Saving Our Planet
Yes, I'm an environmentalist, and I believe we all have to do our part to insure that there is a decent world for our children and grandchildren to live in. (OK, I know I don't have any children, but you know what I mean.) I want future generations to see the fall here in North Carolina the way I did when I took this picture, with all of the simple and natural beauty unchanged.
Over the years, I've belonged to a number of environmental organizations. I've volunteered at times, been part of actions and protests, and even did some fundraising. The best environmental work is done by local grassroots groups that spring up around local issues. That doesn't mean the national and international groups don't do a lot of good, though. I would encourage anyone who cares about their community, the safety of our water and our air, keeping some special places in their natural state, and preserving the incredible diversity of life on Earth, which we all depend on, to get involved, at least in some local issue that impacts your home and your family directly. It doesn't take much. It could be a little time, or some money, or just getting educated about what's happening in your area and sharing what you learn with others.
Of the big national and international environmental groups, these are my personal favorites, and they are all very different from one another.
Greenpeace is probably the best at getting attention. They're media hounds, and they make people aware of issues. They're the group everyone loves to hate, and their protests are strictly non-violent.
The Nature Conservancy buys environmentally sensitive and valuable land and preserves it. It's a drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps. I really got a very strong feeling of how valuable their work is walking through the Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island (New York).
The League of Conservation Voters works to elect candidates who will support the environment and conservation issues, regardless of political party. They've made mistakes, but on the whole, they've done everything possible to get people elected who care about the planet.
EcoAccess is a new effort to create a huge database and clearing house of environmental information.
Forests Forever--well, the name kind of says it all. They've been at the forefront of efforts to save the Headwaters Forest in Northern California. (I used to live in the Bay Area.).
Public Interest Research Groups or PIRGs around the country get students on college campuses involved in lobbying efforts, research projects, and in writing legislation to protect the environment and consumers. In many states they have a grassroots outreach too. Each state organization is different, and they all support a national lobbying group: USPIRG.
Environmental Defense Fund is professionals from all walks of life working to find sustainable solutions to environmental problems.