While you’re correct that individual actions will ultimately decide our fate, what you’re not accounting for is this: The economics are stacked against anyone trying to do the right thing.
It’s actually cheaper, less time consuming, and more convenient to kill our planet.
To properly recycle I would have to spend 15 to 30 minutes a day.
If wanted to recycle food (compost), add another 15 to 30 minutes.
So per week, that’s about 4 to 7 hours. Time that could be spent working or sleeping.
With regards to plastic shopping bags: Yes, I can avoid it. But then I need to buy plastic waste bags anyway, because I’m required to package my waste.
With regards to meat: I don’t go crazy with meat, but in terms of cost most Western societies have masked the cost. Fresh produce is more expensive per calorie than a slab of beef per calorie.
Or how about electronics? It’s insane that it’s generally cheaper to buy new consumer electronics, rather than have someone fix it.
Or packaging: There is zero economic reason for businesses to minimize the amount of plastic packaging. Plastic has the advantages of low weight and tensile strength, so any company that tries to change would be at an immediate disadvantage.
To fix these imbalances we need social policies (with teeth) that force a new, market-driven optimum for both companies and individuals.
For that to happen we need leadership that have the courage to undertake a long, hard battle against vested interests.