Over the last few years, going green has grown from cutesy public announcements about recycling, to a trite marketing gimmick, and finally resting on a complete global movement focused on reducing the carbon footprint of individuals and major corporations alike. The idea is now a lifestyle for many and new converts are born everyday.  Though you may start with small changes around your home, this lifestyle sometimes includes the organic foods movement, a holistic approach to health and exercise, and a definite change in priorities. However, once the last energy saving bulb is screwed in, the air filter installed, and the VOC-free paint has dried, where does your green journey take you?  We hope that your passion for a healthy lifestyle extends beyond your doorstep to your communities.

If you want to see a significant change in the environment, become a green volunteer.

 

Choosing What's Right for You

 

Consider your talents and likes. Are you an outdoorsy type? Like to garden? Want to make an impact on the younger generation? Would you rather file than potentially break a nail? Volunteering doesn't necessarily need to be hard labor. It's actually best to do what you can stomach--no one wants an unreliable and unhappy volunteer on his or her hands.  Once you have an idea, you could begin your own Google search of opportunities in your area and call your non-profit of choice. You could also try VolunteerMatch. There are many green non-profits in need of help, so it can be difficult to choose from a massive pool of organizations. However, by signing up with Volunteer Match, you can find the perfect work site to offer your services. Other volunteer listings are available on Envirolink.org, Serve.gov, oneworld365.org and Idealist.org.

 

Commitment.  Before signing up with an organization, consider your availability. How will this new activity fit into your daily life? Ongoing commitments require a great deal of personal investment, while special events and festivals will take up less of your time. If you are passionate about a particular green cause, then block out your schedule regularly for these organizations. Whether you are willing to make it an ongoing commitment or a yearly tradition, make sure to communicate your plans clearly to the coordinator.

 

Know the types of opportunities.

 

Office and telecommuting--- writing newsletters, media relations, researching---just because you aren't holding a soup label doesn't mean your work is invaluable. These administrative skills are necessary for any successful organization to run efficiently. 

 

Hands-On ---- If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, contact the local chapters of these organizations and spend time cleaning rivers, tagging birds, or monitoring preserves.

 

• National Audubon Society's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems. Their community based chapters and educational programs allow volunteers to experience conservation hands-on. The annual Puffin Project in the Gulf of Maine is only one of their many programs.
• The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to protect ecologically important lands and waters. They've protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide.  
  
• Since American Rivers was founded in t 1973 it has effectively protected and restored America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife, and nature.  More recently American rivers has been raising awareness of how global warming impacts water and securing federal dollars to explore water and energy efficient technologies.

 

Festivals and Special Events

Even if you can only afford to offer a few days a month toward an organization, volunteering is still a viable option. For those with limited time but looking for a memorable experience, festivals and special events will be incredibly fulfilling.

 

TogetherGreen finds and supports various conservation projects, leadership development and volunteerism across the country. Their Go Green Calendar reveals upcoming plans to implement 240 Volunteer Days every year through 2013, making it easy to find an event near you.

 

At Green Festivals authors, vendors, educators and leaders in sustainability come together to exhibit their best products and green endeavors.  This enormous event features how-to workshops, fun activities for kids, organic beer and wine, and over 350 eco-friendly businesses. Volunteers for these events also receive special goodies for their hard work.

 

Global         

Eco-volunteerism is available for those who desire is to travel, learn, and see the world, all while making a difference. Learn more about these opportunities via Green Force. You may find yourself in Nepal, Fiji, or Ecuador, providing humanitarian aid in addition to conservation work that helps create sustainable communities. Charity Guide lists both domestic and international eco-volunteer opportunities.

 

 

Be Inventive

 

Of course, you don't have to commit to anyone else's agenda if you have your own. Some of the best ideas are waiting for you to discover them. Try other ways to spread your influence:

 

Host a green screening party-- Show your friends a good time with an environmentally enlightening film and discussion.

 

Community Garden--- bridge the gap between you and your neighbors with plans for a community garden. 

 

Do you enjoy public speaking about relevant environmental issues? Try working with Green House Network, a national network of volunteer speakers available for free presentations on global warming pollution and climate change policy.

 

Have another idea? Get funded by TogetherGreen's grant program.