6 ways to support green community action

Leading climate change scientists and activists tell us that we have ten years (not 50 years, but ten!) to avert global climate catastrophe. It’s crucial that we all take action now. We don’t have time to just sit around–we all have to act!

Here are some specific steps you can take to support green community action:

1. Educate yourself. There is lots of good information out there, but you have to discern between what’s real and what’s hype. Treehugger.com is the #1 site for environmental information–it’s where everyone goes. They have information on everything from green cars, food, business, fashion, beauty, travel, nature–and it’s well-organized and accessible.
2. Spread the word. My new website, Reelcommunityaction.org focuses on getting key research, sustainability models, and great environmental films to activists around the country to inspire community projects. There are so many wonderful, entertaining, inspiring films already–we want to connect them to existing sustainability campaigns and programs so more people will be inspired and empowered to take action now. Come to our website and see our directory of fun, award-winning films, then gather your neighbors together and host a movie night. Use these events to raise awareness and funds for local environmental efforts.
3. Support the green economy. Everything we consume has an impact on the earth, so what you buy is critical. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of fake green stuff out there, and it takes work to sort through the misinformation. Ultimately I think it comes down to reducing consumption. We need to stop thinking in terms of what more we can consume and start thinking in terms of how we can restore what we have. Here are 5 critical consumer choices to reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Stay local and buy local. The more we support our local businesses and invest in organic and non-toxic goods and materials the better off our planet will be.
5. Get involved in community action. Find out what local environmental groups and grassroots organizations are doing in your community and get involved. There are so many groups that are working to protect rivers, fish, ocean, freshwater, forests, birds, you name it. Connect with with them and with leaders in your community so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
6. Have fun! One of my newest projects is a multiplayer online game about climate change called Cool Planet Institute. I’m developing the game with some of the best game designers in the field. It’s exciting to think we may be able to reach millions of people quickly and educate them about our number one problem, climate change, in a way that’s fun. We’re designing the game to be a treasure hunt, and if we succeed, the game will inspire people to move away from their computers out into their communities, to connect with others and to take real action. People can and should enjoy the process of learning about and engaging in this battle.

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More tips from Carolyn on living greener:

Carolyn Scott is our Vibrant Giver for April 2009. Follow this link to read Carolyn’s interview with Vibrant Nation.