here is a reason this site is called, "Get Energized!" Despite
the problems caused by the use of fossil fuels, the future holds
much promise. That promise lies in the decisions you make on
a daily basis. After educating yourself about the realities
of conventional and renewable energy, you will become more conscious
of your behavior. You'll see how easy it is to lead a healthy,
power-full life. 
SURROUND YOURSELF
WITH INFORMATION: READ
Keeping a book by your bookshelf or cataloguing tried-and-true
Internet sources in your "Favorites" folder keeps information
accessible. Because of time constraints, many of us will seek
out information regularly if it is within arm's reach, but do
not venture much further than that. By displaying books in your
home such as The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental
Choices, you raise the environmental IQ of your living space.
Some books to check out on
the topic of energy conservation and renewable energy generation:
• Jeffrey Yago, Achieving Energy Independence One Step at a Time.
Dunimis Technology, 1995.
• Paul Gipe, Karen Perez, Wind Energy
Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems. Chelsea Green
Publishing Company, 1999.
• John Schaeffer, Doug Pratt, Real Goods
Solar Living Source Book: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy
Technologies and Sustainable Living. Provides technology information
as well as advertises specific products. Good for people serious
about buying sustainable products.
• Daniel Chiras, The Natural
House: A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental
Homes. Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 2000.
BI-WEEKLY
ENEWS LIST: SIGN UP
I'll tell you one great way to keep enviro-info handy — sign up
to the GreenWorks mailing list and hear about our work on a
diversity of topics, including watersheds, sprawl, farming,
biodiversity, and much more.
Sign Up Now!!!
WORK WITH OTHERS: GROUP EFFORT
Of course, swapping incandescent for fluorescent and driving
less entails a reasonable (and laudable) amount of involvement
on your part. But working with others can multiply the effectiveness
of your efforts, and add (renewable) fuel to the energy "fire."
Call some local organizations working on energy issues and volunteer
your time. Let them know how regularly you can come out — many
organizations would appreciate even a monthly helping hand.
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CONTACTING
THE MEDIA:
WRITE A LETTER
Write a letter to the editor, or an editorial about energy programs/issues/possibilities
in your area.
Most of our concerns about the environment are
not "newsworthy"-that is, they do not have more relevance on
Monday's cover than on Tuesday's. All this means is that when
you write to the local paper, for the most part you will write
in the form of a letter, and not a press release.
Numbers count. If a journalist has the impression that an issue
is on the minds of a considerable percentage of the audience,
s/he will consider putting the issue in print. So start a letter-writing
campaign in your group or community, so that eight (or fifty
or a hundred) letters arrive on the reporter's desk instead
of one. If this isn't working, try to write a letter that expresses
the sentiments of a group to which you belong, and have other
members endorse your letter.
Include information in the letter that will lend credibility
to you and your organization. If the reporter wants more information,
make it clear s/he can contact you-or provide the contact information
for the appropriate person/people.
"Media" is plural for medium. Do not restrict yourself to print
material: consider radio, television, well-respected public
figures, etc. Within print, keep an open mind: churches, country
clubs, book groups, may already write regular newsletters that
could include your voice.
Maintain contact with the reporter. Often, news offices are
inundated with calls and mail. Unless the reporter indicates
s/he has no interest at all in the topic, follow up your letter
with a couple of phone calls reminding him/her of the importance
of the issues the letter raises.
Send locally. Certainly, you are welcome to send your letter
to as many reporters as you feel should read it. However, do
not forget that local media are often more in touch with the
concerns of their constituencies than bigger media. If you do
send to local media, keep in mind other "hot topics" of the
area-consider relating your concerns with those already prevalent.
Sierra Club features a sample
letter to the editor on their website. It effectively
communicates the writer's stance on specific energy legislation.
Your letter can stray from this one as you wish; evaluate what
you think are the strengths and weaknesses of this model.
For more tips visit tips for at home and tips
for transportation.
Site sponsored by Refinery.
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