Earth Day

All around the world, community projects are lowering carbon emissions on a local level and providing inspiration for others to follow.

1) In Davis, California, Safe Routes to School Coordinator Daniela Tavares worked with parent volunteers on a Polar Pedal program that encourages students to walk or bike to school. The campaign not only reduces carbon emissions from vehicles, but has health benefits and reduces traffic around schools. Learn more about Safe Routes to School programs and how you can bring the concept to your community. 

2) Through his Brooklyn-based company, BlocPower, Donnel Baird is working to make old residential buildings in underserved communities energy-efficient, saving money for residents and slashing carbon emissions.

Hear that? That’s the sound of an electric school bus fleet pulling into your district and shuttling your kids off for the day – without all the nasty toxins found in diesel school buses (and cigarettes).

The key here is getting the information in front of the right folks. The government is already offering MILLIONS of dollars to districts across the U.S., they just need a little push from mom to get the wheels turning.

Ready to get started? Find out what group has oversight on the buses in your town. Is it the town select board? The mayor? The school principal? The school committee? Once you've found the right person to talk to, ask them if they have explored electric buses, and tell them how much clean energy means for our kids' future. If you need a little help check out an organization near you already working towards electric school buses.

Team up with a local climate organization.

Many young people feel passionate about the need to take action on climate change. By supporting their efforts and providing guidance, you can help them succeed.

Jarett Paperny, a teacher in Bozeman, MT, uses our educational materials in after-school programs, inspiring students to care about polar bears and get involved in taking action.   

“I teach an after-school program for K-5 students, and all of them have developed an understanding of climate change from Polar Bears International’s materials. Not only do they care about polar bears, but they’re interested in making a difference.”

By supporting companies that are leading the way on climate change, and avoiding those that are impeding progress, you can become a powerful voice for change. In addition to mindful shopping, following are examples of ways to help shift the marketplace.

Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe recommends decarbonizing your retirement savings by investing in fossil-fuel-free mutual funds—and sharing these funds with your financial advisor.

Social media has emerged as a powerful way of connecting with people around the globe, providing inspiration and mobilizing action.

Alex Haurus - Alex is an  impact-focused creator using his platform to advocate for climate solutions and conservation policy while also sharing a contagious appreciation for nature. He finds concrete ways we all can get involved and produces creative content to get those solutions in front of as many people as possible. Most recently, Alex connected young people to a public comment period about new oil and gas development in Western Alaska—ensuring young people have a say in decisions that will impact their future.