood in Lexington, Massachusetts, and how the U.S. shifted from community-minded values in the 1960s–70s toward hyper-individualism, inequality, weakened democracy, and climate inaction. He critiques the legacy of the Reagan era, the role of suburbanization in eroding community, and the shift in Christianity from communal to individual salvation.

McKibben underscores the stakes of climate change, praising the Inflation Reduction Act as a long-awaited but partial step forward. He imagines how different the world might have been had Jimmy Carter’s renewable energy vision prevailed. He also describes his work organizing seniors through **Third Act**, mobilizing their political and financial influence to protect democracy and the climate.

Although this is a repurposing of a 2022 interview with McKibben by host Francesca Rheannon, it is timely for an upcoming talk by McKibben in East Hampton. He is on a speaking tour promoting his new book: Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization. In the book McKibben reveals what is shocking news to many -- in the past two years solar energy has become the popular choice of energy around the world.

Quotes from the interview:

* *“The average American has about half as many close friends today as the average American in the 1950s.”*

* *“We ended the work of trying to build a better society… and took up the work of just looking out for ourselves.”*

* *“Every time we double the amount of solar energy that we install, the price goes down another 30%.”*

* *“If we had re-elected Jimmy Carter, the world would be in a very different spot—China’s boom might have been powered by sun and wind, not coal.”*

* *“Our generation won these fights once—civil rights, women’s rights, clean air, voting rights—we can do it again.”*

* *“Both the flag and the Bible are radical documents, if you look closely.”*

Summary

This episode of Change Hampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time features high school students Shirley Jiang and Griffin Beckmann, interns and youth organizers with Rewild Long Island’s Summer Intern Program. They share their hands-on experiences in ecological restoration projects across East Hampton, including planting native species, removing invasives, composting, and maintaining community pollinator gardens. Both reflect on their motivation to fight climate change, the skills and community they’ve gained, and the hope they find in seeing peers and neighbors join the movement. They also discuss the challenges of balancing commitments, transportation, and time while remaining committed to environmental stewardship. The conversation closes with inspiring personal stories about food security work at Share the Harvest Farm and building the Change Hampton Community Pollinator Garden.

Quotes:

• “I really felt so motivated to do anything I could to help our environment… and seeing all the excellent work that Rewild has done… I was really inspired to take on a greater role in mitigating climate change in my community.” — Griffin
• “Just knowing that taking my part in the program can make a bigger change in the community has been a really rewarding experience.” — Shirley
• “Every time we pull a mugwort out, it’s really rewarding and satisfying… at the end when you see the mountain of mugwort, it’s like, oh my gosh, we did that.” — Shirley
• “Rewild is really special in that you really do learn how to be a professional… seeing the end goal is really special because you’re seeing the impact you’re having firsthand.” — Griffin
• “Even though what we do now might be on a small scale… maybe we can make more change. Seeing the younger generation being more involved can bring awareness to the older generation.” — Shirley
• “In the past, people passionate about helping the environment were called tree huggers… but you really never hear that anymore. Our generation is switching towards a more active and positive role.” — Griffin
• “Even though the times are changing, I feel like we’re going to be the change that we want to see in the future.” — Shirley

Segments / Themes

1. Introductions & Motivation
   
   • Griffin and Shirley explain how they joined Rewild and why environmental work matters to them.
3. Hands-On Work
   
   • Invasive removal (mugwort)
4. • Bioswales for flood mitigation
5. • Composting and food waste reduction
7. Connection to Climate Change
   
   • Reducing lawns, chemicals, and fertilizers
8. • Promoting biodiversity and pollinator habitats
9. • Compost as a methane reduction strategy
11. Role of Youth Organizers
    
    • Behind-the-scenes logistics: spreadsheets, applications, events, communications
12. • Mentoring and leadership
14. Challenges
    
    • Transportation/time conflicts
15. • Balancing school, work, and activism
17. Community & Peer Influence
    
    • Recruiting friends and siblings
18. • Shifting generational attitudes about climate activism
20. Hope for the Future
    
    • Small-scale community impact as a foundation
21. • Belief in Gen Z’s ability to lead future climate solutions