Congratulations, we made it to another Earth Day while avoiding a climate apocalypse. Started in 1970, Earth Day began as a way to bring attention to air and water pollution. Since then, it has turned into a global day of earth and climate consciousness. People from all over the world participate in actions and events to honor the only planet that we have ever lived on. But when the day is done, and garden cleaning or recycling activities are over, the earth will still need our help. It needs the protesters, and activist, the tree huggers and hunters, it needs all of us.
Thankfully, there are a bunch of organizations that you can support in the fight for climate and environmental justice. These four organizations are some of the extraordinary groups leading the pack for a cleaner, healthier earth.
Verse, an organization based in the Southern Tier of New York, is the perfect example of community mobilizing and activism. It was started by a small group of residents from the town Vestal New York concerned about fracking in their communities. Completely volunteer based, the organization was very active in pushing for a ban on fracking in New York State. Click here to learn more about this organization.
Founded in 2006, Clean and Healthy New York, based in Albany, has been one of the most active voices in the fight against toxic chemicals. Led by Bobbi Chase Wilding and Cathy Curtis, the organization has been successful in banning BPA in children’s reusable drink containers in New York State. Click here to learn more about Clean & Healthy New York.
Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization with members throughout New York and around the country. They have been working to protect the public from fracking since 2008. They do this by functioning as a resource for education, organizing and collective action. Click here to learn more about Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy.
Founded in 1988 as a result of community complaints around a waste facility, WE ACT for Environmental Justice is one of the first Environmental Justice organizations in New York. Based in Harlem New York, WE ACT’s mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income people participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. Click here to learn more about WE ACT.