April 20, 2016
Friday is Earth Day—a day to appreciate and protect this fragile piece of rock we call home. If you’re like us, you’re thinking, “What can I do to make a difference?” Sure, turning off the lights, recycling and carpooling helps, but you're probably already an expert at these things. So we went ahead and pulled together this list of other ways you can celebrate; some are as easy as the click of a mouse.
Sign the 100% Clean Power Petition
This one is easy. Join Avaaz, Ben & Jerry’s, and millions of citizens from around the world who are calling on our world leaders to transition to 100% clean energy by 2050. Together, we can push countries around the globe to stand by the promises made at last December's COP21 conference and reduce global emissions for good. Sign now!
Start a Local Climate Activist Group
Clubbing is cool. No, not the kind that requires copious amounts of cologne and hair gel. We’re talking about the kind you could start through 350.org. It’s a climate change movement that’s organizing and empowering citizens in 188 countries to pressure local and national leaders into addressing climate change. Chances are, they could use a few of you.
Hit the Social Airwaves
Stand out in the endless stream of #selfies by showing love to the most beautiful of all—Mother Nature. The Climate Reality Project, a champion for climate change education and clean power advocacy, has a number of inspiring videos and graphics you can use to “get loud” and share with your friends and followers.
Go Fossil Free
This one goes out to all our fans that have a retirement fund, stock market investments and all the other fun stuff that comes with adulthood. It’s called greening up your portfolio, and it calls for eliminating ties to coal, oil and natural gas. Gofossilfree.org is leading this charge towards socially responsible investing by pressuring colleges, cities and religious institutions to cut fossil fuel ties and invest in clean energy.
Green Up
Here in Vermont, we’re lucky enough to have an annual statewide Green Up Day that’s happening this year on May 7th. But, why wait? Regardless of where you live, getting together with friends and family to spruce up your little slice of heaven just feels good (and it’s a lot of fun, too)! Make a game of it—whoever finds the most trash wins…a pint of ice cream, of course!
Trip Out!
Picture yourself scuba diving in Monterey Bay’s kelp forest, or maintaining trails at Mount Rainier National Park, by signing up for one of the Sierra Club’s upcoming volunteer vacations. While you’re at it, enter their photo contest, then give a gift to preserve and protect our precious resources and wildest places.
Plant a Tree
Whoever thinks a dollar doesn’t get you much these days clearly doesn’t know about the Earth Day Network’s Canopy Project. This project plants one tree for every dollar donated, with the goal of restoring balance by planting 10 million trees in impoverished areas.
There are so many organizations, events and everyday actions that can make a difference. Do you have a favorite to add to our list? Share it in the comments below!
Join The Climate Movement
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With a landmark climate action agreement in place including commitments from 196 countries to fight climate change, now is the time to keep the pressure on and ensure swift action. This climate agreement wouldn’t have happened without millions of people around the world taking action. And we won’t be able to meet the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement without millions and millions more people taking action in support of a rapid transition to clean energy. Paris was just the beginning, not the end. Let’s get to work towards a greener, cleaner future. Add your voice to the millions demanding action and sign the petition today!