Earth Day just happens to fall on one of the best days of the week this year for doing stuff – Sunday. For many of us, Earth Day will mean getting an early start on our gardening, planting a tree, or just taking a few moments to read about environmental activism. If you are looking for more suggestions, here they are:
1. Think about Clicktivism vs. Activism
While signing online petitions is a great way to get the attention of some lawmakers, other bodies have given official notice that they are viewing them dismissively. When you feel passionately about an issue, take the time to write and mail a letter to lawmakers rather than signing an online petition. They count much more and it’s hard to hit the “delete” button on an envelope sitting right in front of you.
2. Support Environmental Activism Financially
If you can’t get out there and volunteer your time, consider a financial donation to your favourite environmental organization. In Canada especially, the Harper Government has declared war on environmental activism, even going so far as calling charities which advocate for the environment enemies of the state and putting legislation in place that could see their charitable statuses revoked. Now, more than ever, these organizations need your support. And remember, for the Harper government to make such a harsh declaration, the people in these organizations are obviously succeeding at their jobs. If they weren’t, the government wouldn’t care about them. Even if you’re on a tight budget, $10 will buy two reams of office paper. Give what you can.
3. Consider Volunteering
If you live in a city like Ottawa, Toronto, or Vancouver where spots like the David Suzuki foundation have offices, get on out there and give what you can of your time. I volunteered for Friends of the Earth while I was in high school and the experience was valuable and transformative.
4. Change One Thing in Your Life to Organic
Open up your fridge, pantry, or medicine cabinet. Pick one thing, and buy its organic version for the rest of the year. You’ll be boosting your health and supporting an organic products manufacturer or farmer.
Image by Bruce Irving: Flickr
