LEARNING GREEN

We all have a lot to learn if we are going to help keep our planet habitable. Here are some selected resources, with links, you can draw on to acquire the tools and knowledge you need to make choices about living a more sustainable life:

Climate Change

The climate change debate is confusing and controversial. One of the most respected and authoritative sites, yet one that can still be understood by non-scientists, is Real Climate: Climate science from climate scientists.  

For those who desire a primer on the subject, try this article.

One of the leading organizations promoting action to combat climate change is 350.org. The site has lots of suggestions on how to get involved to make a difference in climate change effort. The group derives its name from the fact that scientists have pegged 350 parts per million (ppm) as the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Current research shows our atmosphere has more than 390 ppm of CO², a dangerous sign. 350.org was founded and is led by Bill McKibben who wrote one of the first books, and still one of the most influential, alerting the public to the dangers of climate change, The End of Nature.

Another influential site worthy of checking regularly is the blog Climate Progress, written by Joe Romm, described by Time Magazine as the "The Web's most influential climate-change blogger."

Carbon Footprint

One of the keys to becoming committed to living greener is to understand your carbon footprint, the impact your habits -- your driving, energy use, etc. -- have in contributing to generating greenhouse gases, the cause of global warming. We recommend this carbon footprint calculator from the Nature Conservancy.

Is there a way for humankind to make the transformation to a green economy, based on renewable energy rather than carbon fuels, without bankrupting us? Nobel-award winning economist Paul Krugman describes in easily accessible, non-technical terms, the choices we face in this article.

Simplify Your Life

"The Story of Stuff" is an enjoyable online video as well as an excellent tool to help you begin to simplify your life by avoiding the trap of consumerism. Here's a real win-win: You win with less stress and more savings from money you didn't spend. The planet wins when you consume less of its resources. 

Trees

Trees are a key defense against global warming. Maintaining the urban canopy is something all of us can do. It begins with learning about the value of each tree. The following are some selected sites to learn from.

To appreciate the value of trees, check out the national tree benefits calculator. You can do your home or business or just about any area. All you need is the type of tree and the tree diameter. It shows property value, CO2, and much, much more.

The International Society of Arboriculture can help you become a more effective steward of trees and plants; for example, one great place to consult on the website is the Plant Health Care Maintenance Program, including the section Does Your Yard Haveir a Health Plan?

Help your kids learn to appreciate trees through the Nicodemus Wilderness Project and help them earn a spot on Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists. As an example, the Project has a program that focuses on planting native trees, which is a great learn-by-doing exercise -- and a lot of fun, too!

World Changing

Worldchanging.com is a Seattle-based, award-winning nonprofit media organization that comprises a global network of independent journalists, designers and thinkers. It covers the world’s most innovative solutions to the planet’s problems, and inspire readers around the world with stories of new tools, models and ideas for building a bright green future.