This week marks the first of the new year, and for many of us working to protect the environment, it’s a time to think about not just talking the “green” talk, but walking the “green” walk.
Most New Year’s resolutions are personal goals. Engaging in the annual exercise makes us ask ourselves: how can I make this year better than the last? How can I be a better person, a better citizen, a better friend, parent, son, daughter, or mentor? How can I live a better life than in the previous year?
How can I be better to the planet?
For inspiration on how to be a better environmentalist, check out this article from Worldwatch Institute’s Nourishing the Planet about 12 ways to be greener in 2012. It includes everything from recycling, to eating less meat, to planting a garden, to turning off the lights. (Perhaps it sounds simple, but having a list with specific steps makes adopting an environmental lifestyle more manageable.)
I’ve got one more to add to the list: support your favorite environmental organization with a donation — whatever you can afford. Because there’s a lot at stake this year.
In 2012, when a potentially unprecedented number of state Assembly and Senate seats are up for grabs, CLCV has resolved to elect an environmental majority to the state legislature. It’s going to be a crazy year in which changes brought about by the new top-two primary system (where voters can cast a ballot for any candidate regardless of their party registration, and the two candidates with the most votes will face off against each other in the general election), redistricting and term limits will create a perfect storm of uncertainty about which candidates will be successful.
Therefore, CLCV and our supporters have resolved to play a role in more close races than ever in order to make sure the candidates with proven records of environmental protection are victorious. We have our work cut out for us, but these historic elections will have real-life consequences. Our air, land and water are counting on us to elect the best champions for environmental protection and build a greener California for future generations.
Happy New Year!
