By Rita R. Robison, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide
Guest Blogger

Yesterday, when I wrote a post on “Top 10 Earth Day Top 10 Lists,” I read dozens of blog posts and Web articles about Earth Day activities and what needs to be done to restore the health of the planet.

Many of the lists of needed actions were similar: recycle, reduce consumption, buy green, use CF light bulbs, turn off the lights you’re not using, reduce heating and cooling, drive less, and buy at Farmers’ Markets.

These are useful suggestions. But baby boomers, more than half of whom consider themselves “green boomers,” are already carrying out these strategies.

It’s time for boomers to move to the next level and take green practices a step further. Here are some suggestions:

• Join a statewide environmental organization and take part in the action alerts in support of important new state laws and policies. An example: In my state the Washington Environmental Council is an advocacy organization that works to protect the land, air, and water in the state. People For Puget Sound, the Audubon Society, and the Sierra Club also carry out activities here.

• Find a local green project that interests you and take part in hands-on projects to protect the environment. An example: In Olympia, Wash., Stream Team is an education-to-action program for people interested in protecting and enhancing streams, rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound.

• Support local organic farmers by signing up for a community supported agriculture program. Typically, members or “share-holders” of the farm pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s food throughout the growing season. See the US. Department of Agriculture’s Web page on Community Supported Agriculture for information and a listing of CSA farms in your area.

• Downsize and move to a neighborhood where you can walk to work or walk to a shopping center. If you don’t have many neighborhoods that are walkable in your community, work with your local government to make this a priority for new development.

These are some of my ideas on Earth Day. What do you think? Are you moving to a new level of green involvement due to climate change and other environmental issues?

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