You want to go green, but where do you start? There's so much information out there, but how much of it is going to really help you change your life and make a difference?
This isn't an isolated problem; the internet has made information so accessible to us that we can't look at everything, so we take things in smaller increments. Obviously this has its advantages, but the downside is that we never really get to know or understand something before our attention has moved onto another thing. This isn't anyone's fault; but in the case of real issues, like saving the environment from degradation and destruction, the more we know, the more we can do to turn things around. That's because information is power, knowing is enabling and understanding is the key to changing our lives.
Small actions do matter, but only if we are able to keep the larger picture in mind. But where do we turn for this information, when everywhere you look, there are news and magazine articles, movies, books and blogs, all dedicated to providing more information to you, but offering too much information for you to possibly explore? Newspapers tend to downplay issues when they are trying to appear fair and objective. Obviously, news sites are great places to get information, but often they will downplay these types of issues in order to appeal to the widest audience. Like the websites mentioned above, they'll give you those easy ways to go green but won't really offer the information or the means to truly change your lifestyle.
Personally, I prefer National Geographic. The Environmental News Network is another great site for news concerning environmental issues. Their mission is not just to report the news, but to "inform, educate, enable and create a platform for global environmental action." Unlike regular news sources, they don't downplay serious issues in order to appease both sides.
When it comes to reputable sources, there's no beating books (as your teachers and professors have no doubt told you many times). One of my favorite books that promotes changing your diet is Hot, Flat and Crowded. If you're looking for something a little lighter, I recommend the film Wall-E. Yes, it is an animated Pixar film, but environmentalists everywhere have fallen in love with the movie's message of the terrific consequences of runaway consumerism, sloth and waste.
Truly the best way to make a change is to get the information. Otherwise, a half-hearted attempt to go green the easy way isn't going to have a lasting impact. So get out there, people!
Source: BecauseAction.com
