In this day and age, people are busy. Opportunities and catastrophes and celebrations take up every moment of our lives. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by passionate people, all of whom have the energy and initiative to make their lives and the lives of those around them exciting and fulfilling. We live in exciting times - but our lives are not without challenges. One challenge that affects us all is the damage that human activity has done and is doing to the planet. Those who know me very well know that these challenges have caused me to struggle with great fear and despair at times. The problems seem too big and the solutions too unattainable.
But I have arrived at this very thought-out and mature conclusion: screw that.
We all will face huge environmental changes in our lifetimes. That is inevitable. But that does not mean we are helpless. Humanity doesn't do helpless. It's not in our DNA - and I mean that literally. Our evolutionary history has led us to be the interdependent, empathetic species we are today. Sometimes our own psychology can betray us, it's true: I believe that much of the environmental inaction we see today can be attributed to a really big case of the bystander effect. But today, I am asking you - yes, YOU - to break that cycle. By joining One Green Hour, you will pledge to spend one hour a week finding ways to help the environment. One hour - that's less than ten minutes a day. Not a big commitment. Whatever you find, send this way. This space will be a compilation of everyone's solutions. Together, we can teach each other how to be greener. Our environmental challenges are too big to solve all alone - but we're not alone. We never have been.
A note about your humble webmistress: I am pretty much 0% technologically capable. Observe the pre-made blogspot theme (but appropriate, yes?). This is not a fancy operation. I simply want to provide a simple space for solutions. I'll learn as I go, and will arrange material in these categories:
VOTE: Send in national or local politicians with green records, so we can keep them in office.
SPEAK UP: Alerts for green policies and how to support them. Calling and email campaigns will go here.
INVEST: I'm a grad student living primarily on loans, but for those of you with a bit of pocket money, this will be the place to find ways to further development and research of green technology.
SUPPORT: Poor grad students can use their precious little money to help the planet, too! This will be the space for consumer goods with positive environmental practices.
EVERYDAY LIVING: Tips for eating, cleaning, traveling, and just generally living green.
So, please, sign up to the mailing list! Email onegreenhour@gmail.com with your email address (yes, I realize there's probably an easier way of setting up a mailing list; no, I don't know what it is. 0% techie, remember?). I promise, I won't spam you. You will receive only one email a week, with a reminder to do your One Green Hour and a link to the previous week's solutions. I'm really excited about this project, but I need your help! Going green is easier than you think. Together, we can make a difference.
Now that I've written this, I guess it's time for me to spread the word! I don't know how long it will take before the first official week of One Green Hour starts, but sign up now and keep an eye on your email. I can't wait to get started!
ETA: I am trying to find a better system for the mailing list, and I believe this might work: http://onegreenhour.blogspot.com/p/mailing-list.html. Click there to join the group! (I'm still trying to figure out how to get a permanent sign up spot, but baby steps.)
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