Ten Thousand Candles launched in January of 2025 with the goal of fighting climate change by enabling and inspiring all citizens of the planet to act in small ways that, when compounded across communities, states, and countries can make a tangible difference.
What is Ten Thousand Candles
The concept of Ten Thousand Candles goes back 200 years to Alexis de Tocqueville and his iconic “Democracy in America” in which he marvels at how Americans get so much done voluntarily with their “little platoons”. The name Ten Thousand Candles is inspired by the axiom; instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.
SILC aims to create many of those little “platoons”, carrying many candles, to fight climate change. The first phase of this effort is Citizens Against a Melting Planet.
Citizens Against a Melting Planet
Our first goal is to build an army of people who will trade despair for action by using nature to reduce the current warming of the planet. By emphasizing the positive aspects of the fight, rather than urging people to stop eating meat or taking vacations, we will turn the helplessness of concerned citizens into constructive actions.
How will we do it?
We will provide you with positive ways to use nature to reduce the rate of climate change. It can be as simple as using native plants to occupy the 32 square feet of your balcony, keeping a bird feeder filled or bringing plants rather than cut flowers as a house gift. There will be hundreds of those suggestions over time.
What can you do?
We are asking you to help us get this important project started. Here’s how:
Donate
Your donation will enable us to fund this project and build the infrastructure needed to make it grow.
Spread the Word
Help us get the word out by sending this page to your friends, family, and colleagues so that we can build our army.
Take Action
Implement the simple positive ideas. Let us know how we can help you build your community of 10 Thousand Candles.