Learn about some of the ways you can get involved in the going green movement.
Going green starts with the simple choices we make every day to be more conscious of what we do and how we do it. It continues through environmental activism and involvement, no matter how large or small that commitment may be. We all have a responsibility to think globally and act locally. What's great about eco-activism today is that we live in an age where we don't have to conduct sit-ins or chant angrily outside of government buildings to make a statement. In fact, entire groups of activists and tree-huggers don't even have to be in the same room together to get a point across with the technologies that abound these days. Technology has made virtual tree-hugging an extremely effective means of connecting people, building support infrastructures, getting voices heard, and saving fuel to and from demonstrations to boot! Between blogging, social networking, and online applications like Twitter, there's no lack of resources to get your voice and message heard. Sierra Club: This grassroots organization has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself since 1892 and has chapters all across the United States
Consequence:
This organization is dedicated to taking political action at the state and federal levels in order to have your voice heard by those who can impart change - your local congressmen (and women). Sign up for their newsletter to get updates on the most recent happenings on Capitol Hill regarding climate change reform.
Tree Nation:
A social network of activists and people trying to make a difference, this outfit’s sole purpose in life is to plant trees in order to fight poverty, desertification, deforestation, and climate change. You can make a donation to plant a single tree or an entire forrest! Great for individuals, organizations, and companies alike to get involved.
Surfrider Foundation: This national agency has numerous local chapters which help people connect with nature
GreenPeace:
The ultimate organization in the going green and environmental activism movement, GreenPeace’s name is synonymous with change. You can make donation to your local chapter (easily found through a search query on their site), which will go towards any number of environmental issues from saving the whales to cleaning up beaches and more.
Slow Food Movement:
While this international organization was not founded on the premise of helping the environment, its principles about how food and wine should be produced and enjoyed are in direct alignment with the principles of going green activism. More organic and regional staples and less mass produced, flavorless, cheaply shipped food will help us get our planet, our sanities, and our taste-buds back to where they should be.
Natural Resources Defense Council: Fighting to protect human health and the natural world since 1971 this organization tackles environmental activism topics such as global warming, clean air and water, and has helped safeguard polar bears, prevented oil drilling in Alaska, and initiated cleaner vehicle programs. Union of Concerned Scientists: Founded in 1969 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this watchdog group is a joint initiative between students and professors to focus on topics such as food safety, nuclear policy, clean air and vehicles, and global warming. UCS actively works to develop realistic changes and solutions to current government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. Stop Global Warming: Launched by Hollywood producer Laurie David (one of the masterminds behind the film An Inconvenient Truth, this organization has been harnessing the power of the entertainment industry to create awareness and enact change through efforts such as the Stop Global Warming Virtual March on Washington and the Stop Global Warming College Tour. When it comes to environmental activism, it's all about identifying what you're willing to do, whether it be donating to a non-profit, going on a volunteering vacation, helping out with a local find-raiser, or simply participating in online forums. At it's very basic level, environmental activism is no more than just picking up litter when you see it on the street, or answering a neighbors curious questions about why you're composting, recycling, or riding your bike to and from work. The more we can do to simply spread the message that the environment is all around us and that it's just as dependent on us as we are on it is what going green is all about. It doesn't really matter how we do it as much as when we do it. The time is now.
